January 3, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK 1982 Alberta Agriculture In Review 1 Rabies Situation In Alberta 3 Modem Communication Equipment For Farmers 4 Registered Retirement Savings Plans 5 Animal Health Seminars For Southern Alberta 9 1983 Tree Pruning Courses y i District Home Economists To Share One Position 12 Coming Agricultural Events 13 1 hone: (403) 427-2121 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 1 January 3, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1982 ALBERTA AGRICULTURE IN REVIEW Alberta farmers seeded a record 17.5 million acres of principal grain and oilseed crops in 1982. And the province's summerfallow acreage of 5.25 acres was the lowest that it has been since 1940! Although many farmers had to contend with a cool spring, drought conditions and an early fall frost, yields of nearly all crops were above average. Marilyn Johnson of Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch reports that total production of the principal grain and oilseed crops was 15.47 million tonnes in 1982, which was only slightly less than 1981 s record production of 15.57 million tonnes She also says that oat yields of 1 000 kg per acre set a new record. In 1982 Statistics Canada estimates of the average Alberta yields in kilograms per acre for the principal grains and oilseeds (with the previous five-year average in brackets) are as follows: Wheat 895 (820); oats 1 000 (910); barley 1 075 (1 030); rye 805 (810), flaxseed 510 (480); and canola/rapeseed 500 (490) However, the quality of the 1982 crop was much lower than that of the 1981 crop. According to Ms. Johnson, 1982 crop grades were as low or lower than those of the weather-damaged crops of 1980, 1978 and 1977 An August frost and cool, damp weather during harvesting operations were responsible for these low grades. Second growth in many fields increased the drying time and contributed a high percentage of green seeds Ms Johnson says most specialty crops were harvested in good condition. (cont'd) /dlbcrk AGRICULTL Phone: (403)427-2121 Print Media Brar - 2 - 2 1982 Alberta Agriculture in Review (cont'd) Although 1982 growing conditions did not produce an outstanding hay crop, they did provide a large supply of feed grains, silage, greenfeed and straw. Hay supplies at the start of this winter feeding period were adequate for the province as a whole with somu north em areas reporting deficits while some central and southern areas reported surpluses. How- ever, almost all areas reported a pentiful supply of feed gram and alternative sources of forage such as greenfeed and straw. Disease problems in Albei a crops were relatively minor in 1982, but weather related crop losses were substantially above iormal. The Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance Corporation reported that claims up to Decer ber totalled more than $75,000,000 compared with $33,000,000 in 1981. The main caus< 5 of damage were hail storms in southern and central Alberta, drought conditions in northern regions and the August 25 frost. Hail insurance claims accounted for more than $ -5,000,000 that were paid out by the corpor- ation. -CO- Phone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlber AGRICUl Print Media B Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/agrinews00albe_19 January 3, 1983 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RABIES SITUATION IN ALBERTA Rabid skunks continue to be a problem in two areas of Alberta, accord- ing to the director of Alberta Agriculture's health of animals division. Dr. Ralph Christian. He reports that the long-standing problem in the Warner-Foremost area is still smoldering in part of the Cou Uy of Warner, and that efforts are being continued to reduce the skunk populatio l to the point where the transmission of rabies will no longer occur. The second problem area, according to Dr. Christian, is west of Brooks near Rosemary The skunk population is also being reduced here. Dr Christian asks residents of the two areas mentioned above to report to their county office or to their nearest Agriculture Canada veterinarian, any animals (not just skunks) that seem to be acting strangely and to ensure that theii dogs and cats have been vaccinated. -30- A\b&\Q AGRICULTURE lone: (403) 427-21 2 1 Print Media Branc^ 1 January 3, 1983 -OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MODERN COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT FOR FARMERS Did you know that Alberta Government Telephones (AGT) sells, lease-purchases and rents general mobile telephones and private mobile two-way FM radios to farmers in Alberta? And did you know that AGT has about 21,000 mobile telephones and 22,000 private mobile two-way FM radios in service in the province at the present time? A general mobile telephone comes in a briefcase type of container or in a form that can be mounted on a farm vehicle. It can be used on any battery-powered vehicle or in any building that has an AC electrical power outlet. The unit's magnetically mounted antenna means that it is completely portable, and its 24 channels means that there is never any dela\ in reaching a conventional telephone operator who will place the call in the same way that he or she would place it in the case of a conventional telephone call. In essence, a general mobile telephone enables a person who is not near a conventional telephone to call anyone, anywhere at any time. A private two-way FM radio can also be mounted on any battery-powered vehicle or installed in any building that has an AC electrical outlet. When its 30-foot antenna is extended, it can send and receive messages over a distance of from 15 to 25 miles, depending upon the topography of the terrain. These units have become increasingly popular in the last few years as farmers have become more and more disenchanted with their CB radios because of frequency congestion and lack of privacy. It seems that this two-way radio unit meets the modern farmer's increasing demand for cost efficiency and privacy. A fairly large number of farmers are now supplementing their regular private two- way FM radios with hand-held portable units. These portable radios are intended for short range (one to two miles) communication, and they come complete with a belt and an over- night charger which can be plugged into a regular AC outlet. (cont'd) /dlbcrrc AGRICULTUF 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branc 0 Modern Communication Equipment For Farmers (cont'd) And what are the costs of these various communication aids? The price of a general mobile telephone varies anywhere from about $1,700 to $2,400, depending upon the manufacturer. The price of a private mobile two-way FM radio varies between about $400 and $1,000, while the price of a hand-held portable two-way radio varies from about $450 to $1 ,200, again depending upon the manufacturer and upon the quality of the unit. If you would like more information on any of the equipment described above or information on prices or lease-purchase or rental arrangements, you should telephone Jack Pulford or Alex Harboway in Edmonton. The number is 452-4610 and you can reverse the charges. - 30 - Phone: (403) 427-21 21 /llberfc AGRICULTU Print Media Brar January 3, 1983 6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REGISTERED RETIREMENT SAVING PLANS Why do farmers invest in a registered retirement savings plan(RRSP)? According to Dan Hilsenteger of Alberta Agriculture's financial management section there are two main reasons. One is to save money for their retirement, and the other is so that they can average their income from good and bad years to minimize their overall income tax. Mr. Hilsenteger says that money invested in an RRSP grows faster than it would in a bank savings account at the same rate of interest. The reason is that no tax has to be paid on the interest earned by money in an RRSP until it is withdrawn. And RRSP contnbu tions are tax deductible. You can average your income ovei the years by buying or contributing to an RRSP in a high income year when your contributions are tax deductible. Then in a lov\ income year, you can withdraw all or part of your RRSP funds and claim them as income for that year. Depending upon your tax biacket, your savings could be substantial. Here is how the averaging technique works. A farmer who is in the 40 percent tax bracket decides to contribute $5,500 to an RRSP (the maximum for a self-employed person). By the following year his income has fallen to the point where he is now in the 20 per cent tax bracket. So he withdraws the $5,500 plus $550 (the interest he received on the $5,500) which equals $6,050. Because he is now in the 20 per cent tax bracket, he will have to pay only $1,210 on the $6,050, whereas when he was in the 40 per cent tax bracket he would have had to pay $2,200 ($5,500 x 40%) on his original contributing of $5,500 Hence, by averaging his income over those two years, he saved himself $990! - (cont'd) /liberie P»».:»03]427-2,2, , .Cf"™™ Print Media Rram - 2 7 Registered Retirement Saving Plans (cont'd) 1 A person's decision on whether or not it would be beneficial tor him to conlri bute to an RRSP will be mainly determined by his level of income and his alternative inve ' ment opportunities, Mr. Hilsenteger says. He points out that there are several different RRSP's from which a person can choose, depending upon whether he wants security of principal flexibility, a specific rate of return, etc. His choice may also be influenced by the fees and administrative costs associated with the various plans. The plans include savings accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, annuities and insurance and sell administered funds to name just a few. If you are considering a self-administered RRSP, remember that capital gains on investments in such a plan will not be treated as capital gains from the point of view of taxation because all withdrawals from the plan will be treated as income. Similarly, dividends earned by common stocks and preferred shares in an RRSP would not qualify for the federal dividend tax credit. And, as a general rule, it is not economically beneficial to self-administer an RRSP if it contains less than $20,000 because of administration costs, etc. If you are self-employed, you can contribute up to 20 per cent of your earned income to an RRSP to a maximum of $5,500. If you are employed by somebody else and you contribute to a registered employee pension plan, you can contribute 20 per cem of your earned income less your contribution to the pension plan up to a maximum of $3,500. Mr. Hilsenteger points out that earned income does not include investment income. If you have a registered employment pension plan, a Canada pension plan, and old age security pension or other pension income you can put it directly into an RRSP without following the earned income rule. Mr. Hilsenteger points out that a person who has an RRSP must either cash it in or put the funds into another type of plan before his 71st birthday If he does not do this, all the money in his RRSP will be added to his income in the year in which he becomes 71, and it will be taxed in a lump sum. To prevent this from happening, such a person can buy a life annuity or a term annuity to age 90 or put the money into a registered retirement income fund. (cont'd) - /dlberrc AGRICULTU Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Brar Registered Retirement Saving Plans (cont'd) If you would like to split your income in the future with your spouse, you can transfer each year part or all of your allowable RRSP contribution to her and deduct the amount from your own earned income. Your spouse may still contribute to her RRSP up to her earned income limit. However, if she should withdraw the funds that you have contri- bute to her RRSP within three years, you will have to pay tax on them. If she withdraws them after three years, she will be responsible for the tax payable. And here is something to remember If you decide to cancel your RRSP and take the money out in a lump sum, there will be a withholding tax of 10 per cent on the first $5,000, 20 per cent on any amount between $5,000 and $15,000 3nd 30 per cent on any amount above $15,000. Funds that are withdrawn from an RRSP are considered to be tax- able income in the year in which they are withdrawn. "Another important thing to remember this year," says Mr. Hilsenteger," is that the interest charge on money that is borrowed to buy or contribute to an RRSP is no longer tax deductible." And he does not recommend that the money in an RRSP be used as collateral for a loan because the amount used for this purpose will be treated as income in the year in which it is used. Still another point to remember, if a person who has an RRSP dies, the surviving spouse can either take the proceeds and pay the tax or he or she can transfer the funds to his or her own RRSP. If you intend to buy an RRSP, or i1 you already have one, be sure to check to see that is protected under the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. If it is protected, the corporation will pay up to $20,000 per customer if the financial institution from which the RRSP was bought should fail. Where can one obtain an RRSP? RRSP's are available from chartered banks, credit unions, trust and insurance companies, treasury branches, a number of other financial institutions and from some farm cooperatives. And remember, the deadline for purchasing an RRSP is March 1, 1983. 30 - AGRICULTU Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Brar January 3, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ANIMAL HEALTH SEMINARS FOR SOUTHERN ALBERTA A series of animal health-oriented seminars will be held at various locations in southern Alberta during February and March of 1983 to supplement the information that will be provided by Alberta Agriculture's Animal Health Home Study Course, which will be given in southern Alberta at the same time. However, the seminars are open to anybody who is interested in animal health. Individual seminars will cover goats, feedlot cattle, sheep, dairy cattle and swine. And they will include such topics as a herd health program for goats, management practices that reduce disease in feedlot cattle; nutrition as a starting point for preventing disease in sheep; cost-effective preventative medicine in a dairy herd; and diseases of swine. All the speakers will be well known specialists in their fields. Following is a list of the seminars, the locations at which they will be held and the dates. Goat Health Seminar Airdrie (Regional Agricultural Centre) February 9 Beef Feedlot Health Seminars Crossfieid (Community Hall) February 22 Lethbridge (El Rancho Motel) February 23 Sheep Health Seminars Airdrie (Regional Agricultural Centre) March 4 (evening) Lethbridge (Lethbridge Grandstand) March 5 (afternoon) Dairy Cattle Health Seminars Olds (Olds College) March 7 Lethbridge (Ericksens Restaurant) March 8 Swine Health Seminars Olds (Olds College) March 9 Lethbridge (Ericksens Restaurant) March 10 - (cont'd) - 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Bran< 10 2 Animal Health Seminars For Southern Alber la (cont'd) In some cases a registration fee of $5 per person will be charged to cover expenses, while in others there will be no registration fee. For information on registration fee and a detailed outline of the individual seminars contact Paula Dubdeski, Alberta Agri- culture, Airdrie (Telephone: 948-5101) or Jim Hiranaka, Alberta Agriculture, Lethbridge (Telephone: 329-5130). The seminars are being sponsored by Alberta Agriculture and the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. - 30- >hone: (403) 427-21 21 ydlbcrrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc 1 1 January 3, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1983 TREE PRUNING COURSES Alberta Agriculture's popular annual tree pruning courses will be held simultane- ously at Brooks and Oliver (near Edmonton) on March 1 and 2, 1983. If you would like to attend either of the courses, you would be wise to get your application in as soon as possible because participants will be limited to 30. However, if the courses are oversubscribed, as has been the case over the last few years, an attempt will be made to accommodate the extra people in another course that could be held at either of the two locations immediately following the scheduled course. Although the tree pruning courses are designed for people whose jobs involve trees, and who are self-employed in this type of work, they are open to anybody interested in tree maintenance and beautification. A total of 150 people attended last year's courses. Each course covers specific pruning techniques recommended for shade, ornamen- tal and fruit trees and is arranged in such as way that participants have ample opportunity to practise what they learn in the classroom. The courses will also cover insect and disease con- trol as they relate to pruning; tree structural growth; tree and shrub hardiness and tree varieties that are recommended for Alberta. The deadline for applications for either of the courses is February 20, 1983. The forms can be obtained from the Alberta Tree Nursery and Horticulture Centre, R.R. 6, Edmonton, T5B 4K3. (Telephone: 973-3351) or from the Alberta Horticultural Research Center, Brooks, TOJ 0J0. (Telephone : 362-3391). Phone: (403) 427-21 21 - 30 - liberie AGRICULTU Print Media Bran 12 January 3, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT HOME ECONOMISTS TO SHARE ONE POSITION The head of Alberta Agriculture's home economics branch, Shirley Myers, has announced that the district home economist position in High Prairie will be shared by two district home economists for a trial period of one year. She says the arrangement will be evaluated during this period to determine the effectiveness of two people doing one job. Each will work half time to fulfill the duties of a regular district home economist in the areas of food and nutrition, clothing and textiles, family resource, management, family living and housing. And each will plan and teach pro grams as well as be available for client questions and to participate in the many facets of agri culture, the community and the family in the High Prairie region. Audrey Shapka, who has been district home economist for the High Prairie region since graduating from the University of Alberta in 1975, will be sharing her position with Louise Munn for the next 12 months. Ms. Munn filled Ms. Shapka's position wii le the latter was on maternity leave last sumn er, and the two subsequently wrote a proposal to share the district home economist job for the trial period of one year. Prior to taking over from Ms. Shapka last spring, Ms. Munn had worked as a social worker in High Prairie for year and a half. She was raised on a grain farm near Humboldt, Saskatchewan and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1980 with a B. H. E., having majored in clothing. Ms. Shapka grew up on a ni xed farm in the Bruder heim area and graduated from the University of Alberta in 1975 with a B.Sc. (home economics), having majored in family living. - 30 • /dlberic AGRICULTUF Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Bran< January 3, 1983 13 COMING AGRICULTURAL EVENTS 1983 Palliser Wheat Growers Association Annual Convention Westin Hotel Calgary, Alberta January 3 • 6 Unifarm Annual Convention Edmonton, Alberta January 10-14 1983 Annual Convention and Trade Fair Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association Marlborough Inn Calgary, Alberta January 14 15 Alberta Pork Seminar Banff Centre Banff, Alberta January 19 21 Association of Alberta Co-op Seed Cleaning Plants Ltd. Westin Hotel Edmonton, Alberta January 20 - 22 Alberta Canola Growers Convention Edmonton, Alberta January 26 28 Western Stock Growers Association Cypress Centre Medicine Hat, Alberta January 27 29 Canadian Charolais Annual Convention and Charolais National Sale Fort Garry Hotel Winnipeg, Manitoba February 3 - 5 Provincial Service Board Conference Capri Hotel Red Deer, Alberta February 6 - 9 Alberta Dairymen's Association Annual Convention Palliser Hotel Calgary, Alberta February 7 - 9 Alberta Charolais Association — Annual Meeting Continental Inn Medicine Hat Alberta February 18 19 Alberta Soil Science Workshop Convention Inn Edmonton, Alberta 22 -23 Canadian Land Reclamation Association Conference Convention Inn Edmonton, Alberta 23-24 Albert AGRICULTl Phone: (403) 427-2121 Print Media Bra 14 - 2 Conning Agricultural Events (cont'd) Agriculture Week Alberta March 7 - 1 Canadian Cattlemen's Association Annual Meeting Winnipeg, Manitoba March 8 Edmonton Northlands Stock Show Edmonton, Alberta March 20 - 25 Accent '83 Market Prospects for Grains and Oilseeds Convention Inn South Edmonton, Alberta March 22 23 Managing Agricultural Technology for Profit Banff, Alberta March 27 30 Alberta Dairy Seminar Banff Centre Banff, Alberta April 6 - 8 Agro-Electronics Show Westerner Exposition Grounds Red Deer, Alberta April 14-15 Alberta Home Economics Association Conference Lethbridge, Alberta April 22 - 23 Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Ontario May 29 - June 2 Associated Country Women of the World World Conference Vancouver, B. C June 19-29 Farm Progress Show Exhibition Grounds Regina, Saskatchewan June 22 - 25 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Tour Picture Butte, Alberta July 6 - 8 Agricultural Institute of Canada Truro, Nova Scotia July 10 -14 Canadian Home Economics Association Conference Saint John, New Brunswick July 10 - 14 33rd Annual Conference of Ministers and Deputy Mininsters of Agriculture Brudenell Resort Cardigan, Prince Edward Island July 17-22 Atom AGRICULTl Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Prmt Media Bra 15 Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) Alberta Women's Week Olds, Alberta July 18 • 22 1983 World Show and Sale of Charolais Cattle Red Deer Exhibition Grounds Red Deer, Alberta July 18-23 International Training and Development Conference Holland, August 15-19 Canadian Agricultural Extension Council London, Ontario September 12 16 Saskatoon Fall Fair and Mexabition Prairieland Exhibition Grounds Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 18 -22 Canadian Western Agribition Exhibition Grounds Regina, Saskatchewan November 25 December 2 30- /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE DRI-fi ■ January 10, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Returnable Containers For Air Transportation Of Swine, Sheep and Goats 1 Managing Agricultural Technology For Profit 3 Advice On Feeding Moldy Hay 5 A Libido Test For Bulls 6 Thermal Curtains For Energy Conservation 8 A Novel Weed Control Program 10 Control Of Lice And Mange Mites On Swine 11 Phone: (403) 427-2121 Ahexto AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch I January 10, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RETURNABLE CONTAINERS FOR AIR TRANSPORTATION OF SWINE, SHEEP AND GOATS Agriculture Canada and Sea Air International Forwarders Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario have developed a returnable all metal shipping container for the air transportation ot small animals like swine, sheep and goats. Alberta Agriculture's agricultural transportation economist, Nabi Chaudhary, reports that the containers are made of one-inch square steel tubing over which is welded steel mesh, and that they are totally collapsible. This means that they can be stacked on a standard aircraft pallet for the return flight. The weight of the containers, which are dipped in a rust resistant heavy paint apparently compares favourably with that of wood because the sides and floors are made of steel mesh. The ventilation is excellent, and watering equipment can easily be installed for a long flight. Because of their metal construction, the containers can be easily cleaned and dis- infected, and they are easily assembled by two people or by one person it a forklift is avail- able. There are apparently a number of different configurations in which these con tainers can be assembled. They include a single deck assembly, a half top double deck assembly, a full top double deck assembly, and a triple deck assembly, all of which will fit into a DC-8, a DC-10, a Boeing 707 and a Boeing 747. And it is claimed that the configur- ation can be adapted to other aircraft. The containers have already been used for both short and long haul flights with excellent results. This is borne out by the fact that the mortality rate was zero during a recent flight of 1 ,255 hogs to Singapore. - (cont'd) - 'hone: (403) 427-21 21 Axxtc AGRICULTUR Print Media Rranr ? - 2- Returnable containers For Air Transportation of Swine, Sheep and Goats (cont'd) Another attractive feature of the containers is that foreign buyers can purchase a single container of animals. This feature increases the market potential of Canadian livestock to foreign buyers who have neither the means nor the desire to purchase a large number of animals at one time. Thus system of transp irtation from both the domestic and export point of view is very flexible. Mr. Chaudhary reports shipment of goats and swine have been made to Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei and Caracas to date and that those who have used the containers are very satisfied with them. For more information please contact Sea Air International, Mississauga, Ontario., Telephone: (416) 677-7701 or Agriculture Canada, Marketing and Economics Branch, Transportation and Distribution Section, Ottawa, Ontario. Telephone: (613) 995-5880. -30- 3 January 10, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MANAGING AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY FOR PROFIT "What people don't realize is that we have just come out of the longest single period of economic stability and growth the world has ever known. People who grew up in it thought it was normal. But it wasn't. What's normal is what we're going into now Radical change!" The above comments were made in a financial publication by Dr. William Boast of Denver, Colorado, who will be giving the opening presentation at Alberta Agriculture's top level seminar for farmers at the Banff Centre in Banff from March 27 to 30. This will be the fifth consecutive year that this popular seminar, entitled "Managing Agricultural Technology For Profit" (MATFP), has been held at the Banff Centre. Dr. Boast will discuss "Managing in Uncertain Times" in keeping with this year's theme of financial management and marketing. Dwayne Couldwell, Alberta Agriculture's regional economist at Airdrie, will explain the Alberta feed barley futures market and the successful use of the commodity futures market. Mr. Couldwell recently took a course on the functions and operations of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange and worked in the marketing department of Cargill Grain prior to joining Alberta Agriculture. Ken Stickland of Ken Agra Management Services Ltd. of Edmonton will speak on the "Implications of The Crow Settlement" and discuss what farmers can do to take advan- tage of the changes that are likely to result from the settlement of this issue. Dr. Eldon Morey, consulting psychologist with a mental health centre in Minnesota, U.S.A., will present some very helpful and unique techniques for managing stress, while Carol Sapin Gold of Sapin Gold and Associates in California will discuss "Success Secrets of Top Management Teams" She is an internationally acclaimed consultant on working together and leadership skills. - (cont'd) - /dlberrc AGRICULTUR •hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branc -2- - 4 Managing Agricultural Technology For Profit (cont'd) Other topics on the agenda include: "Creative Financing - Constructive Refinancing Methods and New Credit Ideas", 'Bio-Technology - Recent Advances"; "Plant Growth Regulators for Grain Production - Are They Practical for Alberta?"; "Managing Now for Future Good Times"; Tax Strategies"; "Estate Planning - How Current Conditions May Effect Long-Term Plans"; "Dealing With Your Banker"; "Contracting in Today's Economic Climate - How to Protect Yourself When a Supplier Goes Out of Business"; "Barley and Canola Production - Achieving Top Yields Through Management"; "Microcomputers"; and "It's About Time - Time is One of our Most Limiting Resources - Manage It Wisely." This year for the first time at an MATFP seminar, computer technologists will be displaying agricultural computer software programs. The displays are intended to provide farmers with new ideas for financial planning and for making marketing decisions. The cost of the seminar is $125 per person or $150 per couple, and registration forms can be obtained for Alberta Agriculture district offices. The forms and more inform- ation on MATFP can also be obtained from Ron Cuthbert and James Obniawka, Farm Business Management Branch, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1 P0 (Telephone: 556-8421 ). -30- January 10, I983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ADVICE ON FEEDING MOLDY HAY If you have to feed moldy hay this winter, blend it with a good quality forage and introduce the ration gradually, advises Phil Dixon, district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House. Never feed a ration of totally modly hay, he says. There are two general types of mold on hay — the toxic or poisonous types and the nontoxic or non-poisonous types. However, it is virtually impossible to tell by looking at moldy hay whether or not it is toxic, and even analysts at the Alberta soil and feed testing laboratory in Edmonton can tell you only that there is a "hint of a presence of toxic mold" in a sample of moldy hay. Hence, the advice to always take precautions when feeding such hay. Mr. Dixon says that he has often visited ranchers whose cattle have a nutritional problem and found that the problem was being caused by their not eating enough because they were being fed moldy hay. Animals do not like the taste of moldy hay and will frequently refuse to eat it. Mr. Dixon says if you are feeding your cattle moldy hay and they begin to develop health problems stop feeding the hay. He also cautions against feeding any moldy sweet clover. Moldy sweet clover contains a high level of the anti-coagulent, dicoumarol, which causes the blood to stop clotting. And if possible, feed all pregnant and young cattle hay that has no mold because both categories of animals are susceptible to health problem that are caused by toxic molds. -30- /4lberrc AGRICULTUF 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branc 6 January 10, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A LIBIDO TEST FOR BULLS It is important at the beginning of every breeding season to make sure that youi herd sire is seeking out cows that are in heat. In addition to the volume and quality of sperm that a bull delivers with each service, the number of cows that he will successfully breed depends upon his libido. The head of the special projects section of Alberta Agriculture's sheep and beef cattle branch, Ross Gould, reports that physiologist Donald D. Lunstra of the Roman L Hruska Meat Animal Research Centre in Clay City, Nebraska, U.S.A., found that yearling bulls that rated high in tie libido test had a first service conception rate of 54 per cent when exposed to 50 heifers for 20 days. The first service conception rate for bulls that rated low in the test was only 16 per cent. Dr. Lunstra also found that 30 per cent of the bulls being tested rated high in libido while 35 per cent rated medium, 20 per cent rated low and 15 per cent showed little or no interest in mating. From these results he concluded that about a third of otherwise promis ing yearling bulls do not have enough libido to make an effective herd sire. The libido test involves turning three to five bulls at the same time into a pen with four restrained heifers which are not in heat or with four heat-synchronized heifers which have had their ovaries removed. At least three tests are needed to give an accurate evaluation. The first one or two serve as learning periods. - (cont'd) - Phone: (403) 427-2121 AGRICULTl Print Media Bra 7 - 2 - A Libido Test For Bulls (cont'd) Mr. Gould says that a Dr. M.A. Blockey of Australia has developed a test similar to that described above which he calls a serving capacity test. A breeder in that country who has been using the serving capacity test for a number of years claims that he can successfully pasture-mate all of his high libido bulls with as many as 100 cows each. Alberta Agriculture's reproductive section is currently conducting studies to deter- mine the relationships that exists between serving capacity, testicle size and a number of other factors, and their effects on the breeding performance of bulls under Western Canadian condi- tions. -30- 8 January 10, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THERMAL CURTAINS FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION Commercial greenhouse crop producers can expect to save 20 to 30 per cent of their annual fuel bill with a good thermal curtain system, says Clive Schaupmeyer of the Alberta Horticultural Research Center in Brooks. If, for example, a greenhouse operator is spending $40,000 per acre per year on fuel, he could save about $10,000 per year with thermal curtains However, if his investment was $50,000, it would take 5 years to pay back the investment and this does not include interest charges. "If the money had to be borrowed, the energy savings would not even pay the interest costs" says Mr. Schaupmeyer, "but despite this, greenhouse operators who are building new houses should definitely plan for thermal curtain installations in the future As energy costs rise, the curtains will look better and better!" At the present time a thermal curtain system will cost from $1 to $2 per square foot. A figure of from $1 to $1 .25 per square foot would be reasonable for a house without too much overhead clutter. In the case of greenhouse measuring 10,000 feet or less, Mr. Schaupmeyer estimates that a simple, manually-operated system could be installed for 75c per square foot. In Ontario thermal curtains are not cost effective from the point of view of energy, but greenhouse operators are installing them because of other uses. Mum growers are using them, for example, to black out with the flick of a switch entire sections of the mums. Some porous white materials can be used for shading in the summer, which benefits both the plants and the workers. According to Mr. Schaupmeyer, there is some debate among researchers and growers about the type of material that is best for thermal curtains. The two basic types are porous and non-porous. For a cold climate like Alberta, where there can be an extreme - (cont'd) - /dlbcrtc AGRICULTUF Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Bran< 9 -2- Thermal Curtains For Energy Conservation (cont'd) difference in temperature between the top and under sides of the curtains, there are no pro- blems with the porous types. But because the non-porous type doesnot breathe, condensation can build up on both sides. Although porous materials are not as energy efficient as the non- oorous materials, they are really the only type of curtains which can be used in a horizontal installation because they overcome the condensation problem. Mr. Schaupmeyer reports that researchers at Cornell University in New York, U.S.A., are experimenting with a variety of new thermal curtain systems that could prove to be more cost effective than those available today. If you would like more information on thermal curtains you can contact Clive Schaupmeyer, Bag Service 200, Brooks, Alberta, TOJ OJO. - 30- January 10, 1983 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A NOVELWEED CONTROL PROGRAM "REWARD - A reward of $10 will be paid by the agricultural service board ot the Country of Newell for any information loading to the confirmation of new sightings ot scentless chamomile (a restricted weed) in the County of Newell". This is the approach that the agricultural committee of the County of Newell in southern Alberta took in 1981 and 1982 to encourage farmers and the general public to repot I infestations of scentless chamomile or scentless mayweed as it is often called. The idea was that once the committee knew where the infestations were, the members would see that the infestations were eliminated before they had a chance: to spread over a wide area as has been the case in many other parts of the province. And how did this approach work? Extremely well, according to the agricultural fieldman for the County of Newell, Ed Pratt. He reports that the service board paid out $190 in rewards in 1981 and that service bo 3rd staff recorded another 34 infestation sitings, making a total of 53. However, in 1982 only $60 were paid out in rewards and only two other sitings were recorded for a total of eight. Mr. Pratt says that only eight infestations were found this year because most of those that were reported in 1981 had either been brought under control or eliminated. He feels that it would have been too late to get control of this weed if the situation had been left for another year. Now he is confident that scentless chamomile is under control in the County of Newell, and that it will be eliminated in the not too distant future. Phone: (403) 427-21 21 30 - filbert AGRICULTl Print Media Bra January 10, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTROL OF LICE AND MANGE MITES ON SWINE A publication entitled "Control of Lice and Mange Mites on Swine" contains the latest recommendations on the use of insecticides to prevent and to control these pests. And the recommendations are based on those prescribed by the Western Committee of Livestock Pests. The publication contains a t ible which lists the insecticides that are recommended for controlling lice and mange, it out ines how to prepare and apply them and it lists pre- cautions that should be taken when usir g the insecticides that are recommended. The staff of Alberta Agricu ture's pork industry branch, who compiled the pub- lication, recommend that swine producers use insecticides to prevent louse and mange infest- ations from occurring as well as for bringing an outbreak of either condition under control. Hog lice are usually most abundant during the cold weather, and they mainly congregate in the loose folds of skin ir the neck and jowl areas of the infested animal as well as at the base and inside its ears, along its belly and on the inner sides of its legs. The skin often becomes thick, scaby and very sore from the pigs biting and scratching themselves. And they are liable to become weak, unthrifty and susceptible to serious diseases if they are heavily infested. Signs of hog mange mites usually first appear around the eyes, nose and ears of an infested animal. From here they can spread over the entire body. Affected parts will at first appear dry, scruffy and blue-gray in color. The skin will then become scabby, wrinkled and hard as a result of constant rubbing and scratching. As with lice, severely infested animals become unthrifty, and they will be more susceptible to bacterial infections because of their open sores. Copies of "Control of Lice and Mange Mites on Swine" (Agdex 440/651-1) can be obtained from district agriculturists and the Print Media Branch, Agricultural Building 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. /dlberra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch January 17, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Canada Home Renovation Plan 1 Swine Mange Survey 3 1982 Custom Rates For Livestock Services 5 Soil Management Committee In South-Central Alberta 7 Weather Proof Your Fertilizer Storage Bin 9 Home Study Courses On Agricultural And Rural Topics — 1983 10 International Trade Director For Pacific/Asia Appointed 12 Weed Scientist Appointed In Vegreville 13 District Agriculturist Appointments 14 Phone: (403) 427-2121 Abcna AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch January 17, 1983 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANADA HOME RENOVATION PLAN Anyone who intends to take advantage of the Canada Home Renovation Plan (CHRP) should get his or her application in as soon as possible because funds are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. This advice comes from Doug Barlund of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch. As its name implies, the purpose of CHRP is to help homeowners with costs associated with renovating their principal residence. Assistance is provided in the form of a forgiveable loan, which does not have to be repaid if all the terms of the plan are met. CHRP is available to people whose total household (principal wage earner, spouse, or common-law spouse) pretax income is less than $48,000 a year. If the total household pretax income is $30,000 or less, the homeowner can obtain a forgiveable loan to cover 30 per cent of the total cost of the renovation up to a maximum of $3,000. When the total household income is more than $30,000, the forgiveable loan will be reduced by 5 percent for every $1 ,000 of pretax income in excess of $30,000 a year. CHRP covers repairs and renovations to a principal residence that are of a pre- manent nature. However, it does not cover such things as a swimming pool, a greenhouse, a sauna, a private driveway, fences or materials that are available under the Canadian Home Insulation Program or the Canadian Oil Substitution Program. And it does not cover the removal of insulation material. - (cont'd) - 3: (403) 427-21 21 Akena AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch Canada Home Renovation Plan (cont'd) Mr. Barlund says an applicant must meet the following criteria to qualify for assistance under CHRP: • Own his or her principal residence. • Plan to own and occupy it for at least a year after having completed the renov- ation. • Plan to spend at least $2,500 on the renovation work. • Spend a minimum of a third of the total renovation costs on contracted labor. • Provide the renovation costs that are not covered under CHRP through cash equity, a personal loan, a conventional mortgage loan, a home improvement loan, etc. CHRP information brochures and application forms can be obtained from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation office in Edmonton (Telephone: 482-3431); Red Deer (Telephone: 343-6677); Calgary (Telephone: 265-6860); and Lethbridge (Telephone: 328-5581). - 30 - January 17, 1983 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SWINE MANGE SURVEY Is hog mange as serious or as widespread a problem in Alberta as is commonly believed? What problems, if any, are hog producers experiencing in controlling mange, lice and houseflies? In an attempt to answer these and related questions, the staff of the Alberta Environmental Centre's entomology section have initiated a swine mange survey that will be carried out between now and April 1983. And it is being conducted in cooperation with the Alberta Pork Producers Marketing Board, Alberta Agriculture's pork industry branch and hog producers from across the province. The survey will involve only sows and is a follow-up to the survey of butcher hogs that was carried out last winter at Fletcher's Fine Foods Ltd. of Red Deer by the Alberta Environmental Centre. According to Hugh Philip who is head of the environmental centre's entomology section and is in charge of the present survey, 160 farrow-to-finish hog operations were selected at random from a list provided by the Alberta Pork Producers Marketing Board. And operations were placed in one of four categories according to the number of hogs that were marketed in 1982 so that it can be determined whether the size of operation has any influence on the incidence and/or severity of mange infestations and methods of prevention and control. The hog producers who are participating in the survey will be visited by entom- ology technicians who will take a scraping from one ear of as many as 20 sows, and who will be asked a few questions regarding swine mange. The scrapings will be examined at the environmental centre's laboratory for mites. - (cont'd) - /dlberrc AGRICULTUR hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branc - 2 - 4 Swine Mange Survey (cont'd) In essence the swine mange survey is designed to collect information on: • The incidence and severity of swine mange mite infestations in sows in Alberta. • The attitude of hog producers towards mange and its control — i.e. how economically important they consider it to be in their operations, and the steps they are taking to prevent or to control it. • The way that hog producers differentiate between mange and other conditions that produce similar symptoms. • The chemical products that are being used to control mange and how when and why they are being applied. And what improvements, if any, would hog producers like to see in the products and methods that are presently available for controlling mange in swine. • The influence, if any, that size of operation has on the presence and severity of swine mange. Mr. Philip says that information will also be collected from those who participate in in the survey on the severity of lice and housefly infestations and on the products and methods they use to control them. He points out that a complete documentation of the presence and severity of swine manage in Alberta has not been done up to now, and that the current survey will provide a complete assessment of the situation. He says the results will be used to document the need, if any, for research into the development of new mange control products and/or procedures to control lice and houseflies as well as mange. -30- January 17, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1982 CUSTOM RATES FOR LIVESTOCK SERVICES Alberta custom rate charges for certain livestock services increased slightly in 1982 compared with 1981, according to a survey carried out by Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch and farm business management branch in cooperation with Unifarm. The following tables contain a summary of the 1982 rates for livestock services. Fencing Cost Kind Cost Notes 3 &4 wires $700-$3,168/mile Labor & Equipment (most common charge $1 ,200-$1 ,800/mile) 4 wires $3,000-$6,650/mile Labor, Equipment & Material 3 &4 planks $0.85-$1/foot Labor & Equipment Pounding Post $25-$55/hour Pulling Out Fence $275-$450/mile In 1981 fencing charges were in the neighborhood of $600 to $1,000 per mile when labor and equipment were involved. Livestock Hauling Cost Miles $110- $120 (flat rate) Up to 10 miles $145 - $200 (flat rate) 25 - 50 miles $2.40 - $2.60/mile 175 miles and over All the hauling rates are based on a $50/000-pound possum belly liner. In 1981 the rates were $2.25 to $2.40 per load mile for 1 75 miles and over. - (cont'd) - 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlbcrrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc - 2 - 6 1982 Custom Rates For Livestock Services (cont'd) Grain Processing Processing C6st / Most Common Rolling $7-$22/tonne $1 0 - $1 2/tonne Grinding $7-$12/tonne $10 - $12/tonne In 1981 grain processing charges were approximately $10 per tonne. The 1982 rates for corral cleaning ranged from $105 per hour to $140 per hour, and they included a loader, two to three manure spreaders and drivers. The 1981 rates ranged from $85 to $165 per hour. Gerd Andres of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch says the 1982 survey data were obtained by contacting custom operators and dealers, and that the information represents actual changes. He stresses, however, that varying conditions and circumstances can significantly affect the custom rates that are charged for livestock services. For further information regarding these rates contact your local district agriculturist, the statistics branch of Alberta Agriculture in Edmonton or the farm business management branch of Alberta Agriculture in Olds. -30- 7 January 17, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOIL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE iN SOUTH-CENTRAL ALBERTA A recent soil conservation workshop in Ottawa, sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, emphasized the need across Canada for both education and action programs aimed at preventing the further deterioration of the soil. This problem has been receiving increasing attention from all levels of government. John Hermans, Alberta Agriculture's soil conservation supervisor, reports that district agriculturists in south-central Alberta (Region 2) are ahead of the game. They became so concerned about the deterioration of the soil in that area in 1981 that they formed a committee at that time to try to do something about the situation. And that committee is very active today. Called the Region 2 Soil Management Committee, it consists of the regional plant industry supervisor, senior district agriculturists and soils branch staff as well as a member of Alberta Agriculture's irrigation division and a member of engineering and rural services division. The committee's current members are planning to invite a member of farmers to join the committee this year. In broad terms, the committee is working towards the implementation and coordination of sound soil management programs that will facilitate the reclamation and conservation of the agricultural soils in the south-central region of the province. At the moment they are mainly focusing on wind erosion and dryland salinity problems. - (cont'd) • lone: (403) 427-21 21 ydlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 8 -2- Soil Management Committee in South-Central Alberta (cont'd) They are also participating in two Farming for the Future projects that are being carried out by the University fo Alberta's Department of Soil Science. One, being conducted by Dr. Bill McGill, involves an examination of soil organic matter and productivity losses that occur under various land management systems. The other is being conducted by Dr. Dave Chanasyk and involves an evaluation of trapping snow to increase soil moisture. Still another project in which the committee is participating involves the compil- ation of wind erosion studies that are applicable to Western Canadian conditions. According to Mr. Hermans, this project will necessitate preparing an up-to-date overview of problems, causes and preventative methods. The project is being carried out by Ken Krogman who was formerly with the soils section of the federal research station in Lethbridge. -30- January 17, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEATHER PROOF YOUR FERTILIZER STORAGE BIN If you are planning to buy fertilizer this winter, make sure that the bin that you intend to store it in is water proof. This advice comes from Phil Dixon, district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House, who points out that it is extremely important to keep moisture away from fertilizers to prevent them from caking and from corroding a metal bin. He recommends using a polyethylene vapor barrier in both metal and wooden bins, and cauking all joints, and using weather stripping around hatch and door openings in the wooden bins. In addition to being waterproof, a bin that is going to be used for storing fertilizer should be stronger than one used for storing grain. While the bulk density of wheat is 48 pounds per cubic foot, the bulk density of fertilizer is 58 pounds per cubic foot. If you are planning to make a fertilizer bin, Mr. Dixon recommends that you use more studs, thicker plywood, extra floor supports and additional tie rods compared with what you would use for a conventional grain bin. He says ammonium phosphate (11-48-0, 11-55-0) is the easiest nitrogen fertilizer to store and that urea is the most difficult. Ammonium phosphate is the easiest because it absorbs very little moisture from its environment, and, hence, remains free-flowing. Ammonium nitrate (34-0-0), on the other hand, draws moisture from its environ- ment, including the air, and the surface of the pile cakes badly in the presence of moisture. Even though the caking will break down when the pile is disturbed, the fertilizer will not flow freely, Mr. Dixon says. Urea is the most difficult nitrogen fertilizer to store because it can draw moisture right into the centre of the pile, making a soft mushy mess. And caking will occur all the way through the pile; not just on the surface as in the case of ammonium nitrate. 30 e: (403) 427-21 21 A\b&\a AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 10 January 17, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOME STUDY COURSES ON AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL TOPICS - 1983 "Computers in Perspective" is one of the many home study courses that are listed in an Alberta Agriculture publication entitled "Home Study Courses on Agricultural and Rural Topics - 1983." The computer course is designed to give those who take it a working knowledge of computers. It covers the hardware, software, social impact and application of computers, and it outlines programming in FORTRAN, BASIC AND COBAL. "Advanced Farm Accounting and Farm Income Tax" covers the principles of farm business accounting and the procedures that should be used in enterprise accounting, the use of an account book in farm business analysis and the use of a farm account book for supply- ing the data needed for income tax calculations. "The Pesticides Home Study Courses" for pesticide applicators deals with the legal aspects of pesticide use. It covers insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, seed treatment chemicals as well as the application of pestcides by aircraft, and it deals with landscape garden- ing concerns and the storage and disposal of pesticides. There is also a pesticide home study course listed in " Home Study Course on Agricultural and Rural Topics" that is designed specifically for pesticide dealers in Alberta. The "Basic Welding Home Study Course" teaches the basic theory of arc and gas welding and usually includes 60 hours of practical welding experience. "Small Engines" deals with the basic operating principles of a small engine and its maintenence. The small engines covered in the course are those commonly used for horti- cultural and agricultural purposes. - (cont'd) - -2- 1 1 Home Study Course On Agricultural And Rural Topics — 1983 (cont'd) "Horticulture for the Home Gardener" is a general course that deals with soil and soil fertility, lawns, annual and perennial flower growing, vegetable production, fruit produc- tion landscaping, tree and bush propagation and pruning, garden pests and their control, and the management of a home greenhouse. The above are just a small sample of the variety of home study courses that are available to Albertans through Alberta Agriculture, Athabasca University, the University of Alberta's Extension Faculty, Lakeland College in Vermilion, Olds College in Olds, and REDA (A'berta Rural Development Studies) in Edmonton. Copies of "Home Study Courses on Agricultural and Rural Topics — 1983" (Agdex 013) can be obtained from district agriculturists or the Print Media Branch, Agricultural Build- ing, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- Janaury 17, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADE DIRECTOR FOR PACI FIC/ASI A APPOINTED Alberta Agriculture's senior international trade director for overseas, David J. Clarke, has announced the promotion of J. Jackson Gardner to the pos- ition of international trade director for Pacific/ Asia from his previous position of associate trade director of that area. Before joining Alberta Agriculture's marketing group in August of last year, Mr. Gardner was first secretary (commercial) at the Canadian Embassy in Japan. His two-years in that country gave him a special insight into one of Alberta's main export markets. While there he worked very closely with a number of Alberta industries which included the canola, peat moss, dehy, meat (beef and pork), dairy (cheese), horse, and processed food industries. Mr. Gardener is currently on a trade mission to Japan and Korea to further the interests of Alberta exporters of canola, livestock, forage seeds and processed foods. He work with Agriculture Canada between I976 and I979, his posting to Japan and his previous work in the Caribbean gives him an excellent background for his new position. -30- /dlberrc AGRICULTUF Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Bran< January 17, 1983 13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEED SCIENTIST APPOINTED IN VEGREVI LLE Dr. Bart Bolwyn, head of plant sciences at the Alberta Environmental Centre in Vegreville, has announced the appointment of Dr. John T. O'Donovan to the position of weed scientist (ecology) in the weed science group. Dr. O'Donovan will be conducting research into weed ecology including weed- crop competition, vegetation changes after the prolonged use of herbicides and other weed control measures, as well as into vegetation management on rights-of-way. He will also be involved in regional and province-wide surverys. Dr. O'Donovan obtained his B.Sc, M.Sc, and Ph.D degrees in Ireland, having specialized in weed science. After graduation in 1976, he joined the Plant Science Department of the University of Alberta as a post-doctoral fellow and conducted research on the cellular localization of herbicides in plants. He went back to Ireland the following year and taught in the Botany Department of University College Cork for one academic year. In 1979 he returned to Canada to join Agriculture Canada's research station in Lacombe under an Alberta Agriculture Farming for the Future contract. While there he conducted research on weed control under minimum tillage systems and on weed-crop competition and the dormancy of weed seeds. Dr. O'Donovan is living in Vegreville. - 30- /dlberra AGRICULTURE 14 January 17, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT AGRICULTURIST APPOINTMENTS Don Young, assistant director of Alberta Agriculture's extension division, has announced the following district agriculturist appointments. Barbara Bennett Ms. Bennett has been appointed district agriculturist at Ryley, where she will replace Jerome Manchur who is on educational leave. Ms. Bennett grew up on a mixed farm near Dodsland, Saskatchewan, and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1981 with a major in crop science. While at univer- sity, she spent two years as a regional 4-H specialist, and during her last summer she was a research assistant at Giessen University in West Germany. Ms. Bennett recently completed her training in the Three Hills office where she worked with Jack Hazel wood and Ted Nibourg. William Strautman Mr. Strautman has been appointed district agriculturist at Foremost where he 'eplaces Delyn Jensen who recently transferred to Lethbridge. Mr. Strautman was raised on a grain farm near Speers, Saskatchewan, and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1982, having majored in soil sceince. During his summers at university, he helped to manage and operate the family farm. Mr. Strautman trained in the Brooks office where he worked with Gordon Frank and Brian Palichuk. - (cont'd) - Idmi A97-? 1 9 1 ydlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch - 2 - 15 District Agriculturist Appointments (cont'd) Ken Ziegler Ken Ziegler has been appointed district agriculturist at Taber where he replaces Carol Rex who is on maternity leave. Mr. Ziegler was raised on a large mixed farm near Stettler, Alberta, and graduated from the University of Alberta in 1981, having completed a general program. During his summers at University he was employed by Elanco Products Ltd. and by Alberta Agriculture as a summer assistant district agriculturist at Airdrie. Mr. Ziegler recent-ly completed his training in the Camrose office where he worked with Marvin Nakonechny and Glen Kirschman. -30- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 1983 THIS WEEK Alberta Agriculture Reorganized 1 1982 Alberta Real Estate Values 3 Custom Grain Harvesting Rates For 1982 5 Frost Protection Research 7 Alberta Horticultural Guide 9 Fusarium Dry Rot In Potatoes 11 New Barley, Oat And Oilseed Varieties Licensed 12 Hotspots In Grain 14 Crop Disease Seminar 15 Acting Director Of Irrigation Division Appointed 16 Phone: (403) 427-2121 ^Iberia AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch January 24, 1983 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA AGRICULTURE REORGANIZED H. B. (Ben) McEwen, deputy minister of Alberta Agriculture, has announced the rest ructu ring of three of Alberta Agriculture's five sectors during the second phase of a depart- mental reorganization which began in 1982. "In this phase we are placing major emphasis on the development and manage- ment of our basic agricultural resources of soil, land and water," said Mr. McEwen. "We also intend to intensify our efforts to supply the technologies necessary for the industry to fully utilize these resources," he added. The changes, to become effective on February 4, 1983, begin with the creation of a new sector called Research and Resource Development which will replace the current Research and Administration. The new sector will include research, land use, water manage- ment, irrigation and the irrigation secretariat. A number of soil specialists and other special- ists in resource-related areas will be transferred to this sector. The department's major administrative functions, including communications, financial services, departmental services and personnel will be added to the present Planning and Economic Services Sector, which will be renamed Planning, Economics and Administr- ation. The third sector affected by the reorganization is Development which is being re- named Field Services. Its primary goal will be to improve information and consultative services for producers and their families. - (cont'd) - 'hone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberrc AGRICULTUR Print Media Branc Alberta Agriculture Reorganized (cont'd) The department's six regional directors will now report directly to the assistant deputy minister reponsible for Field Services. In addition to directing the services of the district offices, the regional directors will now supervise regional sepcialists in dairy, animal science, plant science, economic services and other areas. This change will improve the co- ordination of all services in each region and will further re-emphasize a team approach for handling the varying needs of an area, said the deputy minister. "These moves buiid on changes we made last year," said Mr. McEwen. At that time all the department's marketing services were amalgamated into a single sector, Market- ing, while major economic and planning services were also united into a single sector. "Overall, I believe our reorganization will help us better meet the needs of an evolving industry, "said Mr. McEwen. "The rapid upgrading of agricultural technology, the changing requirements of producers for complete and up-to-date information and support services, and the concerns over the managment of basic agricultural resources are trends we hope the reorganization will address." Alberta Agriculture sectors and the assistant deputy ministers responsible for those sectors, as of February 4, are: Field Services John Calpas (acting) Marketing Barry Mehr Planning, Economics and Administration Doug Radke Production Morley Douglas Research and Resource Development Art Olson -30- 3 January 24, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1982 ALBERTA REAL ESTATE VALUES Real estate values for the first three-quarters of 1982 increased by 7.9 per cent compared with those recorded for the first three-quarters of 1981. However, they were well below the yearly increase for 1971 - 81 of between 20 and 22 per cent. The following table shows the agricultural real estate values (for areas of more than 60 acres in size and valued at between $5 and $1,500 per acre) for 1981 and for the first :hree-quarters of I982. 1981 1982 % Diff. % Diff Acres Acres 81-82 81-82 $/Acre Transferred $/Acre Transferred $/Acre Acres 1st Quarter 423 781,962 479 602,844 +5.4 -22.9 2nd Quarter 459 878,188 492 648,535 +7.2 -26.2 3rd Quarter 440 572,440 452 478,412 +2.8 -16.4 4th Quarter 455 486,350 1st three-quarter average value 442 447 +7.9 Year-end average value 444 Peter Woloshyn, resource economist with Alberta Agriculture, says the small size of the 1982 increase in real estate values is not too surprising in view of the general economic situation at that time and the fact that the increase in real estate values had been getting smaller every year since 1978 when it was 26.1 percent. In 1979 it was 20.3 percent; in 1980 it was 19.1 per cent; and in 1981 it was 15.1 per cent. Mr. Woloshyn believes that high interest rates coupled with increasing farm input costs were probably a major factor in the relatively small increase recorded in real estate values in 1981 and 1982. (cont'd] /4lbarc AGRICULTURI hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branc - 2 - 4 1982 Alberta Real Estate Values (cont'd) He points out that the number of acres transferred in real estate transactions should be taken into consideration when looking at real estate values. He says "When we combine the number of acres transferred in the first three-quarters of 1981, we have 2,232,590 compared with only 1,729,792 for the same period last year, which represents a decline of 22.5 per cent in 1982." He also says that the average acreage transferred during the first three-quarters of each year from 1973 to 1981 was 2,387,969. Hence, the acreage transferred in 1982 was 27.6 per cent below the last nine-year average. Mr. Woloshyn believes that the real estate situation that existed in 1982 could continue into this year, depending upon how interest rates, farm input costs and farm prices behave from now on. You can obtain further information on real estate values in Alberta by contact- ing Peter Woloshyn, Resource Economics Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8 (Telephone: 4274026). -30- January 24, 1983 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CUSTOM GRAIN HARVESTING RATES FOR 1982 Custom grain harvesting rates for 1982 varied little from those of 1981, according to a survey called the Custom Rate Survey that is carried out every year by Alberta Agri- culture's statistics and farm business management branches and Unifarm through its Agri- cultural Input Monitoring System. The data presented below were obtained by contacting custom operators in each of the six regions listed and represent ac tual charges in those regions. Region 1 consists the area extending from the American border to High River; Region 2 is the area from High River to Olds; Region 3 is the area from Olds to Camrose; Region 4 is the area that extends from Camrose to Fort McMurray; Region 5 extends from Camrose to Athabasca; and Region 6 is the Peace River region. Combining ($ Per Acre) Region Range Most Common 1 $12-35 $14 2 6-22 14 3 9-10 9-10 4 10-20 10-11 5 1 1 (one report) 6 20 (one report) Combining AndTrucking 1 $15-40 $17-18 2 10-15 14-15 3 10-15 13-15 4 9-15 15 5 14-16 14-16 6 21 (one report) - (cont'd) ydlberra AGRICULTURE - 2- 6 Custom Grain Harvesting Rates For 1982 (cont'd) The survey also showed that swathing costs ranged from $3 to $8 per acre in all regions in 1982 with the most common charge being $5 per acre. Trucking costs ranged from 3c to 14c per bushel for all regions with the most common charge being 14C per bushel or « between $20 and $30 per hour. Alberta Agriculture's farm management specialist in the area of custom rates, Gerd Andres, says that many people do not understand the different rate structures that apply to a good neighbor and to an operator who specializes in custom work. "A good neigh- bor", he explains, "is usually a local farmer who does custom work after he has finished his own work, while somebody who specializes in custom work does it as a full-time job. Hence, a good neighbor is usually only interested in covering his variable costs (fuel, labor and repairs) and in making a small profit to supplement his income. His fixed costs (depreciation, interest and insurance) are usually covered by his own farm. On the other hand, a full-time custom operator has to cover his variable costs, his fixed costs and make a profit if he is going to stay in business. Consequently, his rate will nearly always be higher than that of a good neighbor." You can obtain additional information on the 1982 grain harvesting custom rates from your district agriculturist or from Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch in Edmonton or from its farm business management branch in Olds. -30- January 24, 1983 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROST PROTECTION RESEARCH New frost protection technology could hold the key to the more profitable pro- duction of canola and other agricultural crops. Conrad Gietz, agrometeorologist with Alberta Agriculture, reports that laboratory tests carried out by the department on Altex canola seed that was treated with a frost protec- ting bacteria revealed a marked difference between these seedlings and those from untreated seed when all the plants had been subjected to five and ten hours of freezing temperatures. The seedlings from the treated seed showed much less injury. Mr. Gietz says it is possible that Argentine canola varieties could be grown successfully in areas where they have been grown with only marginal success if results similar to those achieved in the laboratory are achieved in the field. It has been known for some time that the formation of ice crystals damages plants, but it has only recently been discovered that certain bacteria, known as ice nucleators, trigger the formation of ice crystals at a temperature just below freezing. Frost protection of several degrees Celsius has been demonstrated when the population of these bacteria has been controlled. According to Mr. Gietz, 10 to 14 days can be added to a frost- free season by providing frost protection against a drop of one degree in temperature. One way of providing frost protection for seedlings is to soak the seeds in a solu- tion that contains non-nucleating bacteria, which are completely safe from the point of view of human health. They compete with the nucleating bacteria and inhibit their growth as the seedlings develop. Another possible way of protecting plants might be to use a chemical agent to inhibit the ice nucleating process. Although the results of the tests, carried out by Alberta Agriculture and believed to be the first of their kind involving canola, were very encouraging, there are still a number - (cont'd) - ydlbcrrc AGRICULTURI hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Brand Frost Protection Research (cont'd) of questions that have to be answered before the new frost protection methods can be recommended. The main one is whether field tests will prove to be as successful as those carried out in the laboratory. Another is how long the frost protection will last. A possible method of combatting the effect of a fall frost could be the use of a foliar spray. To-date most of the research on frost protection has been done in the United States, and even though many of the scientists' findings are applicable here, it is still necessary to carry out research under local conditions. -30 January 24, 1983 9 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA HORTICULTURAL GUIDE Did you know that most of the vegetable seed that is grown in Alberta each year comes from southern Ontario? And did you know that even Alberta-packaged seed usually comes from a source outside the province? This is why many Alberta home gardeners find it difficult to choose a good veget- able cultivar to grow in their garden. It seems that every seed company boasts of a brand new, super hybrid, but will it grow in your garden? For example, should you choose Earlimart Cabbage or April Green Cabbage? Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House, Phil Dixon, warns against being influenced by the growth descriptions of vegetables that are advertised in Ontario seed catalogues. "A common mistake", he says, "is to take the number of growing days listed in these catalogues as a guide for your Alberta garden. Remember, the descrip- tion and the number of growing days mentioned are intended for Ontario gardeners; not for Alberta gardeners". Because agricultural scientists in Alberta recognized the problems associated with using out-of-province seed they set up research plots long ago at Brooks, Bow Island Strathmore, Edmonton and Peace River to test seed from all over North America. Mr. Dixon points out that the University of Alberta and provincial colleges have ongoing vegetable research trials, and that gardeners can rest assured that any cultivars that are recommended in a publication entitled the "Alberta Horticultural Guide" have been fully tested under Alberta conditions. - (cont'd) - /liberie AGRICULTUF 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branr 10 - 2 - Alberta Horticultural Guide (cont'd) Published by Alberta Agriculture, the "Alberta Horticultural Guide" divides the province into zones and contains concise up-to-date information on vegetables, fruits and ornamentals, including annual, biennial and perennial flowers, that are recommended for each zone. It also contains a wealth of general gardening information. The "Alberta Horticultural Guide" (Agdex 200/1) is available from district agri- culturists and the Print Media Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8. After February 1 the address of the Print Media Branch will be Agriculture Building 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. -30- January 24, 1983 11 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FUSARIUM DRY ROT IN POTATOES Fusarium dry rot is one of the most common diseases of stored potatoes in Alberta, according to Dr. Ron Howard, plant pathologist at the Alberta Horticultural Research Center in Brooks. He says that it is caused by a fungus, and that it may first manifest itself in the form of a shrinking or darkening patch on the potato. Depending upon the potato variety, the diseased tissue may be light brown or black and it may vary from dry to slightly moist or cheesy. In other cases of the disease, the fungus may work its way directly to the centre of the potato, causing cavities containing white threads to form in the rotted tissue. The cavity walls may be a salmon pink or blue, and, in the latter stages of decay, the white threads may appear on the surface to the potato. When the fungus works its way directly to the centre of the potato, serious decay can occur before the disease is detected. Dr. Howard says the fungus that causes dry rot is present in most soils, and that it infects potatoes only through wounds and bruises. Hence, the amount of decay that will occur in storage will depend upon the concentration of fungus in the soil, the amount of damage sustained by the potatoes during harvesting and the susceptibility of the potato variety. According to Dr. Howard, a hot dry growing season favors the development in the soil of the fungus that causes the dry rot. To avoid this disease he recommends treating seed pieces with a recommended fungicide before planting them and being careful not to cut or bruise potatoes during harvesting and grading. He says commercial potato growers can spray their tubers with Mertect as they are going into storage, and that Netted Gem and Irish Cobbler potatoes are resistant to certain species of the dry rot fungus. -30- one: (403) 427-21 21 Liberia AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 12 January 24, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW BARLEY, OAT AND OILSEED VARIETIES LICENSED Scout two-row spring barley, Diamond six-row spring barley, Dumont oats, Westar canola and Norlin flax were all licensed last spring. Columbus spring wheat was licensed in the spring of 1980. Scout is an early maturing/hulless feed barley that is lower yielding than hulled barley varieties, but on the basis of limited data, appears to be higher yielding than Neepawa or Glenlea wheat. Scout has considerably less fibre and a higher protein content than hulled barley varieties. Diamond is a medium early maturing, high yielding feed barley which has very good resistance to lodging. However, it has a slightly lower test weight than other feed barley varieties. Dumont is a high yielding oat variety that has a good test weight and percentage of plump kernels. It also has a high kernel weight, a good groat yield and a moderate to low hull. Westar canola outyielded Regent, Altex and Andor in the dark brown, black and grey soil zones of Alberta in tests that were conducted in 1980 and in 1981. It matures about the same time as Altex and Andor and slightly earlier than Regent. Its resistance to lodging is similar to that of Regent and better than that of Andor and Altex. Norlin is a medium-early maturing and high yielding flax variety. It matured later than Linott in delayed seeding trials, and is immune to rust and moderately resistant to wilt. - (cont'd) Liberia AGRICULTURE 13 - 2 New Barley. Oat and Oilseed Varieties Licensed (cont'd) Columbus spring wheat is mainly noted for is superior resistance to sprouting and weathering. It yields about 3 per cent higher than Neepawa and Sinton but it is one to two days later maturing than Sinton. It is resistant to leaf rust and bunt, and moderately resistant to stem rust and loose smut, but it is susceptible to common root rot. It is also susceptible to sawflies. For a complete description of the characteristics of the above field crops contact your district agriculturist or the Print Media Branch (Alberta Agriculture, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8) and ask for "Varietal Description of Scout Two-Row Spring Barley" (Agdex 114/33-14); "Varietal Description of Diamond six-Row Spring Barley" (Agdex 114/33-15); "Varietal Description of Dumont Oats" (Agdex 113/33-9); "Varietal Description of Westar Canola" (Agdex 149/33-10); "Varietal Description of Norlin Oilseed Flax" (Agdex 148/33-.3); or "Varietal Description of Columbus Spring Wheat" (1 12/33-1 1). -30- January 24, 1983 14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOTSPOTS IN GRAIN Now is the time to be on the lookout for hotspots in your grain and to take steps to prevent the grain from spoiling, says Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist in Red Deer, Peter Funk. Mr. Funk points out that insects and molds are the most common causes of hot- spots, but that they only thrive when the grain is damp or tough and when the temperature is higher than 10° C. Any damp grain with a temperature above 10° C is susceptible to heating, he adds. In Alberta most insects start to breed at a temperature of about 21° C. When they start to breed they produce more heat, which, when combined with the moisture they also produce, may create a crust on the surface of the grain. In severe heating the grain will spout. Mr. Funk recommends inserting a metal pipe into the grain for about 10 minutes in as many locations as possible to detect hotspots. Crusting/ steam rising from the bin and sometimes a musty small are all signs of heating, but by the time any of these signs have occurred a considerable amount of damage will have already been done to the grain. If you discover a hotspot in your grain bin, move the grain with an auger as soon as possible, preferably on a cold day. If you move it soon enough, you will usually be able to correct the problem before the grain has been damaged. -30- ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE ione: (403) 427-21 21 Print MpHia Rranrh Jaruary 24, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 CROP DISEASE SEMINAR A disease control seminar, organized by a number of farmers in the Cam rose area, will be held in the Crystal Springs Hotel in Camrose on February 4. Cereal diseases will be covered by leuan Evans, plant pathology supervisor with Alberta Agriculture. He will use slides to show the symptoms of various crop diseases, and he will outline the type of crop losses that can be expected as well as methods of controlling the diseases. Moe Hussain, pesticide liaison coordinator with Alberta Agriculture, will discuss the hazards of various pesticides and show how to handle these products safely. A display of safety equipment will be on hand. Oilseeds and specialty crop diseases will be covered by Phil Thomas of Alberta Agriculture's field crops branch. He will review the extent of diseases affecting oilseeds and specialty crops. And he will discuss the results of the sclerotinia control trials on canola. Walter Yarish, supervisor of weed control and herbicides with Alberta Agriculture, will show the various crop injuries that are caused by the improper use of herbicides. Registration will be at 9 a.m. and the registration fee will be $15 per person or $25 per married couple. Lunch will be included. Please call 679-1210 to preregister before February 1st. - 30- hone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberrc AGRICULTURI Print Media Brand 16 January 24, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACTING DIRECTOR OF IRRIGATION DIVISION APPOINTED C. J. McAndrews, Alberta Agriculture's assistant deputy minister of development, has announced the appointment of R. L. Francis to the position of acting director of the department's irrigation division in Lethbridge. Mr. Francis replaces J. C. Purnell who requested a change of position because of ill health. Mr. Francis will oversee the irrigation farm services, drainage, land classification, and project planning branches and the administration of the division. He has been employed in irrigation engineering with Alberta Agriculture since he was transferred from the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration in 1955. Mr. Purnell has been appointed head of the project planning branch in the irrig- ation division. His responsibilities will emphasize engineering planning for the improvement and modernization of the irrigation districts in southern Alberta. Other duties will be to supervise the advisory and inspection services on irrigation project development and oper- ations, related research, mapping and drafting services. - 30- hone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlbcrrc AGRICULTURI Print Media Brand January 31, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK To Editors 1 Canadian Interest And Currency Exchange Rates 2 Custom Tillage Rates For 1982 4 Alberta Potato Outlook 6 Barley Production In Alberta 7 Accent 83 9 Getting The Most Out Of Crossbreeding 11 Two-Family Seminar 12 Checking Cattle Herds For Lice 13 Wildlife Manuals 15 The After Care Of Christmas Plants 16 Supervisor Of Weed Research And Development Appointed 18 Regional Swine Technician Appointed at Red Deer 19 Dhnnc IAfW\ 497-9191 /dlberta AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch January 31 , 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASI TO: THE EDITORS There will be no February 14 issue of "Agri News" because the Print Media Branch of Alberta Agriculture's Communications Division will be moving during the week of February 7 to the new agriculture building located at 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,T6H 5T6. The telephone number is the same - 427-21 21 . -30- 2 January 31 , 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANADIAN INTEREST AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES by David Walter, Alberta Agriculture Canadian interest rates were markedly lower in 1982 than they were in 1981. And the almost six point decline in the banks' prime rate during the second half of the year to 1 2.5 per cent put interest rates at their lowest level in three and a half years and in a more usual relationship with the prevailing inflation rate. However, currency exchange funds were mixed in 1982. The Canadian dollar was weaker in terms of the U.S. dollar throughout 1982 than it was in 1981, particularly in June and July when it fell below he 80 C US level. However it was generally stronger against other major currencies. Interest Rates Short-term interest rates were generally more stable during most of 1982 than they had been for several years. However, they did decline very rapidly in the fall, and they followed a very similar trend to that of 1981, expect that they were two to five percentage points below the 1981 level. The commercial banks' lending rate on prime business loans peaked at 18.25 per cent in June 1982, compared with a peak of 22.75 per cent in August 1981. And it subsequently declined to 12.5 per cent by the end of December 1982, which was 4.75 per- centage points lower than it was a year earlier. The wide spread between interest rates and inflation rates, which has been apparent during the last few years, and which reflects the restrictive monetary policy pursued by the U.S and Canadian governments, has also narrowed. The decline in interest rates and the narrowing of the spread appears to have resulted in part from the easing of monetary policies and in part from a decline in private sector demand for money. - (cont'd ) - >dlborrc AGRICULTURI hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Brand - 2 - 3 Canadian Interest And Currency Exchange Rates (cont'd) While interest rates on longer term borrowings were less volatile, they followed a similar trend. The Farm Credit Corporation's (FCC) loan rate, which is based on an average of five to 10-year Government of Canada bonds plus one percentage point for admin- istration, was reduced at its semi-annual adjustment in October 1, 1982 from 16.5 per cent to 15.75 per cent. And in December, "as an interim measure pending approval of revised Farm Credit Act Interest Rates Regulations," the FCC further lowered the rate to 13.25 per cent. It appears that in the future FCC plans to adjust rates more frequently than semi-annually when interest rates are volatile. Currency Exchange Rates Trends in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and other major currenc- ies were mixed during 1982. For the year as a whole, the Canadian dollar declined in value in terms of the US dollar but increased in value in terms of the Japanese yen, the German mark and the British pound. The livestock industry benefitted from the U. S. dollar being worth about two per cent more on the average in terms of the Canadian dollar in 1982 than it was in 1981. The Canadian dollar declined from a rate of almost 84c US in January of 1982 to the 78 C US range in June and July. However, the rate recovered to around 81 c US during the second half of 1982, and this was about 3c below the year earlier level. For the year as a whole, it averaged slightly above 81 C US, and the Bank of Canada currently appears to be managing things to maintain the U. S. exchange rate at about that level. In contrast to the livestock sector, the exchange rate tended to have an adverse effect on the prices of grains and oilseeds. The currencies of the "democratic countries" (as opposed to centrally planned economies), including the Japanese yen, the German mark and the British pound, which are important for grain exports, tended to be lower in relation to the Canadian dollar in 1982 than they were in 1981. European currencies in particular declined significantly over the last two years. Questions or concerns regarding the material in the above article should be directed to David Walker, head of Alberta Agriculture 's market analysis branch at 427-7132. -30- January 31, 1983 A FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CUSTOM TILLAGE RATES FOR 1982 The Custom Rate Survey showed that the range of prices charged for custom tillage work in Alberta in 1982 was considerably wider than it was in 1981, thereby making it very difficult to compare the rates of the two years. The Custom Rate Survey is carried out annu- ally by Alberta Agriculture's statistics and farm business management branches and Unifarm through its Agricultural Input Monitoring System. The data in the following table were obtained by contacting custom tillage operat- ors and are based on information collected from three areas: southern Alberta (the U.S. border north to Calgary); central Alberta (Calgary north to Edmonton); and northern Alberta (Edmonton north). The data are based on actual 1982 charges. Tillage ( $ Per Acre) Southern Central Northern Discing Cultivating Plowing (solonetizic soil Harrowing $4.70 - 8.00 3.70-6.00 7.50-21.00 1.55 - 1.80 $2.30- 7.25 80.00 1.50- 1.90 S3. 75 2.50 - 7.00 Rototil ling 70- 100/hr 1.00/hr. Gerd Andres, custom rates specialist with the farm management branch, says detailed information on rates charged by all custom operators in 1982 will be available in a publication entitled "Custom Rates Annual Summary — 1982". It and a new version of "Farm Machinery Costs As A Guide To Custom Rates," designed to help farmers calculate - (cont'd) - /dlberra AGRIQJITURF - 2 - Custom Tillage Rates For 1982 (cont'd) their individual machinery costs will be released by the farm business management branch in April of this year. In the meantime you can obtain further information on 1982 custom rates from your district agriculturist, Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch in Edmonton (427-4019) the farm business management branch in Olds (556-8421). 30 or CORRECTION There are two corrections to be made to the table contained in the article entitled "1982 Alberta Real Estate Values" (January 24 issue of "Agri-News"). The first lineofthe table under the column headed % Diff. 81-82 $/Acre should read +1 3.2; not +5.4 as stated. And the first three-quarter average value in $/Acre for 1982 should read 477; not 447 as stated. January 31, 1983 6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA POTATO OUTLOOK Alberta potato prices are expected to increase during the next three months as stocks become more manageable. Fred Boyce, a market analyst with Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch, says prices throughout the whole of North America for the 1982 potato crop have been significantly lower than they were for the 1981 crop because of overproduction and a reduc- tion in consumer demand. However, he also says potato stocks have become more manage- able as a result of the poor quality of the 1982 crop in many areas of both Canada and the United States. The result of this lower than average quality has been considerably higher than normal spoilage and culling rates. Mr. Boyce reports that prices for Alberta table potatoes did not fall as badly as those in Eastern Canada when the 1982 crop came on the market last fall because they were a better quality and because consumers were willing to pay a higher price for "bakers". And Alberta's packers were able to increase their share of this premium market because the average size of potatoes from Idaho and other key areas of the United States and Canada was smaller than usual. Mr. Boyce expects Alberta's 1982 potato crop to average $4.85 per hundred- weight compared with approximately $5.40 per hundredweight for the 1981 crop. 3: (403) 427-21 21 - 30 - /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch January 31, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BARLEY PRODUCTION IN ALBERTA If you grow barley you should get a copy of a new publication entitled "Barley Production in Alberta". It is published by Alberta Agriculture and contains the latest research findings and the latest information on production techniques from barley growers. The latter was obtained in the fall of 1981 by surveying 325 above-average growers in the dark brown, thin black and grey wooded soil zones of central Alberta. The survey showed that the greatest number of top producers applied 75 pounds of nitrogen per acre and 35 pounds of phospho- rous per acre. On the average the low producers applied 55 pounds of nitrogen per acre and 25 pounds of phosphorous per acre. The difference in rates applied by the top producing group and the low producing group was 20 pounds of nitrogen per acre and 10 pounds of phospho- rous per acre. The publication points out that few crops respond as well to fertilizer as barley and that the objective of all good barley growers must be to optimize plant and grain yield and grain quality. It also points out that the kind and amount of fertilizer applied should be governed by the intended end use of the barley- i.e. malting, feed, silage or high moisture grain. When barley is grown for malting purposes, the grain must be relatively low in protein and high in carbohydrates. This means that growers must provide an adequate level of phosphates and other necessary nutrients, and that they must be careful not to provide an excess of nitrogen. There is less chance of providing an excess of nitrogen to a properly nourished healthy crop that will produce a high yield than there is to an undernourished crop that is likely to produce a mediocre or a low yield. - (cont'd) - Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Axxk AGRICULTUI Print Media Bran 8 - 2 - Barley Production In Alberta (cont'd) Barley that is grown for feed is most likely to yield well and to produce a good quality feed if it is supplied either naturally or through the application of a nitrogen fertilizer with all the essential nutrients, in a balanced form. Yield will be determined by the most limiting growth factor. When barley is to be harvested as silage, the grower must adjust his fertilizer program so that he will obtain the maximum amount of plant material, while a short straw and a high grain yield will be the goal of the person who is growing barley for high moisture grain. High moisture grain crops usually require some phosphorous and a heavy application of nitrogen fertilizer. Some sulphur and potassium may be required on certain soils. The above is just one of the many topics that are concisely covered in "Barley Production in Alberta" (Agdex 114/20-1). It can be obtained from district agriculturists or the Print Media Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 1 1 3 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. - 30 - Janaury 31, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACCENT 83 Market prospects for grains and oilseeds is the theme of Accent 83, which will be held at the Convention Inn South in Edmonton on March 22 and 23. Accent 83 will provide you with the information you will need to choose the right corps to grow and to develop a sound marketing strategy to cope with the tough times that are now facing the grain industry. It will feature top Canadian and American speakers who will present the latest assessments of the Canadian and international outlook for wheat, feed grains and oilseed. And it will include a world weather and crop summary. Following is a list of the topics and speakers for the two days. The Economic Environment Facing Agriculture World Weather and Crop Conditions — What is on the Horizon for 1983-84? World Oilseed Situation and Price Outlook 1983-84 Canadian Canola Situation and Price Outlook 1983-84 World Feedgrain Situation and Price Outlook 1983-84 Canadian Feedgrain Situation and Price Outlook 1983-84 World Wheat Situation and Price Outlook 1983 84 Canadian Wheat Situation and Price Outlook 1983-84 Dr. Michael Walker, The Fraser Institute, Vancouver, B.C. Ms. Gail Martell E. F. Hutton and Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A. Alan Holz, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. Dale Adolphe Canola Council of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mike Hinebaugh, ContiCommodity Services Ltd. Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. Peter Love, Love Feeds Ltd. Calgary, Alberta. Melvin S. Sjerven Milling and Baking News, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. Dr. Brian T. Oleson, The Canadian Wheat Board, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Banquet and luncheon speakers to be announced. (cont'd) - /dlbcrrc AGRICULTUR Print Mpdia Rranr. 10 - 2 - Accent 83 (cont'd) There are three registration plans for Accent 83. Plan A costs $60 and covers all the sessions, the banquet, breakfast and lunch on March 23 and a copy of the proceedings. Plan B costs $40 and covers the conference sessions and a copy of the proceedings. Plan C costs $15 and covers a copy of the proceedings only. These will be mailed out as soon as the conference is over. Registration for Accent 83, Alberta Agriculture's fourth annual grain and oilseeds outlook conference, is limited to 400. So, if you wish to register for Plan A, you should have your registration in to Alberta Agriculture by March 1 1. To register for Accent 83 or to obtain further information about the conference contact the Market Analysis Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6, (Telephone: 427-5387). 11 January 31 , 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GETTING THE MOST OUT OF CROSSBREEDING "After 10 years of crossbreeding in my cattle herd, where do I go from here?". This question will be answered by Dr. Roy Berg of the University of Alberta's Department of Animal science at a major central Alberta beef cattle seminar entitled "Getting the Most Out Of Crossbreeding". In addition to featuring Dr. Berg, who will also discuss the animal breeding pro- ject at Kinsella, the seminar will feature John Stewart-Smith of the Beef Booster organization who will talk about the Beef Booster Program and about "Putting Genetics to Work". Ernie Maynard, head of Alberta Agriculture's reproductive section, will give you an insight into evaluating the breeding status of your herd, while Trevor Jones of the Canadian Hereford Association and Alex Mills of the Simmental Association will discuss "How the Different Breeds Fit Into a Breeding Program". The seminar will be held in the new community hall in Evergreen on February 16, and the registration fee will be $15 per person or $25 for a husband and wife. Evergreen is located approximately 10 miles west and eight miles south of the Eckville turnoff on Highway 11. You can register for "Getting the Most Out of Crossbreeding" at Alberta Agi- culture's district office in Lacombe, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House or Innisfail. -30- ydlborrc AGRICULTUP Print Media Branc 12 January 31, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TWO-FAMILY FARM SEMINAR "Inlaws and Outlaws — Managing the Two-Family Farm"! That is the name of a seminar that will be held at Red Deer and Alhambra on March 10 and 1 1 respectively. As its name implies, it is about two families farming the same farm. The seminar was organized by Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturists and district home economists in Lacombe, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House and Innisfail in response to the tremendous increase in the number of "two-family" farms in that part of the province. Garry Bradshaw, Alberta Agriculture's regional economist at Red Deer, will discuss the legal and financial aspects of more than one family farming together. And Joyce Irvine, a frequent speaker at Alberta Women's Week and a lecturer at the University of Lethbridge, will talk about surviving the stresses and strains of two families working and living together on one farm. There will also be a special performance by local actors and actresses to stimulate interest in the seminar topic. The Red Deer seminar will be held in the banquet room of the new Westerner Altaplex on March 10 while the Alhambra seminar will be held in the community hall on March 1 1 . They will both start at 9:30 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. The cost is only $1 5 for the whole family or $10 for a single person. You can reserve your place at "The Inlaws — Managing the Two-Family Farm" by contacting the Lacombe district office (782-3301), the Red Deer district office (343-5364); the Rocky Mountain House district office (845-3394) or the Innisfail district office (227-6565). -30- /dlberk AGRICULTU Phone- !4r>3i 497-9 1 9 1 Print MoHio Rrir January 31 , 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 13 CHECKING CATTLE HERDS FOR LICE Have you checked your cattle lately for lice? An early diagnosis and early treat- ment to control lice can prevent serious losses from both anaemia and death, says Dr. Ali Khan, pest control specialist with Alberta Agriculture. He points out that animals suffering from anaemia can lose up to a third of their red blood cells and that those that are heavily infested are susceptible to respiratory diseases. And a high louse population on cattle can stunt their growth, reduce their milk production and cause general unthriftiness. Typical Symptoms of a Louse Infestation Cattle which are heavily infested with lice can be recognized by their rough, patchy, dirty-looking coat and poor physical condition. If you examine the areas around the eyes and in the folds of the skin on the neck, you will see the slate-blue-colored adult lice which are about an eighth of an inch long. You will find that the heads of many of them are partly buried in the animal's skin. The cream-colored eggs or nits, which are attached to the hair, look like a string of beads. In very severe infestations, the animal's hair will be coated with blood from lice that have gorged themselves and then been crushed when their host scratched against something to relieve the irritation caused by the biting and sucking. You should also check your herd for chronic or "carrier" cows. They are usually older animals which become infested with lice every year, and they are usually the source of reinfestation for the entire herd. If they are not deloused, they may abort their calves as a result of louse-induced anaemia. Treatment Dr. Ali Khan, livestock pest control specialist with Alberta Agricuture, reports that there are nine insecticides, available under different brand names, that will control lice on beef and dairy cattle. 3ne: (403) 427-21 21 - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 14 - 2 - Checking Cattle Herds For Lice (cont'd ) Those that can be used on beef cattle areSevin, Coral, Ciodrin, Ruelene, Spotton, Malathion, Ronnel, Rotenone and Neguvon. Those that are recommended for lactating dairy cattle are Sevin, Ciodrin, Malathion and Rotenone. Dr. Khan stresses that systemic insecticides should never be used to control lice on lactating dairy cows because these products will contaminate the milk, and they should not be used on beef cattle that were not treated for warbles in the fall because of the possible danger of a host-parasite reaction. Such a reaction could take place if warble grubs were killed in the esophagus or in the spinal column as can happen if they are present at this time of the year. In summary, it is perfectly all right during the winter to use a systemic insecticide, and even any chemical that was left over from last fall's warble treatment to control lice on dairy cattle that are not lactating, and on beef cattle that were treated for warbles last fall. You can get more information on controlling cattle lice from Dr. Ali Khan, Animal Industry Division, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6 (Telephone 427-9051 ) or by obtaining a copy of "Control of Cattle Lice" (FS 420/651-2). It is available from district agriculturists, agricultural fieldmen and the Print Media Branch at 7000-113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. - 30- January 31, 1983 15 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WILDLIFE MANUALS Alberta Agriculture's 4-H branch, in cooperation with a number of government departments, has developed wildlife manuals for both junior and senior 4-H members. According to Sandy Wall ick of the 4-H branch, the manuals, entitled "Living With Wildlife" and "Working With Wildlife" respectively, have been designed to help young people to understand and appreciate wildlife and to encourage them to provide a suitable habitat for wild animals and birds on their own land. The manual for the junior 4-H members is in cartoon form and uses a pheasant as its main character. It, like the manual for the senior 4-H members, is called an activity manual because the boys and girls who use it will learn about wildlife through crossword puzzles, games, etc. The senior manual outlines techniques for attracting wildlife to an area and keep- ing them there. The techniques include such things as providing nesting structures for birds, planting hedges and trees in strategic locations for birds and animals, etc. The wildlife project has been mainly sponsored by funds from the Recreation Parks and Wildlife Foundation. However, Environment Canada, Alberta Energy and Natural Resources and Alberta Agriculture have also contributed towards its development. Ms. Wallick says the junior manual, "Living With Wildlife," will be available to 4-H habitat clubs at the end of February, and that the senior manual, "Working With Wildlife", will be available at the beginning of April. 30 ydlborrc AGRICULTURI hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Med,a Branc January 31 , 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 16 THE AFTER CARE OF CHRISTMAS PLANTS x If you are wondering how to make the most of the plant you received for Christ- mas, here is how Betty Vladicka recommends looking after three common gift plants -- the poinsettia, the azalea and the amaryllis. Ms. Vladicka is an extension horticulturist at Alberta Agriculture's tree nursery and horticulture centre. The bracts of the new improved cultivars of the poinsettia, which is by far the most popular Christmas gift plant, will retain their color for several months if the plant is krepl in a sunny location and well watered. If you want to get it to bloom again next Christ- mas, yo*u should start reducing the amount of water you give it in early March. In late March place the plant in a dry, cool place (10° - 15 C) and give it just enough water to prevent the stems from snivelling. In May prune the stems back to between 15 and 20 cm, water the plant and put it in a sunny location. If it needs repotting, this is the best time to do it. When the leaves start to develop, give the plant a complete water soluble fertilizer and continue fertiliz- ing it every month until about November. It should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. You can put it out-of-doors (in its pot) in a partially shaded area when the danger of frost is over and night temperatures are above 16° C. In July pinch or snap off the tips of new shoots on the plant to increase its branches. This procedure will cause side shoots to develop which can be pinched back in the latter part of August. In early September, when the night temperatures start to drop below 16° C, the plant should be taken back the house andjset in a sunny window. Since poinsettias are short -day plants, they must be exposed to long daily period of darkness if they are to produce colored bracts. So, from October 1 to late November, you should put your poinsettia under a box or in a dark cupboard where it will receive no light between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. After 8 a.m. each morning put the plant in a sunny window and water and fertilize it as recommended above. If you follow this procedure you should have a colorful plant again by next Christmas. - (cont'd) - >ne: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch -2- 17 The After Care Of Christmas Plants (cont'd) The azalea is another beautiful and popular gift plant that can be kept blooming for several weeks if it is put in diffused sunlight, kept moist and kept at a temperature of between 15° and 18° C. If you want to keep it for another season, remove all the dead blossoms and leaves when it has finished blooming and repot it in a soil mixture consisting of two parts peat moss, one part loam and one part sand. Unfortunately, azaleas are difficult to keep from one year to the next without a greenhouse, but some people manage to do it quite successfully. You can leave an azalea that is being kept for another season in a location where it will receive at least four hours of indirect sunlight per day in the house or you can put it (in its pot) in a lightly shaded area in th garden when the night temperature does not go below about 13° C. You should fertilize the plant every two weeks with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants and keep the soil moist. If you put your azalea in the garden, be sure to bring it indoors again before the first fall frost. At this time you should put it in a cool (6° - 10° C), bright room for six to eight weeks so that the flower buds will develop. As soon as they begin to swell, move the plant to a warmer location (15° - 18° C). You can expect it to start blooming in six to 10 weeks. The third popular Christmas plant is the amaryllis. If you would like to keep it for another season, remove the flower spike when the plant has finished blooming and put the plant in full sunlight to maintain its foliage. Keep the soil moist and fertilize the plant with a water soluble fertilizer. When outside night temperatures remain above 13° C, you can put your amaryllis in the garden (in its pot) for the summer. Put it in a semi-shaded area and continue to water and fertilize it until the leaves begin to turn yellow in late summer or early fall. Then let the plant dry out, remove the foliage and put the pot on its side in a dry, cool place ( 10u - 13 C) until early to mid-December. Then put the plant in a sunny window and start watering it again. -30- 18 January 31, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUPERVISOR OF WEED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT APPOINTED Keith Price, head of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch, has announced the appointment of Denise Maurice to the position of supervisor of weed research and development. She replaces Ferrin Leavitt who has taken the position of head of the agri- cultural services branch in the engineering and rural services division. Ms. Maurice will be responsible for coordinating and carrying out research pro- grams associated with weed problems in Alberta. She was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she attended the University of Manitoba. She graduated in 1977 with a B. Sc. (agriculture), and then worked at the univer- city as a research technician in the Department of Plant Science. She was responsible for supervising weed research at the Graysville Research Station. In 1980 Ms. Maurice entered a Master's Program at the University of Manitoba, and her thesis topic was "The Differential Response of Green Foxtail and Yellow Foxtail to Water Stress". During her thesis program she was involved in extension work with Manitoba Agriculture concerning the biology and control of green foxtail, and she prepared a public- ation, entitled "Green Foxtail - Manitoba's Most Abundant Weed". She was president of the Plant Science Graduate Student Association in 1981-82. Phone: (403) 427-21 21 - 30 - Abatu AGRICULTl Print Media Brai 19 January 31 , 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REGIONAL SWINE TECHNICIAN APPOINTED AT RED DEER Art Lang, Alberta Agriculture's assistant supervisor of swine breeding, has announced the appointment of Russell Bomak to the position of regional swine technician at the Red Deer office, which serves about 25 members of the record of performance program in the area. Mr. Bomak will measure the backfat of live pigs with an ultrasonic machine and use this information plus the ages of the pigs to calculate an index that will show their overall genetic ranking. He will also promote and assist pig producers with swine Al in the Red Deer area. Mr. Bomak grew up on his parents' polled Hereford and grain farm in Manitoba, and subsequently worked as herdsman on Kveander Farms near Edmonton. It was a 60-sow farrow-to-finish purebred Yorkshire operation. Follow- ing this he became herdsman for B.W.G. Ventures near Grandview, Manitoba, which was a 150 commercial sow farrow-to-finish operation. Mr. Bomak had his own farm where he managed a 70-sow Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc and Berkshire operation plus purebred polled Herefordsand a grain enterprise. . -30- ane: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch T tlBHAH BHATNACAR M« MRS. LI BR AR Y MAIN FLOOR, AGRICULTURE BLOG. 9718 - I07TH STREET IUKM AGRf EDMONTON ALT A f£M0,\i ^ T5K 2Cfe ( BLOG • ) AGN 10^0002 February 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Agricultural Development Corporation's Third Quarter Lend.ng Results Announced .... , Cattle Price Outlook 3 Hog Price Outlook 5 Wheat Price Outlook Q Feed Grain Price Outlook Canola Price Outlook g Alberta Sugar Beet Situation c 9 farm Law Hard Times And You -J Q Home Study Horticultural Courses Appointment Of Controller For Agricultural Development Corporation. Regional Dairy Specialist Appointed 14 Ltj UT* iFI : TymiWii February 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S THIRD QUARTER LENDING RESULTS ANNOUNCED In announcing the lending results for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 1983, the chairman and managing director of the Agricultural Development Corporation, J. Harold Hanna, said the volume of direct loans levelled off during that period. The levelling off was mainly due to economic uncertainty and enabled the corporation's staff to catch up on the processing of new loan applications and to devote more attention to counselling and collection activities. The number of direct farm loans that were approved during the first nine months of the current fiscal year totalled 1,164 and were worth $160 million. Comparable figures for the same period in the previous fiscal year were 1,167 loans and $169 million. The number of loans to beginning farmers, which are included in the 1,164 loans mentioned above, were 901, and they were worth $128 million. Comparable figures for the same period in 1981-82 were 993 loans and $148 million. Conversely, the number of direct farm loans made to developing and established farmers increased to 263 in the first nine months of the current fiscal year and were worth $32 million compared with 174 loans worth $21 million for the same period in 1981-82. The increase reflects the additional demand for loans aimed at financial restructuring. The number of direct loans made during the same period to agribusinesses totalled 29 and were worth $8 million. These figures compare with 29 loans worth nearly $9 million xor the same period in the last fiscal year. During the first nine months of the present fiscal year 4,118 loans, worth $59.5 million, were approved under the corporation's principal guarantee program. These loans are called Alberta Farm Development Loans or AFDL's. A total of 3,525 loans, worth $47 million, were approved during the same period in the 1981-82 fiscal year. And the increased AFDL activity can be attributed to sharply lower bank interest rates, especially in the third Quarter of the current fiscal year. - (cont'd) - ydlbcrrc ?; AGRICULTUF 27-2121 Print Media Braru 2 - 2 - Agricultural Development Corporation's Third Quarter Lending Results Announced (cont'd) Specific guaranteed loans, worth $2.6 million, were extended to 39 farmers in the first nine months of 1982-83. Similar guaranteed loans were made during the same period to agribusinesses. They totalled 14 and were worth $35 million. In addition, 20 extensions to existing agribusiness operating loan guarantees were granted. They were worth $3.4 million. And this overall level of specific guarantee activity was up substantially frorri the same period a year earlier. Mr. Hanna indicated that the corporation's level of lending activity is likely to remain fairly constant for the remainder of the 1982-83 fiscal year. After that the activity level will depend upon the prospects of economic recovery generating a higher level of confid- ence in the agricultural industry. Mr. Hanna added that the corporation expects there will be an increase in the demand for assistance in the restructuring of existing debts on the part of both primary producers and agribusinesses. -30- February 7, 1983 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CATTLE PRICE OUTLOOK An abundant supply of fed cattle in North America will prevent prices from increasing during the first two-months of this year in spite of a seasonally rising demand. However, Gordon Herrington, livestock economist with Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch, says that A1 and A2 steer prices in Calgary should advance beyond the $70 per hundredweight level during this period, and that the price trend in March and April should be significantly upwards. Although cattle supplies normally decline in March and April in conjunction with a continued rise in demand, Mr. Herrington says that cattle numbers may now be as restricted as they were during the same period last year, and that this will mean price gains will not be as pronounced as they were in the spring of 1982. A1 and A2 steer prices in Calgary are not expected to have increased beyond the $80 per hundredweight range by the end of April. Thereafter, fed cattle prices will probably weaken marginally as supplies increase again, and the recent heavy placement of lightweight cattle-on-feed in the United States reach" the market. According to Mr. Herrington, fed cattle prices in the last half of 1983 will be determined to some extent by the strength of hog expansion and output during the last six months of this year, and by a potential decrease in non-fed cattle slaughter. Although, Mr. Herrington does not expect fed cattle prices to manifest the same amount of price weakness as they did in the last half of 1982, he says some weakening is anticipated. - (cont'd) - k. /dlberra AGRICULTURE 4 -2- Cattle Price Outlook (cont'd) He expects the demand for feeder cattle to sustain calf and feeder cattle prices at their present levels throughout 1982, but he thinks fed cattle prices will limit price advances for short-keep cattle. Slaughter cow prices are expected to improve during the first quarter of 1983, but prices may weaken during the second quarter if there is a significant amount of dairy herd culling. Mr. Herrington says a potential reduction in the volume of slaughter should cause cow prices to strengthen in the last few months of 1983. the above article is based on information that was available at the end of January. I 983 -30 - February 7, 1983 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOG PRICE OUTLOOK Alberta Hog prices during the first quarter of 1983 are likely to be in the neighbor- hood of $85 to $87 per hundredweight for 100 index hogs. Second quarter prices should be very similar and possibly peak during the April - May period, while third quarter prices are expected to weaken to the low $80 per hundredweight level. In the fourth quarter they will probably drop to the mid-$70 per hundredweight level. When suggesting this price outlook, Gordon Herrington of Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch said that competitive meat prices are expected to restrain hog prices in the first and second quarters of 1983 from making the advances that would be expected in view of the continued reduction in pork output during this period. After the first two quarters of 1983, an increase in hog production is expected to put downward pressurfeon prices, and the result of this downward pressure should be most evident in fourth quarter prices. Mr. Herrington does not think that the peaks in hog prices that were experienced last summer will be repeated again this year because of probable price levels of competitive meats. The above article is based on information that was available at the end of January, 1983. -30 - February 7, 1983 6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHEAT PRICE OUTLOOK World wheat prices, which are now at a two-and-a-half year low, are expected to remain weak in 1983. This is the opinion of Les Lyster, grain marketing economist with Alberta Agri- culture, who also expects the final payment for top grades of wheat to be meagre, and that there will be no final payment for Canada feed wheat. He says Canadian wheat supplies for the 1982-83 crop year are estimated to be 37.2 million tonnes or nearly 4 million tonnes higher than they were in the 1981-82 crop year. Canadian carryover stocks at the end of July 1983 were projected to be about 12 million tonnes, up 2.5 million tonnes from July 1982. And Mr. Lyster expects Canadian wheat exports to reach a record level during the present crop year. World wheat production is estimated at a record 471 million tonnes or 24 million tonnes more than it was in 1981-82. And world carryover stocks are estimated at 95 million tonnes or 16 per cent higher than they were during the 1981-82 crop year. The above article is based on information that was available at the end of January, 1983 -30- /dlberrc February 7, 1983 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEED GRAIN PRICE OUTLOOK Alberta Agriculture's grain marketing economist does not expect Prairie farmers to get a final payment for their feed barley, and he says he would not be surprised to see a 1983-84 initial payment of from $10 to $20 per tonne lower than this crop year's initial payment. Les Lyster also says non-board barley prices will probably remain near their current levels until about the May-June period when they are likely to start to decline. And country elevator bids are expected to be in the $70 per tonne range by the fall of this year. Canadian barley supplies in the 1982-83 crop year are estimated at a record 18.13 million tonnes or 1.2 million tonnes above what they were in 1981-82. Mr. Lyster thinks that barley exports will be slightly lower during the current crop year than they were in the last crop year and that barley carryover stocks will reach a record 5.3 million tonnes. This would be 1 .3 million tonnes higher than the July 1982 level. Canada's barley acreage is expected to decline by 15 per cent compared with 1982, which would result in a 1983 crop of around 11.4 million tonnes. However, barley supplies in 1983-84 are expected to be nearly 17 million tonnes, which would mean that total supplies for the next crop year would be only about one million tonnes less than they are in for the current crop year. The above article is based on information that was available at the end of January, 1983. -30- February 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 CANOLA PRICE OUTLOOK Canola prices are expected to remain generally weak for the next year, says Les Lyster, Alberta Agriculture's grain marketing economist. He believes there will be minor price rallies and that a slight narrowing of the base level should provide canola growers with an opportunity to sell the remaining portion of their 1982 crop at $290 to $295 per tonne in the February - March period. And he expects country elevator and crusher bids for canola to be in the $255 - $265 per tonne range next fall. In view of this outlook, farmers should plan to hedge a portion of their 1983 crop before they seed it. The 1982-83 Canadian canola supply/demand balance is very tight says Mr. Lyster. This is opposite to the world oilseed situation where the supply is more than adequate to meet world demand. Mr. Lyster reports that Canadian supplies of canola for the 1982-83 crop year are estimated to be nearly 2.8 million tonnes or 12 per cent below the 1981-82 level. And he says canola usage during the present crop year will be limited by a lack of supplies and poor crushing margins, and that carryover stocks will be extremely tight at around 580,000 tonnes. Canadian Wheat Board quotas for both crushers and exporters are expected to be large before the end of the present crop year. The above article is based on information that was available at the end of January, 1983. - 30 - Ah February 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 ALBERTA SUGAR BEET SITUATION The total payment for Alberta's 1982 sugar beet crop is not expected to reach $43.18 per tonne which was paid for the 1981 crop. In fact, it may be as low as $35 to $40 per tonne, and prices are expected to remain at or close to this level until the world sugar demand situation improves. According to Fred Boyce of Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch, Alberta sugar beet producers received an initial payment of $25 per tonne for their 1982 crop, which was $7 less than their 1981 initial payment and $15 less than their 1980 initial payment. He says the huge glut of surplus sugar on the world market precludes the possibility of a signifi- cant improvement in sugar prices for the foreseeable future. And he points out Canadian sugar prices reflect world prices for raw sugar, and that payments to sugar beet growers are directly related to developments in the international market place. However, since sugar beets are a "Designated" commodity under Agriculture Canada's Agricultural Stabilization Act, sugar beet growers may be eligible for a stabiliz- ation payment from the Agricultural Stabilization Board. Alberta's contract sugar beet acreage was down by 9 per cent in 1982 compared with 1981. This acreage reduction was mainly due to new beet varieties with a high yield potential and a limited processing capacity. However, sugar beet production was down by 34 per cent to 469,000 tonnes, compared with 1981 's record crop of 715,000 tonnes, because of poor growing and harvesting conditions. And there was considerable concern regarding the storage of frozen beets, but rapid processing kept losses to a minimum. - 30 - 10 February 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FARM LAW HARD TIMES AND YOU "Farm Tax Legislation - An Update". This is one of four topics related to legal matters that affect farmers and their families which will be featured in a seminar entitled "Farm Law, Hard Times and You", scheduled to take place in St. Albert and Spruce Grove towards the end of February. "Farm Tax Legislation — An Update" will deal with a number of recent changes in tax legislation that affect farmers. "Bankruptcies and Foreclosures" will outline the things a farmer should be aware of when dealing with suppliers and processors. This topic is very important in view of the increasing number of bankruptcies and foreclosures that are occurring. "The Law of Contracts" will explain how the law of contracts applies to such farm situations as the purchase and construction of buildings, the purchase of equipment, custom work, etc. It will answer such questions as when do you need a contract and where do you stand without one. "The Consumer and the Law". What are a consumer's rights when purchas- ing goods for the home or for the farm and what are his and the seller's responsibilities? The answers to these and other questions will be included in this presentation. Speakers at the seminar will be lawyers from Alberta Agriculture and from the private sector. There will also be a speaker from Alberta Consumer and Corporate Affairs. And the cost is only $5 per person or per couple! The seminar is being sponsored by Alberta Agriculture's northwest region, and it will be held at the St. Albert Inn in St. Albert on February 24 and at the Grove Motor Inn in Spruce Grove on February 25. - 30- 14^1 A O -i n 1 i 1 1 i February 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOME STUDY HORTICULTURAL COURSES Lakeland College's home study courses in horticulture have become so popular that the college is now receiving inquiries from as far away as Wisconsin, Wyoming and Iowa in the United States. Lakeland College is located in Vermilion, which is about 200 km east of Edmonton. Following is a brief description of the courses and their prices. • The Retail Nursery and Garden Centre Training Home Study Course is designed for people who work in such commercial fields as retail nurseries and garden centres. It is normally completed in 12 months, but can be completed in less time by students who have previous experience. The cost of the course, which includes the correspondence lessons, the marking of these lessons and a workshop, is $168. • The Grounds Maintenance 1 Home Study Course is designed for ground mainten- ance workers who have had little or no previous experience, and who would like to improve their knowledge of gardening procedures that pertain to the care of parks, cemeteries and other institutional grounds. It consists of 16 correspondence lessons and a three-day workshop. It is normally completed in a year and costs $168. Successful students receive a Certificate of Achievement. . • The Grounds Maintenance 1 1 Home Study Course is designed to improve the understanding and working knowledge of experienced groundskeepers and junior managers in a variety of areas related to grounds maintenence. Applicants must have taken the Grounds Maintenance 1 Home Study Course or have the equivalent education or experience to be eligible for the Grounds Maintenance Home Study Course 1 1, which consists of six comprehensive lessons. It is normally completed in a year and costs $125 plus $12.50 per day for those who want to attend the college's three-day workshop in March. Successful students will receive a Certificate of Achievement. - (cont'd) - -2- 12 Home Study Horticultural Courses (cont'd) • The Pesticide Applicators Home Study Course is designed for commercial pesticide applicators, health inspectors, grain elevator operators, agricultural fieldmen and others who are involved in the application of pesticides, but anyone who would like to know more about the effective and safe use of these products may take it. The course normally takes 12 months to complete and costs $135. • The Pesticide Dealers Home Study Course is designed for pesticide dealers who sell herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides, but anyone who would like to know more about pesticides and their effective and safe use may take this course. Basically, it provides training in the handling, sale, use and storage of pesticides, and it normally takes 12 months to complete. It costs $85 plus $12.50 per day for those who want to attend the three-day workshop in March. Lakeland College holds a horticultural workshop every year to complement its horticultural home study courses. This year the workshop will be held on March 7, 8 and 9, and, as usual, it has been arranged to meet the needs of people working in the horticultural and pesticide industries. If you would like more information on any of the above home study courses or on the workshop or if you would like to register for a course or for the workshop please contact the Home Study Division, Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta, TOB 4M0. • 30- February 7, 1983 13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APPOINTMENT OF CONTROLLER FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Dave Schurman, manager of financial services with the Agricultural Development Corporation has announced the appointment of Don Rebus to the position of controller of the corporation. Mr. Rebus completed his Bachelor of Business Administration and Commerce degree at the University of Alberta in 1973 and is currently writing his final examination for a registered industrial accountant degree (Rl A). Mr. Rebus spent the past seven years as branch controller for Cairns Homes Limited in Red Deer where he was active in the Rotary Club, the central Alberta Theatre and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoys cross-countcy skiing and raquetball, and he plans to move with his wife and children to Camrose in the near future. - 30 - 0.^ /m /dlbsrra AGRICULTURE February 7, 1983 14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REGIONAL DAIRY SPECIALIST APPOINTED K. J. Waldon, head of Alberta Agriculture's dairy processing branch, has announced the appointment of Brian Collis to the position of regional dairy special- ist in the department's dairy division in Lethbridge. Mr. Collis replaces A.O. (Tony) Aspeslet who retired at the end of December, 1982. Following his graduation from the University of Guelph, Ontario in 1978, Mr. Collis was appointed to the position of quality control supervisor at New Dundee Creamery Ltd. in Ontario. This plant manufactures butter, spray drink milk powders and custom spray dried blends. i tit" In 1981 Mr. Collis became supervisor of quality control at Dominion Dairies Ltd. in Toronto, which manufactures fluid milk and cultured milk products. The following year he became milk plant supervisor of Dominion Dairies and held that position until he joined Alberta Agriculture in January of this year. - 30- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 21 , 1983 THIS WEEK Television Special To Be Aired During Agriculture Week 1 Application Forms Available For Natural Gas Rebate Program 3 A Comparison Of Growth Implants 4 Computers 5 Alberta Consultants In International Markets 7 Warble Inspections 9 Cascade Oats Taking Over 10 Antibiotic Residues In Milk 11 Continuous Cropping Versus Summerfallowing Seminar 13 Nutrition Week In Alberta 14 Dairy Cattle Improvement Assistant Branch Head Appointed 15 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TELEVISION SPECIAL TO BE AIRED DURING AGRICULTURE WEEK Despite inflation, recession, and high inter- est rates, North Americans are privileged to live in a society that is the envy of the world. Did you ever stop to ask yourself why? "The Reason Why", a 30 minute docu- mentary film, looks at some of the reasons that we have a pretty good life in North America. Produced by Century II Motion Pictures for Alberta Agri- culture, the film will be televised during Agriculture Week, March 7 to 11. Radio and film personality Fil Fraser will host the program. The film shows that while many countries spend from 30 to 60 percent of their income on food, In the television special, "The Reason Why ", countries with a solid agricultural base spend less than host FIL FRASER looks at the role agri- culture plays in giving North Americans 20 percent. In countries with a strong agricultural a standard of living which is the envy of the world. The program will be aired industry, a few people work on farms and ranches. from March 7 to 1 1 . And in Canada only 4 percent of the work force are in primary agriculture but they initiate 40 percent of its economic activity and generate jobs for thousands of other Canadians. The film also shows that farming efficiency has increased dramatically during the last hundred years, meaning that fewer people are producing more. And it shows how agri- cultural exports have steadily grown, helping to fight world hunger and to improve Canada's balance of payments. - (cont'd) - 'none: (403) 427-21 21 ydlberrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc - 2 - 2 Television Special To Be _Aired_Dunng Agriculture Week (cont'd) We often take food production in this country for granted. But a solid agri- cultural base is the underlying reason we live in a society that is the envy of the world. "The Reason Why" will be aired on the following stations on the following dates and at the following times. CKRD Red Deer Mon. March 7 6:30 p.m. CFRN Edmonton Mon. March 7 7:00 p.m. CHAT Medicine Hat Mon. March 7 7:30 p.m CFCN Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat Wed. March 9 6:30 p.m CKSA Lloydminister Thur . March 10 7:00 p.m This film will be available on a free loan basis from the film library, Alberta Agri- culture, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta. T6H 5T6. More information can be obtained from Doug Pettit, Head, Broadcast Media Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. (Telephone: 427 - 2127). -30- 3 February 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APPLICATION FORMS AVAILABLE FOR NATURAL GAS REBATE PROGRAM Application forms are now available for rebates under the new Natural Gas Primary Agricultural Producers Rebate Program, which provides for a rebate of 50 C per gigajoule to primary agricultural producers such as farmers, greenhouse operators, etc. This rebate is in addition to the rebate that is already being received by Albertans under the Natural Gas Price Protection Plan. That original rebate has been, and still is reflected in the lower natural gas prices that Alberta consumers pay compared with con- sumers in other provinces. Under the new program farmers, etc., can claim 50C per gigajoule on any natural gas they use in excess of 300 gigaioules (about 285 Mcf) up to a maximum of 10,000 gigajoules (about 9,5000 Mcf). The Natural Gas Primary Agricultural Producers Rebate Program is retroactive to January 1, 1982 and will be terminated on December 31 , 1984. The rebates may be applied for any time during the year. Application forms can be obtained from natural gas distributors, district agri- culturists and the Rebates Branch, Alberta Utilities and Telecommunications, 12323 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 3Y9. If you have any questions on the program you should telephone Bryan Gallher, the manager of the Natural Gas Primary Agricultural Producers Rebate Program, at 422-1233. - 30 Ab&k AGRICULTU Print Media Brar 4 February 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A COMPARISON OF GROWTH IMPLANTS Do you implant your cattle with Ralgro or Synovex? Do you sometimes wonder whether you are using the best product? Ross Gould of the special projects section of Alberta Agriculture's beef cattle and sheep branch reports that a review of research papers and results obtained from 35 field trials carried out in both Canada and the United States show that Ralgro-implanted cattle gain an average of 10.7 per cent faster than untreated cattle, and that Synovex-implanted animals gain about 14.4 per cent faster than untreated animals. He says the responses to Ralgro in these 35 trials ranged from 1 .5 to 23.3 per cent and that the responses to Synovex ranged from -1.0 per cent to +35 percent. Standard deviations apparently suggest that most of the Ralgro-implanted animals would fall into the 5 to 16.5 per cent response range, while most of the Synovex- implanted animals would fall into the 6.5 to 22.2 per cent response range. The average response to Ralgro in the 12 trials that were carried out on pasture cattle was 12.6 per cent compared with 16 per cent for Synovex. Most of the responses to Ralgro in these 12 trials ranged between 5.9 and 19.3 per cent com- pared with the untreated cattle. The response range for most of the Synovex- implanted animals ranged from 9 to 23 per cent. According to Mr. Gould, trails carried out in Alberta by Alberta Agriculture in 1981 and 1982 showed results that were very similar to these. He says that Synovex-implanted animals achieved gains that were nearly four percentage points better than those obtained from Ralgro, but that the choice of product for use will be influenced by the ease of implanting, and such possible side-effects as riding among the steers. lone: (403) 427-21 21 -30- /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch February 21, 1983 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMPUTERS by Gary Fisher Farm Business Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Olds If you think the world will pass you if you do not buy a microcomputer, think again— you might just be wasting your money by purchasing one. To avoid wasting your money, you should make sure that the computer can do what you want it to do. An on-farm microcomputer can be used for: Financial Record Keeping - these programs are the most numerous and the most varied. To choose one, you should look at your present accounting methods. Do you use single or double entry? Do you keep track of your inventories, different enterprises, capital cost allow- ance or income taxes? Since no program will do all these things, you will have to set priorities. Physical Record Keeping - in this category programs for dairy and swine enterprises are the most commonly available. Those for beef (cow-calf and feedlot), straight grain, poultry and/or sheep enterprises are harder to find. You should be able to choose between at least three programs when selecting the most suitable one for your specific situation. You can use your manual system as a guide when making your selection, and be sure to pay close attention to the amount of data you will have to feed into the computer and the frequency with which you will have to feed it in. You might find the whole thing too much of a chore. Planning and Decision Aids - the user of these programs has to put numbers into the computer that describe the conditions under which the decision has to be made. The computer will analyze the numbers and come up with answers. Examples of this type of decision analysis include cashflow projections, crop budgets, machinery cost calculations, ration balancing, tax forecasting, land purchase analysis, etc. There are computer programs that are available, free of charge, from Alberta Agriculture and other public institutions, but beware! You must understand the kind of analysis that a particular program will do or it could be a case of "the blind leading the blind". - (cont'd) - Dne: (403) 427-21 21 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch Computers (cont'd) Communication - a microcomputer can provide most of the data and programs a user wants by communicating with a large computer. A large computer can be a storehouse of information on current market prices, weather etc., and it can also be a clearing house for electronic mail. For the person who has a microcomputer, all these services are only a telephone call away, but there are difficulties. They include such things as an unreliable party telephone line, the high cost of a large computer's time, long distance charges and the extra equipment required for communicating with a large computer. Personal Uses - personal uses run the gamut from games to word processing to personal record keeping. It is very important to remember that a machine that is good for games is not usually good for keeping financial records or physical records or for planning and making decisions. In fact, there are very few computers that can straddle the fine line between being a games machine and being a business machine. And to try to upgrade a games machine is simply throwing money away. How much will a microcomputer with the appropriate software (programs) cost? Any- where from $3,500 to $15,000, depending upon the complexity of the software and the capa- city of the computer. The cardinal rule when buying a computer system is to expect the soft- ware to account for 50 to 200 per cent of the cost of the computer itself. Knowledge is your best defence against making a bad buy. The COMPU-FARM News- letter is a good source of information, and it is available, free of charge, from the Farm Business Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1 P0. Another good source of information is the Agro-Electronics Show. It is sponsored by Alberta Agriculture, and will be held in Red Deer on April 15 and 16, 1983. -30- February 21, 1983 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA CONSULTANTS IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS by John Latham, International Trade Director, Alberta Agriculture It has been said that agriculture will become the resource boom of the "90's" or that it will be to the "90's" what oil was to the "70's". As the world staggers under an ever increasing population (growing at 70 million per year), agriculture is already gaining more and more attention, particularly among those nations which import a substantial portion of their food. Nations have come to realize now that the oil boom is over, that people still need to eat, and that agricultural production, an annually renewable resource, must be increased to feed the world's population. And that if possible, it should generate surpluses to earn much needed foreign exchange for subsequent development and growth. The need for food will increase, not only as a result of the population growth, but also as a result of agricultural mismanagement and inefficiency, particularly in Third World countries. Areas such as Iraq, Nigeria and Venezuela, once almost self-sufficient in food production, have fallen badly in their agricultural output and must now import a substantial quantity of their food. The overdependence on primarily North American agricultural supplies has invested both Canada and the United States with extraordinary economic and political power. A poor harvest in North America, for example, would set off global inflation and increase hunger in the Third World unless they make massive investments in the development of food to counterbalance this threat. The total world area available for cropping is estimated to be 4.1 billion hectares (including multiple cropping), and less than half of this area is cropped in any given year. Hence, there is substantial room for agricultural expansion, providing the capital for land reclamation, irrigation, infrastructures and appropriate technology are available. e: (403) 427-2121 - (cont'd) - ydlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 8 -2- Alberta Consultants In International Markets (cont'd) A recent Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) study, "Agriculture, Towards 2000", estimates that the total agricultural investment in the 90 developing countries on the FAO list will be $78 billion by 1990 and $107 billion by the year 2000. Some of this invest- ment will come from within the economy of these countries, but the bulk of it will come from the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, regional development banks and bi-lateral aid programs. The Canadian International Development Agency (CI DA) has recently revised its priorities and placed agricultural assistance foremost on its list. At present one-third of CIDA's $1 billion annual budget goes for agricultural programs and food aid, and this amount will increase over the next few years. Through years of need, Canadian producers and processors have adapted and engin- eered new technology to meet the demands of a growing nation. Alberta's consulting firms have taken this acquired knowledge in crop, soil and animal science, farm management and food processing and are using it throughout the world to update and improve the capab- ilities of countries to meet their food needs. And Alberta Agriculture's market development group is working with Alberta's consulting firms in an attempt to seek out new consulting opportunities which can vary from undertaking a $10,000 prefeasibility study on setting up a feedlot in Mexico to designing, constructing and operating a $150 million, 5,000 hectare irrigated wheat project in the middle of the Libyan desert. These projects are of interest not only because they provide employ- ment for our highly skilled agrologists and profits for our agricultural consulting firms, but because they also give us the opportunity to provide equipment and agricultural inputs like breeding cattle, seed and fertilizers. Furthermore, as more of our consultants become active abroad, our intelligence feedback on the development plans and agricultural needs of these countries will become better, thereby allowing Alberta exporters to get their foot in the door early. The opportunities and challenges for Alberta's agricultural consultants are immense, and the staff of the market development group will continue to assist and support this vital component of our industry. -30- February 21, 1953 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WARBLE INSPECTIONS Although the number of warble infested slaughter cattle in Alberta dropped to only 6 per cent in 1982 from 14 per cent in 1980, warbles are still robbing Alberta farmers of $2 million a year. And they are costing the packing industry another $500 thousand in lost time, devalued hides and devalued carcasses. It is for this reason that warble inspections are being continued again this spring in all cattle markets and terminal stockyards as part of the province's total warble infestation monitoring system. Alberta Agriculture's livestock pest control specialist, Dr. Ali Khan, reminds cattlemen that the Agricultural Pest Act requires every cattle producer in Alberta to take the necessary measures to destroy all warble grubs in their cattle every year. He says that all counties, municipal districts, improvement districts and special areas in the province are officially warble control areas. He also says that agricultural service board fieldmen and their appointed inspectors will be visiting farms that have a history of warble infestations towards the end of March and in April to advise and help their owners to organize a better warble control program. The monitoring of warble infested carcasses will also continue at packing plants so that sources of infested cattle can be identified. The information that is collected will be used to help local agricultural service boards with their extension education programs and to enforce the warble control program in Alberta. -30- Akexia AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-2121 Print Media Branch February 21, 1933 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CASCADE OATS TAKING OVER Cascade oats seem to be taking over in Western Canada. Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House, Phil Dixon, reports that they accounted for more than 1 1 per cent of the over 3.8 million acres seeded to oats last year even though they were only licensed in April 1979. "This," he says, "repres- ents a phenominal success." Developed at the federal research station in Lacombe, Cascade oats were selected from a Random X Forward cross, and they are well suited to the black and grey wooded soil zones of Aiberta. Mr. Dixon also reports that on the average Cascade oats have outyielded Harmon oats by more than 18 per cent and Random oats by over 1 1.5 per cent. And that they have cut\ie!ded Grizzly oats bv nearlv 8.5 per cent. Their relative maturity, the point at which 50 per cent heading occurs, is medium-late In the Lacombe area this point is reached in 113 day; compared with 114 days for Random oats, 115 days for Harmon oats and about 117 days for Grizzly oats. Cascade oats have a medium tall straw and good resistance to both lodging and shattering Specifically, their lodging resistance is better than that of Grizzly, equal to that of Harmon and slightly inferior to that of Random. The kernels of Cascade oats are medium in length and width (similar to those of Random) and yellow in color. Their weight is similar to that of Grizzly and Random and heavier than that of Frazer and Harmon. Mr. Dixon says Cascade oats are not recommended for areas in Western Canada tha ; are susceptible to stem and crown rust or to smut. 30 A\ba\a AGRICULTURE (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch February 21, 1983 1 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ANTIBIOTIC RESIDUES IN MILK Did you know that all fluid milk is tested daily at milk processing plants for the presence of antibiotics? If any antibiotic residue whatsoever is found in the milk, there are severe reper- cussions for the dairyman. In addition to receiving no payment for the shipment involved, he will be subjected to a 2.5 per cent penalty on his monthly returns for a first offence. Tracy Dow, Alberta Agriculture's dairy farm specialist at Lethbridge, says that the presence of the smallest amount of antibiotic residue in milk is enough to render it useless for making cultured products like cheese and yogurt. And even more serious from the con- sumer's point of view is the fact that antibiotic-contaminated milk could cause severe compli- cations for people who are allergic to these drugs. According to Mr. Dow, a dairyman must develop a fool-proof system of identify- ing cows that have been treated with an antibiotic, and he must make sure that everybody who handles these cows knows which ones they are so that their milk does not get into the bulk tank. He must also keep exact records that show when the antibiotic treatment was started and when the milk will be saleable again. As an additional safeguard, it is recommen- ded that milk be held back for 24 hours longer than the period stated on the product label. Because the with-holding period varies with different antibiotics, as do the admin- istration procedures, a dairyman must read the instructions on the product he is using very carefully, and he must follow them to the letter. If a veterinarian is responsible for the herd health, the herd owner must know exactly what the veterinarian has done, and he must know if any milk with-holding times are involved. - (cont'd) - one: (403) 427-21 21 ydlborra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 12 - 2 - Antibiotic Residues In Milk (cont'd) Mr. Dow says that ideally, all cows that have been treated with an antibiotic should be milked last. When this procedure is not possible, all equipment which comes in contact with the treated milk has to be thoroughly washed with an alkaline cleaner. This would include inflations, claws, milklines, weigh jars, etc. If there is any possibility that milk could be contaminated by antibiotics, Mr. Dow recommends that the dairyman telephone his processing plant and request that a test be done on the milk before it leaves the farm. Since even the smallest amount of antibiotic contamination can and will be detected, it is much less expensive to have a test done before shipping the milk than to have it rejected at the plant. - 30- February 21 , 1983 13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTINUOUS CROPPING VERSUS SUMMERFALLOWING SEMINAR Continuous Cropping or Summerfaliowing? What Do You Think? Continuous Cropping or Summerfaliowing is the theme of a seminar that will be held in the community hall in Castor on March 4. The registration deadline is February 28. Sponsored by Alberta Agriculture, the seminar will cover soil salinity and summer- fallowing, soil moisture conservation practices; tillage and seeding equipment for soil moisture conservation; soils and summerfaliowing; the economics of continuous cropping versus summer- fallowing; and the producer's perspective of continuous cropping. The latter will be a panel discussion. Department; Dr. W. Nicholaichuk, hydrologist at Agriculture Canada's Swift Current research station in Saskatchewan; B. Dyck, design engineer at Swift Current; H. Vander Pluym, soil specialist, Alberta Agriculture, Lethbridge; and Garry Bradshaw, regional farm economist, Alberta Agriculture, Red Deer. The cost of the seminar is $1 5 per person or $20 for a husband and wife. For further information on the seminar or to register contact Alberta Agriculture's district offices in Coronation (578-3970); Sedgewick (384-3737) or Stettler (742-4481). Speakers will include Dr. B. McGill, chairman of the University of Alberta's Soil -30 - ane: (403) 427-21 21 February 21, 1983 14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NUTRITION WEEK IN ALBERTA "Choose Nutrition Now ... It Pays" is the theme of the National Nutrition Month which is being held in Alberta from March 7-12. Nutrition Month is co-ordinated each year by the Canadian Dietetic Association in cooperation with a number of other groups. "With Alberta Agriculture being represented on this year's provincial Nutrition Week Committee, we have been able to distribute inform- ation kits to all home economists", says Linda St. Onge who is with Alberta Agriculture's home economics laboratory in Edmonton. "And in some areas Nutrition Week activities are being linked with Agriculture Week activities." Choose Nutrition Now .. It pays is especially true in this time of economic reces- sion. It is important to remember that many foods grown and processed in Alberta are both nutritious and economical. Such local vegetables as carrots, potatoes, rutabagas and tomatoes are often available fresh all the year round. And breads, cereals, pasta, eggs, poultry, beef, cheeses, milk and yogurt — all produced or processed in Alberta — are good value for the money, and they are all foods that are wise selections on the basis of the four food groups in Canada's Food Guide. -30- AhexK AGRICULTUF Print Media Bran< February 21, 1983 15 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAIRY CATTLE IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANT BRANCH HEAD APPOINTED A. A. Hughes, head of Alberta Agriculture's dairy cattle improvement branch, has announced the appointment of Brian Rhiness to the position of assistant branch head. In this position Mr. Rhiness will be responsible for dairy herd improvement (DHI ) field operations and will work closely with producer groups and government departments to meet the goals of the dairy industry. He is a 1978 graduate of the University of Guelph in Ontario where he majored in animal science. Prior to joining Alberta Agriculture, Mr. Rhiness held various positions with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. They included assistant agricultural represent- ative (Hamilton-Wentworth) and a special assignment to the 1982 Ontario Farm Adjustment Assistance Program. He was also co-ordinator of the Ontario DHI Program. Mr. Rhiness, his wife Janice and sons Brandon and Michael are presently living in Wetaskiwin. -30 - one: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 28, 1983 THIS WEEK 1983 Grasshopper Forecast For Alberta 1 Forage Cultivar Program 2 Response Of Steers To Trace Minerals On Pasture 3 Agriculture Computer Fair 5 U.S. Agricultural Outlook Presented At Montana Farm Forum 6 Farm Implement Act Administration 9 Choosing A Record System To Match Your Needs 11 Money To Start Farming 13 Phone: (403) 427-2121 Liberia AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1983 GRASSHOPPER FORECAST FOR ALBERTA The 1983 Grasshopper Forecast for Alberta shows that four regions could have serious problems. Last year's infestations in all four of these regions ranged from moderate to very severe and it is felt that such levels could create serious problems this year. One region is located south of the Battle River and is bounded by the Saskatchewan border, Wainwright, Hardisty and Provost. Another is located northeast of Calgary and extends southeast to Strathmore and Drumheller. A third lies on a line running northwest of Vermilion and extending through St. Paul to Lac La Biche and Athabasca. And the fourth is in M. D. 135 in the Peace River region and extends west from the town of Peace River. The severity of grasshopper infestations in the spring depends upon the weather. If the spring is early and the weather is warm and dry, the threat to crops is increased because these conditions are favourable to the early hatching and development of grasshoppers. On the other hand, the threat will be somewhat lessened if the spring is cool and wet, but the hatching period is likely to be prolonged. The 1983 Alberta Grasshopper Forecast is based on grasshopper population surveys that were coordinated by the federal research station at Lethbridge in cooperation with county and municipal fieldmen in the late summer of 1982. -30- Dne: (403) 427-21 21 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch February 28, 1983 2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORAGE CULTIVAR PROGRAM Data obtained from the Forage Cultivar Program, conducted jointly by Agriculture Canada and Alberta Agriculture in the Peace River Region, serve the province's forage seed industry by enabling both seed growers and seed trade officials to prepare meaningful con- tracts. Under the direction of Henry Najda, a forage agronomist at the federal research station in Beaverlodge, the program is designed to provide information on the seed production, herbage capability and the general adaptability of named foreign perennial grass and legume cultivar compared with Canadian standard varieties. The information is used by the Canadian forage seed industry to help it to develop production contracts and seed export markets. According to Mr. Najda, the varieties being tested under the program are those that are currently being produced for the export seed trade. They are bromegrass, red fescue, timothy, alsike clover and alfalfa. Other varieties that appear interesting are also tested from time to time. The tests are carried out at six different locations in the Peace River region and each site has a series of demonstration plots that include perennial forage species that are generally adapted to that particular area. Mr. Najda says the plots have proved very useful for local seed producers who want to compare variety and species differences in their own regions. And he expects that the program will eventually provide data that will be used for developing recommendations for grasses and legumes that are intended to be seeded alone or in mixtures for herbage production. You can obtain further information on the Forage Cultivar Program from Mr. H. Najda, Beaverlodge Research Station, Box 29, Beaverlodge, Alberta, TOH 0C0 (Telephone: 354-2212). -30- nP! (403) 427-21 21 ydlbc^rrc AGRICULTUP Print Media Branc 3 February 28, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RESPONSE OF STEERS TO TRACE MINERALS ON PASTURE By Ross Gould Special Projects Section Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch Alberta Agriculture The nutrition section staff of Alberta Agriculture's beef cattle and sheep branch report that more than 80 per cent of the forage samples submitted for trace mineral analysis each year are marginal to deficient in copper and zinc, both of which are essential to the enzyme systems of cattle. These minerals are involved in the growth of bones, the pro- duction of hair and muscle protein as well as in the metabolism of vitamin A and the hemo- globin in red blood cells. Deficiencies can result in nutritional anemia, bleached hair, bone and joint weaknesses, lameness, hoof problems, nervous disorders, stunted growth and reproductive problems. With this in mind, the staff in the nutrition and special projects sections of the beef cattle and sheep branch began a cooperative trial in 1981 on the Thorhild Grazing Reserves with the grazing reserves section of Alberta Energy and Natural Resources. The Thorhild reserve was chosen because it has two similar and adjacent pastures located close to the headquarter corrals where the cattle could be weighed each month. The purpose of the trial was to find out whether supplying a trace mineralized salt would increase gains in yearling steers on pasture. Grazing Reserve Trial In 1981 and 1982 yearling steers from patrons were randomly assigned to one of two pastures. The steers in the "control" pasture received cobalt-iodized salt and a range mineral containing equal parts of calcium and phosphorus (1:1 mineral), while the steers in the "trace mineral" pasture received a cobalt-iodized salt which had been fortified with copper, zine, manganese and selenium. Steers in the "trace mineral pasture" also received the liberie hone: (403) 427-21 21 4 Response Of Steers To Trace Minerals On Pasture (cont'd) 1 : 1 mineral. Each steer in both pastures had access to 3.2 acres of renovated pasture which contained native grass and clover species. The pasture conditions in early 1982 were dry, and gains during that year were lower than normal for the steers in both the "control" and the "trace mineral" pasture. To test whether there were differences in the pastures them- selves, the "control" and "trace mineral" treatments were switched in the second year of the trial. Results: Analysis of results for the two years showed that during the four month grazing season, the steers in the "control" pasture gained 197.2 (-19.5) pounds, while those in the "trace mineral" pasture gained 216.9 (-19.87) pounds. While there was a difference of 19.7 pounds or 10 percent between the gains of the steers in the two pastures, preliminary analysis of the data did not show a statistical significance. Consequently, these results should be con- sidered as preliminary. Analysis of the results also suggested that the gains of yearling steers on pasture are affected by the type of growing season and individual pasture differences, even when the pastures are located side by side. The extra gain obtained by supplying trace mineral supplements is also likely to be affected by these factors. Nevertheless, the extra cost per animal of supplying a trace mineralized salt is so small in comparison with the cost of cobalt-iodized salt that a response of even one-tenth of that shown in our results would still be profitable. When samples of forage from the pastures used in this trial were analyzed for trace minerals, the results showed that the pastures were either marginal or deficient in copper, zine, and selenium. Hence, a response to the trace mineralized salt was expected. Implications for profit What do these results mean in practical terms? First it should be remembered that not all feeds will be deficient in the trace minerals studied in this trial. If there is no deficiency, there will probably be no response to a trace mineralized salt. However, most Alberta forage-based diets are likely to be borderline to deficient in copper and zinc. - (cont'd) - -3- Resoonse Of Steers To Trace Minerais On Pasture (cont'd) At the present time it costs only from 20c tc 50 per head to provide cattle with trace mineralized salt over the -umnr.er grazing season. In the case of the Thorhild Grazing Reserve, the extra gains obtained from feeding a mineralized salt had amounted to about 20 pound" per steer by the end of the summer grazing period. At 70 per pound, this gain would be worth $14, and the benefit to cost ratio would be an extra return of between $30 and $70 for each $1 spent on providing a trace mineralized salt as opposed to providing a cobalt- c c iodized salt. Unde; present marketing conditions, the extra 20 to 50 per animal spent over the summer would, on the provision of a mineralized salt, be covered by an extra gain of less than one pound per head. Howevei it should be emphasized again that the results obtained from the above trial should be considered as preliminary and as specific to the conditions on the Thorhild Grazing Reserve. But if an analysis of your feed shows marginal to low levels of either copper or zinc, a trace mineralized salt, now available f,om a number of Alberta feed companies, is recommended. -30- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRICULTURE COMPUTER FAIR The Northeastern Alberta Branch of the Alberta Institute of Agrologists and Lakeland College will oe sponsoring an agricultural computer fair on the Campus of Lakeland College in Vermilion on March 10 from 1 :00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 30 - Ahexta AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch February 28, 1983 6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK PRESENTED AT MONTANA FARM FORUM by Allen Toly, District Agriculturist, Claresholm Approximately 800 American farmers and agri-business personnel attended the 18th annual meeting of the Farm Forum in Shelby, Montana, which, in addition to display- ing the latest agricultural technology and equipment, brought the top agricultural officials from across the United States together to present their outlook information. The vice-president of agricultural marketing with Elanco, Robert Book, pointed out how the 1980 Russian embargo reduced U.S. grain exports, and that the volume of grain supplied to the Russians dropped to 23 per cent in 1982 form 72 per cent in the period from 1971-1980. He also said that the 1980 embargo triggered a 20 per cent increase in grain production in other exporting countries, which felt that they could take advantage of the situation. Book stressed the need for market development as is exemplified by the model bakery that the United States Wheat Growers Association built in China in 1980. In this project the American government provided $4 for every one dollar spent by the wheat growers association. The wheat growers are hoping that this type of promotion will increase wheat sales to China, which has 25 per cent of the world's population. The $2.5 billion Blended Credit Program and a recently passed bill that will prevent any American president in the future from undertaking a grain embargo unless diplo- matic relations have been formally severed, as was the case with Iran, are two other strategies the United States has adopted to increase its grain exports. And the new American grain reduction program called Payment in Kind (PI K ^ was reviewed by Everet Snortland, director of Montana's Agricultural Stabilization Conserv- ation Service. He pointed out that PIK is a voluntary crop surplus reduction program with a March 1 1, 1983 sign-up deadline. Under it an American grain farmer who, for example, had lone: (403) 427-21 21 - (cont'd) - /dlberra AGRICULTURE -2- 7 Agricultural Outlook Presented At Montana Farm Forum (cont'd) se+ aside 20 per cent of his crop acreage last year under the Reduced Acreage Program (RAP) could put another 10 to 30 per cent of his intended 1983 crop acreage under the PIK Program. A. farmer who participates in the PIK Program is given 95 per cent of ihe base yield he would have got from each acre he has taken out of production. Most of this grain is probably already on his farm under government storage, in which case he would be receiving a loan payment from the Commodity Credit Corporation. This loan is forgiven when the farmer sells his grain, which he is allowed to do anytime in the fall. If he has no grain in government storage, but stili takes acreage out of crop production under PIK, he will be given a warehouse receipt for stored Commodity Credit Corporation grain, which may be in another state. When he wants to sell this grain, he can swap it at his local elevator if it is in another area of the country. Shortland also pointed out that acres taken out of crop production under PIK cannot be seeded to a designated crop as is the case under the RAP program. However, if the acreage was seeded to winter wheat last fall, the crop can be grazed or used for making hay until July 15. On the other hand, summerfallow land that is sown to a cover crop to prevent soil p-rosion cannot be grazed or used for making hay from May to September. The PIK Program will be phased out as soon as the grain that is currently under government storage has been disposed of. Larry Schultz, vice-president of Peavey Grain Companies, reviewed alternative grain marketing opportunities in the United States. They are the producers offer book, the basis contract, the deferred payment contract, the acreage contract and the hedge. Mr. Schuitz discussed the details of each and pointed out that the September futures for 14 per cent protein winter wheat in Minneapolis was $3.61 per bushel, and he said he did not think that American farmers were making full use of these marketing opportunites. Dr. Hirman Drache, a noted agricultural author, concluded the program by pointing out that historical data shows countries with a large number of farmers have poorer and less efficient farms than those with fewer farmers and are, therefore, less productive. He said a small number of farms in a country means that only the best are surviving and that they - (cont'd) - Agriculture Outlook Presented At Montana Farm Forum (cont'd) are providing more efficient production. He cited China as an example of a country that is trying to reduce the number of its farmers by diverting them into industrial jobs to improve the country's trade balance and to increase its food production by leaving only its better farmers on the land. Dr. Drache said that 67 per cent of American farm income currently comes from non-farm sources, and that 92 per cent of all farmers in the United States have off- farm jobs. He also said that a recent survey of 614 American farmers who went bankrupt showed that 35 per cent went bankrupt because ofpoor management, 34 per cent because of high interest rates, 27 per cent because of overborrowing, 18 per cent because of overspend- ing and 1 1 per cent because of poor prices. In another survey, Dr. Drache found that the six "M's"; mate, motivation management, money, marketing and mechanization are the most important factors leading to a successful farm or ranch operation. The six personal keys to success that he cited included a harmonious mate relationship, adversity (it makes you stronger), changing banks when necessary, goal setting, the desire for success and pride in achievement. Dr. Drache blasted the American government for its programs that are aimed at providing low cost food to consumers, and he pointed out that this "social" type of legisl- ation is widely supported by predominantly urban politicians. He also pointed out that the American agricultural debt has doubled in every decade since 1940 and will continue to do so. -30- >4lbcrra AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch February 28, 1983 9 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FARM IMPLEMENT ACT ADMINISTRATION Have you recently purchased a piece of farm equipment or had a piece of mechanical equipment installed in a farm building? Or are you planning to do either of these things in the future? And are you aware of the protection that you have under the Alberta Farm Implement Act Administration? This act covers both new and used farm equipment that has a retail sales value of $1,000 or more. And it states that the warranty on a piece of farm equipment must remain in force for at least a year from the date that the piece of equipment is first used in its normal season of use (i.e. a baler in the haying season, a combine in the harvesting season etc). In the case of a newly installed piece of mechanical equipment in a barn, the act states that the warranty period starts when the installation has been completed and the equipment is first used. The provisions of a warranty that cover farm equipment require that it is made of good material, that is has been properly constructed from the points of view of design and workmanship and that it is in good working order. However, to be covered by the warranty the piece of equipment must be properly operated under reasonable conditions and it must be properly maintained. The Farm Implement Act Administration also states that the purchaser of a piece of farm equipment must sign a sales contract which contains a complete description of the equipment and/or its components, its serial and model numbers as well as a description of the warranty. If the contract involves more than one piece of equipment, it should show the purchase price of each piece and/or attachments. And it should state the horsepower of any motor or engine. Anyone who signs a contract to purchase a piece of farm equipment is not lone: (403) 427-21 21 - (cont'd) - ydlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch -2- 10 JzacsJmiilemfint Act Administration .{cont'd ) bound by *he contract until it has been signed by the dealer or by an authorized represent- ative of the dealer or until the purchaser has taken delivery of the equipment, whichever occurs first. If the purchaser takes delivery of the equipment, he does not have to have the contract approved by the dealer for it to come into force. !n the event that a new piece of equipment, which has been properly maintained and used under reasonable operating conditions, fails to do its job satisfactorily during the first 10 days of its use, the purchaser should inform the vendor, the dealer and the minister of agriculture of this fact by registered mail. The vendor or the dealer must endeavor to make it perform satisfactorily within seven reasonable working days after having received this notice. If curing this period the vendor or the dealer still cannot make the equipment work satisfact- orily, he must provide the purchaser with a replacement within 48 hours. Finally, the Farm Implement Act Administration requires all farm equipment dealers and vendors to be licensed and bonded. Hence, anyone who is purchasing new or used equipment in Alberta should make sure that the dealer from whom he plans to make his purchase holds a valid provincial license. Such a license will contain the inscription "Farm Implement Dealer's License". Detailed information on the Farm Implement Act Administration can be obtained from Allen Krahn, Engineering and Rural Services Division Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 5T6 (Telephone: 427-2188). -30- February 28, 1983 1 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHOOSING A RECORD SYSTEM TO MATCH YOUR NEEDS by Ron Cuthbert, Farm Business Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Olds, Alberta Do you find the world of record keeping books a jungle? How do you know which of the hundreds of record keeping books to choose? And to make matters even more compli- cated, there is now an assortment of computerized record keeping alternatives. So what do you do? This article takes a brief look at some of the things you should consider when choosing a farm record system. Even though it does not cover everything, and your particular situation is not likely to oe exactly the same as another situation, there are some general princ- iple- that you should find of some assistance. First, you should write down what you want your records to achieve. Do you want them for filing your income tax returns, for a financial analysis or for a cost analysis of one of your enterprises? It is important to know your desired end result so that you can set up j system that will emphasize the specific area that you have chosen and that will assess your overall business situation with the minimum of outside help. Accouniing is neither simple nor straight forward. However, you can get a lot of very useful information from a good set of records and the help of an accountant. And remember, the more information you require, the more complicated and expensive your recorded system is likely to be. Records that are kept for filing income taxes can be adapted and "beefed up" to the point where they can also be used to do a business analysis. There are a number of Alberta Agriculture publications that will help you to analyze your farm business, one of which is called "Analysing A Farm Business". It shows you how to compile an accrual income state- ment from a cash tax statement, and it gives you some useful enterprise cost benchmarks. Another publication, entitled "The Financial Management Package" (Agdex 810), takes you step-by-step through the financial analysis process. Since the area of cost or management accounting is wide open, you can design a sys:em that suits your own specifications. It should include special studies for purchasing decisions, machinery cost comparisons (repair and operating costs), enterprise analysis and so Abena -(cont'd) AGRICULTURE Choosing a Record System To Match Your Needs (cont'd) Two other Alberta Agriculture publications that are recommended to help you to establish a good farm record system are "Income and Expenses — Basic Records for Alberta Farmers" and the "Prairie Provinces Farm Account Book." The first publication contains a ledger type system and is designed especially for keeping tax records. It enables the user to separate farm expenses from non-farm expenses, and, thereby, makes income tax preparation considerably easier than would otherwise be the case. It also enables the user to do a bank reconciliation every month. The second publication contains a single entry system and is geared more towards cost accounting than is "Income and Expenses — Basic Record for Alberta Farmers," and it is geared towards the analysis of special problems. It will help the user with his machinery and enterprise input costing by providing him with specific accounts and instructions for these areas. And it can be used for recording wages and family labor. Most computerized accounting systems are in the double entry accrual form and thev are excellent for business analysis. However, they have to be adapted for income tax filing. Many computerized accounting systems contain subsystems for general ledger, accounts payable and accounts receivable, payroll, inventory control and fixed asset records. Some even contain management accounting packages such as job cost systems. When choosing a computerized accounting system, you should choose one that will meet the needs of your specific situation. If, for example, you employ farm labor, you could find a payroll package very useful, providing that it contains the latest Canadian deduction calculations. Following are some more Alberta Agriculture publications that are recommended for helping you to choose a record keeping system. • "Guide to Physical Record Systems For Alberta Farmers" (818-5) • "How to Select An Accountant And Obtain Maximum Benefits" (FS 818-14) • "Selecting A Farm Business Record System" (FS 810-10) • "Organizing A Filing System (FS 818-9) Further information on farm record keeping systems may be obtained from Alberta Agriculture's district office and from the Farm Business Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1 P0 (Telephone: 556-4240). -30- 13 February 28, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONEY TO START FARMING How much land does one need to start farming today? The amount of land needed to make a viable farm unit depends upon the type of operation planned, the intensity of production and management. If you intend to grow mainly field crops, you may need one or two sections of good arable land. If, on the other hand, you plan to have a confinement sheep operation, you will need only a very small acre- age., providing that you are prepared to buy all or most of your feed. Alberta Agriculture's regional farm economists, working in conjunction with the production economics branch, have compiled data on average costs and returns from various agricultural enterprises throughout the province. The data represents the opinion of groups of farmers within specific areas who are all involved in producing the same commodity. The CRDs (Consensus Research Data) which contain this cost and return informa- tion cover such operations as native range improvement in the Medicine Hat area, irrigated carrot production in the eastern irrigation district, cow-calf yearling operations in Willow Creek, rapeseed and barley production on 1 ,200 acres in the Spirit River region, etc. Your district agriculturist probably has copies of any CRDs that pertain to your area and a list of all the CRDs that are available; If you are a beginning farmer where can you get some training? Will you qualify for a loan to buy your land? And where can you apply for a loan? Answers to these and other questions are contained in a new factsheet entitled "Money to Start a Farm" (FS 832-1 ). You can get a copy from your district agriculturist or from the Print Media Branch, Alberta Agri- culture, 7000 -113 Street, Edmontorr, Alberta , T6H 5T6. -30- lone: (403) 427-2121 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Brancr FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 1983 THIS WEEK Trading Opens In Alberta Domestic Feed Bark ■/ Futures Market 1 Agricultural Prices And Indexes Report 3 Farm Tax Filing 5 Canada's Forage Seed Situation 10 Urea Fertilizer Easy To Store 12 Geophysical Farm Forums To Be Presented In March 13 Agro-Electronic Show To Be Held I n Alberta 15 Southern Alberta Food Processors Given A Financial Boost 16 Be Careful When Selling Seed 17 District Home Economist Appointed To Brocks 18 Phone: (403) 427-2121 ^Iberia AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 1 March 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TRADING OPENS IN ALBERTA DOMESTIC FEED BARLEY FUTURES MARKET Alberta Agriculture Minister LeRoy Fjordbotten has announced the official open- ing of trading in the new Alberta Domestic Feed Barley Futures Market at the Winnipeg Com- modity Exchange. Mr. Fjordbotten said this is a very important event for all Alberta grain growers and livestock feeders. He also said "It is an opportunity many of us have long waited for-the chance to establish accurate feed barley prices based on conditions in the province where most Canadian feed barley is grown and where a large portion of that product is used." Alberta is Canada's largest barley grower producing, on average, more than six million tonnes per year. Approximately half of this production is consumed within the province. In addition to providing a price discovery mechanism, the new market also offers a price hedging vehicle to Alberta barley growers and users as well as those in Western Saskatchewan and British Columbia. "I have full confidence in the capability of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange to make this project a success," said Mr. Fjordbotten. "This idea of a feed barley futures market took time to mature. It was first discussed in 1973, but now that a market is up and going, I fully expect it to become the predominant price-setter in Canada for feed barley." While trading will be conducted in Winnipeg, the Commodity Exchange has made special arrangements for members of the Alberta Stock Exchange to participate in barley futures trading if they desire. However, the minister indicated that the most important purpose for initiating the market was to establish fair feed barley prices. hone: (403) 427-2121 - (cont'd) - /liberie AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc 2 -2- Trading Opens In Alberta Domestic Feed Barley Futures Market (cont'd) "I think this trading will more accurately reflect the market than any other tool we now have. On any given day it should give us a made-in-Alberta price, without any unnatural influences, other than the daily limits on price movement previously set by the exchange." The major obstacle still remaining for the market, according to Mr. Fjordbotten, is the refusal of the Canadian Wheat Board to alter delivery quotas to facilitate trading. Over- regulation of the national feed grain market is another concern he noted. "We want local markets to establish prices and we would like to see feed grain trading to be as free of regulations as possible. Those are our aims. They are basic freedoms that Canadian and Alberta farmers have a right to expect. "Therefore, we will continue our efforts to promote de-regulating the domestic feed grain industry, "said the minister. "We want a fair, free and open market which will allow prices to reflect not only global but also domestic market conditions. "With the help of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange, I feel that establishing the Alberta Domestic Feed Barley Futures Market is a very positive move in that direction." -30 - 3 March 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRICULTURAL PRICES AND INDEXES REPORT Are you paying a higher or lower price than the average Alberta farmer for your farm inputs? Did you know that there is a way that you can find out? Every month Janice Osrunn of Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch records the last month's average price, the average price for the previous month and the average price for a year ago for everyting from lumber, cement, antifreeze, half-ton trucks to cattle minerals, hay, fertilizers, cereal and forage seed, wheat and nutural gas. She gets this information from members of Unifarm who are located all over Alberta. They inform her of the prices they have had to pay to purchase the above and other farm input items. This report, which is called the Agricultural Prices and Indexes Report, and which can be obtained from any district office, will enable you to tell whether your dealer or supply store is charging you above or below the average Alberta price for a particular item. If the price is below the average for the province , you would be wise to stick with that retailer. On the other hand, if it is above the provincial average, ask questions. It may be that a higher than average price is justified by higher freight rates and/or handling charges. Following are a few of the average product prices paid by Alberta farmers that are listed in the last Agricultural Prices and Indexes Report. Cement - 40kg sold for $8.20 in February 1983; for $8.20 in January 1983; and for $7.38 a year ago. Truck tires - First line G78 x 15C sold for $70.29 in February 1983; for $70.23 in January 1983; and for $70.20 a year ago. Antifreeze - 4L sold for $7.76 in February 1983; for $7.84 in January 1983; and for $8.35 a year ago. - (cont'd) - Ahak AGRICULTUI Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Bran 4 -2- Agricu Itural Prices and Indexes Report (cont'd) Farm Gate Feed Barley No. 1 sold for $1.97 per bushel in February 1983; for $1 .96 in January 1983; and for $2.42 a year ago. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer - one tonne sold for $239.01 in February 1983; for $237.16 in January 1983; and for $250.79 a year ago. Seed barley-100kg sold for $22.49 in February 1983; for $25 in January 1983; and for $28.74 a year ago. According to Ms. Osrunn, except for hay and male farm labor, all the farm inputs that she has monitored are in good supply at the present time. -30- 5 March 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FARM TAX FILING As April 30 approaches, Alberta taxpayers will find themselves once again begin- ning their annual task of filing a tax return. However, with the introduction of new forms (some are not included with the personalized return sent through the mail) and various budget amendments, filing a 1982 tax return is going to be more than just an interesting challenge! The following tips relate to business and personal tax filing and will provide a guide for completing this year's returns. Business Claiming of Capital Cost Allowance Since the November 12, 1981 budget only one half of the normal capital cost allowance (CCA) is deductible in the year in which a depreciable asset is purchased. The deduction is made on the difference between the purchase price of the asset and any trade-in value received. Special circumstances under this general rule include the following: • Small tools - tools costing under $200 will remain 100 per cent deductible in the year of their purchase rather than 50 per cent deductible over two years. • Family transfers - machinery owned for at least 365 days by a parent and transfer- red to a child will not fall under half the normal rate rule. The child will be eligible to claim the full write-off on these assets. • Beginning farmers - individuals who commenced farming in 1982 must prorate their capital cost allowance over the number of days they were in business in 1982. See form T2041E in the "Farmers' Income Tax Guide." Capital Gains Reserves In the case of any disposition of capital property, such as land, where the vendor does not receive cash on the barrel head, the government now stipulates that he must incur the capital gain within a five-year period. However, in the case of a family farm transfer to the next generation, this period has been extended to 10 years. General Tax Guide Item I6G. - (cont'd) - A\ba\a AGRICULTURE ne: (403) 427-21 21 Prmt Media Branch 6 -2- Farm Tax Filing (cont'd) Block Average Contrary to the belief of some farmers, the five-year block average provision is still available; but it may not always be advantageous to automatically file under this provision. Fill in the form and check the results against tax payable without using the block average. The difference in the results may be surprising! Form T201 1 ■ "Farmers' Income Tax Guide." New Forward Averaging Provision With the elimination of income averaging annuity contracts (lAACs), an individual has the option of using the new forward averaging provision. A person who elects to use this provision needs Form T540, which is available from local tax offices. The key information necessary to complete this from is the "adjusted income amount". Income above this figure can be forward averaged - that means a person who pays tax on it now, may be able to claim refunds in future years if his income declines. Get a copy of Alberta Agriculture's "New Forward Averaging Begins In 1982" (FS 837-14) for a detailed explanation of this provision. General Tax Guide Item 51. Personal Interest Expense Interest on borrowed funds for investment purposes remains totally deductible for 1982. However, a person who plans to deduct more than $400 in interest expenses must obtain and file the new T2219 form with his return. The form in itself could create some problems because the first part requires that the user provide the name of the lender, the amount originally borrowed, the year-end balance owing and the total interest paid. Remember, this form is required only for interest incurred for investment purchases; not for business purposes. (cont'd) Farm Tax Filing (cont'd) And remember, the interest on money borrowed after November 12, 1981, to contribute to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) cannot be deducted. This has been the case since November 12, 1 981 . General Tax Guide Item 28A. Spousal Transfers A person whose taxable income in nil may transfer any unused amount of the following deductions to his or her spouse: Age exemption Interest, dividends and capital gain deductions Pension Income deduction Blind or disability exemption Education deduction General Tax Guide Item 44 Schedule 3. Regarding interest, dividend and capital gains deductions, a person may still deduct up to a maximum ol $1,000. However, when calculating the amount transferred from a spouse, he or she will find that this amount is reduced by the interest on the money borrowed to earn this income and by the amount of the exemption claimed for the spouse. General Tax Guide Item 40 - Schedule 3. Charitable Donations Charitable donations made during and after 1981 that are in excess of 20 per cent of net income may be carried forward for future deductions for five years, rather than for only one year as was the case before 1981 . When charitable donations exceed the basic $100, it is most advantageous for the spouse with the higher income to claim them. General Tax Guide Item 39. - (cont'd) - lone: (403) 427-21 21 AGRICULTURE Print MpHia Rran/-^ 8 -4- Farm Tax Filing (cont'd) Medical Expenses Any medical expenses over 3 per cent of a person's income may be claimed as a deduction from income. Either spouse may claim the medical expenses of the family no matter who actually paid the bills. However, in this case it is most advantageous for the spouse with the lower income to claim them. General Tax Guide Item 38. Child Tax Credit A tax return, including schedule 10 must be completed to claim this credit. And even people who do not pay any tax can benefit. The maximum credit is $343 per child, and it is usually the wife that must file for the child credit. General Tax Guide Item 59. Education Deduction A supporting taxpayer may claim $50 per student per month if the student does not need the deduction. However, the student must be in full-time attendance at a recognized post-secondary educational institution. General Tax Guide Item 43. N o n -Ca p i ta I Losses Everyone should review his or her previous five-year tax returns to see whether any unclaimed business losses are still outstanding. Business losses can be carried back one year and forward five years. A person who incurred a business loss in 1982 and wishes to apply this loss against his 1981 income should complete the T1A form, entitled "Request for Loss Carry-back to 198_". Do not file an amended inciividual income tax return. See chapter 6 in the "Farmers' Income Tax Guide" entitled "Special Provisions." Partnership Schedules A new T2120 form (included in the "Farmers' Income Tax Guide") is now required when filing a partnership return. It is imperative that this form be filed only if there is a true partnership; not just a joint business arrangement. An accountant and/or lawyer should be consulted for an interpretation of the business structure. (cont'd) 9 - 5- Farm Tax Filing (cont'd) It is imperative this year that taxpayers review their tax return before starting to fill it out so that they understand the new provisions and obtain the extra forms that may be needed. Anybody who waits until April 30th to do this may not be able to file his return on time, which could result in interest charges. And a good tax accountant may very well be worth his weight in gold this year! -30- >ne: (403) 427-21 21 /dlterig Print Media Branch March 7, 1983 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANADA'S FORAGE SEED SITUATION Except for bromegrass seed, forage seed producer prices have improved since the 1982 crop was harvested, and they are expected to continue to improve at least until this year's crop has been taken off. According to Marcel Maisonneuve, chairman of the Alberta Forage Seed Council, a decline in the production of many of Canada s main forage seed crops during the past season, low carryovers and a strong demand are the factors that are mainly responsible for the upward trend in prices. The main demand factors that have had an impact on the Canadian forage seed market are the American set-aside and payment-in-kind (PIK) programs, the improved housing industry in that country and the continuing downward pressure on cereal and oilseed prices. The latter has resulted in high world stocks. The American PIK Program is having a positive effect on producer forage seed prices in Canada because American grain farmers who sign up for it are given grain from government supply depots if they reduce their grain acreage and providing that they do not grow a different cash crop. The result seems to have been that they are seeding the land they took out of grain production to forage crops. Mr. Maisonneuve says, seed from Canadian public forage varieties and commercial seed are continuing to dominate Canada's export trade and to earn much needed cash for both producers and exporters. He also says that the United States continues to be Canada's best customer, and that the European market is becoming less important except in the case of timothy seed where Canada has been successful in multiplying their proprietary varieties. Forage seed producers and handlers are believed to have carried very little seed into 1983, and as a result the market is expected to be very sensitive to next summer's crop con- ditions. And high forage seed prices relative to cereal and oilseed prices are expected to result /dlbcrra - (cont'd) - one: ,403, 427-21 21 P„n, M^'T^ Print Media Branch 1 1 - 2 - Canada's Forage Seed Situation (cont'd) in a considerable increase in the Alberta acreage planted to forage crops this spring. However, this increase in forage seed production will not have an impact on prices until the 1984-85 crop year, according to Mr. Maisonneuve. He says Canada's future demand for forage seed will depend upon the United States' success in curbing its burdensome grain stocks, the length of time it takes them to do this, and on the general health of Canada's livestock and grain industries. Following is a summary of the seed supply situation for Canada's five main forage seed crops and expected price trends. • Bromegrass - Supplies are considerably higher than they were last year. Prices are somewhat lower than they were a year ago and are not expected to improve in the near future. • Creeping Red Fescue - supplies are considerably lower than they were a year ago. Prices have not yet really reacted to this lower supply situation, but they are expected to increase moderately this spring. • Timothy supplies are considerably down from last year. Prices have increased from last fall by from 25c to 35c per kg, and they are expected to continue to increase between now and the next crop year. • Alfalfa - Supplies are similiar to those of last year. Prices are up from a year ago by about 10c per kg, and they are expected to increase slightly between now and the new crop year. • Clover - Supplies of both alsike and red clover are substantially lower than they were last year and the year before that. As a result of this situation, prices for both species have risen substantially from last year. Alsike seed prices have increased to over 40C per kg from 22 c per kg, and red clover prices have increased to $1 per kg from 35c per kg. They are expected to remain at these levels until at least the new crop year. - 30- 12 March 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE UREA FERTILIZER EASY TO STORE Urea fertilizer is now easier to store than ammonium nitrate fertilizer. According to Phil Dixon, district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House, urea fertilizer became easier to store than ammor ium nitrate fertilizer where the manufacturers switched to the production of a granular fo m of urea from the prill form and coated it with formaldyhide. He says the new produ :t is relatively low-caking and relatively free- flowing, both of which give it excellent storage and handling qualities. In the past farmers had to be ver\ careful when storing urea fertilizer because it would draw moisture from the air and become unusable if it was exposed to moisture or even to a high level of humidity. And it would become dusty and absorb moisture after it had been augered a number of times. Since the feed grade urea is still made in the prill form, it still has to be stored very carefully. Mr. Dixon says the new urea fertilizer has a critical relative humidity level of 75 per cent at 26 0 C, which means that the product wi I start to take in mositure from the air above this level (the relative humidity level for ammonium nitrate is 59 per cent). It should be stored in a dry place, but the worst that i an happen if it becomes a little damp is a slight caking on the outside of the pile. This cakinci can be broken up when the product is going to be used. Mr. Dixon also says that urea ar I ammonium nitrate fertilizer should never be mixed together in storage because as little ;s one per cent of urea mixed with ammonium nitrate, or vice-versa, will cause a complete bieakdown of the fertilizer. "Such mixing could occur inadvertently if one of the fertilizers was put into a bin that had been used to store the other and had not been properl / cleaned out in the meantime, or it could occur through the use of contaminated equipment," Mr. Dixon says. And he urges farmers who plan to do their own fertilizer blending this season to check with their dealer to ensure that they do not mix a urea-based product with an ammonium nitrate-based product. 30 - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 13 March 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GEOPHYSICAL FARM FORUMS TO BE PRESENTED IN MARCH Geophysical farm forums will be held during March at 21 locations throughout Alberta. Entitled "Seismic Operations and the Farmer", the forums will cover such topics as Government Regualtions Pertaining to Geophysical Explorations and the Environment; Farmers' Rights; Guidelines for Geophysical Permit Men; a Standard Permit Form; Guidelines for Compensation, etc. And there will be a slide presentation entitled "An Overview of Geophysical Field Operations." Following is a list of the locations, dates and times of the forums. Pincher Creek Municipal Building March 14 1 :30 p.m Nanton Community Centre March 14 7:30 p.m Taber Moose Hall March 15 1:30 p.m Brooks Tel Star Motor Inn March 15 7:30 p.m Foremost Community Hall March 16 1 :30 p.m Medicine Hat Provincial Building March 16 7:30 p.m Strathmore Wheatland Inn March 17 7:30 p.m Olds Lecture Theatre Duncan Marshall Building, Olds College March 21 1 :30 p.m Rocky Mountain House David Thompson High School (18 miles east RMH on Hwy.11) March 21 7:30 p.m Drumheller Elks Hall March 22 1 .30 p.m Stettler Provincial Building March 22 7:30 p.m Youngstown Community Hall March 23 1 :30 p.m Coronation Elks Hall March 23 7:30 p.m - (cont'd) /dlberrc AGRICULTUR hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Med.a Branc 14 2 Geophysical Farm Forums To Be Presented In March (cont'd) Vermilion Hythe Father Fairview Barrhead Elks Hall Legion Hall Log Cabin Legion Hall Summerdale Hall (5 miles west on Hwy. 18) March 24 March 28 March 29 March 29 March 30 March 30 March 31 March 31 1 :30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 1 :30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 1 :30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 1 :30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. St. Paul Legion Hall Camrose Royal Canadian Legion Warburg Legion Hall The forums are being sponsored by the Canadian Petroleum Association and the Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors in conjunction with Alberta Agriculture's Farmers' Advocate Office, the * Alberta Surface Rights Federation and the Alberta Government Exploration Review Branch. -30 15 March 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRO-ELECTRONIC SHOW TO BE HELD IN ALBERTA Alberta Agriculture and the University of Alberta's Faculty of Exten- sion are sponsoring a free agro-electronic show at the exhibition grounds in Red Deer on April 1 5 and 16. The first of its kind to be held in Alberta, the show will consist of a trade fair and the following seminars. Electronics on the Farm; Microcomputers - A Look Under the Hood; Crop Monitoring via Satellite; Managing Software (pro- grams) for the Farm; Microcomputer Uses on the Farm; Increasing Farm Product- ivity by Electronics; A Spray Program with Electronics; Information and Education for the Home; Electronic Devices in the Home; Maintaining Electronic Equipment; Recreational Microcomputing; and Computers — A Health Hazard? There will also be a panel discussion on automatic feeding systems and a guest speaker, Harlan Hughes of the University of Wyoming, will talk about the future of computerized information on the farm. The exhibition part of the show will be divided into five main agricultural electronic areas; farm management, communications, environmental measurements, machinery monitoring and control and education. And there will be between 75 and 100 large and small companies displaying such electronic equipment as moisture meters, temperature sensors, sprayer controls, micro- computer, etc., which relate either directly or indirectly to agriculture. Exhibitors will discuss their products and services with the public and encourage feedback, and t lere will be films and video shows running continually during the two-day show. -3C - A\bex\a AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 16 March 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOUTHERN ALBERTA FOOD PROCESSORS G IVEN A FINANCIAL BOOST Alberta food processing plants in Taber, Pincher Creek and Welling will receive a total of $17,350 under the Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assistance to improve and expand their facilities. Taber Feeds Services Ltd., a feed mill, will receive $10,595 to expand its offices. The money will be used to improve its service through the expansion of its building, which is estimated to cost $66,000. Two additional salesmen are expected to be hired. The Pincher Creek Co-operative Association Limited, a creamery, will receive $4,555 to replace its boiler, which has been in use since 1962. The estimated cost of upgrad- ing the creamery is $23,000. Welling Hygroponic Growers Ltd., a vegetable processing facility, will receive $2,200 to purchase packaging and handling equipment to improve its efficiency. The estimated cost of the equipment is $1 1 ,000. Since the Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assist- ance was initiated in 1975, the federal and provincial governments have provided, on an equal funding bases, more than $20 million in assistance to rural Alberta food processors. -30- /dlbcrra °ne:(403,427-2121 oJ£S™!* March 7, 1983 17 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN SELLING SEED Attention seed sellers! The Canada Seed Act states that seed cannot be sold or advertised for sale by variety name nor represented as being "grown from" a variety name, unless it is pedigreed seed. The pedigreed seed classifications, Foundation, Registered and Cert- ified/can only be used on seed that has been field inspected by Agriculture Canada and that has been issued a crop certificate by the Canadian Seed Growers' Association, and that has passed government inspection after having been cleaned. Anyone who contravenes this act is subject to prosecution. Further information can be obtained from seed growers, the federal plant products division, or from Bill Witbeck, Secretary, Alberta Branch, Canadian Seed Growers' Association, at 782-4641 . -30- one: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 18 March 7, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT HOME ECONOMIS r APPOINTED TO BROOKS The head of Alberta Agricult ire's home economics branch, Shirley Myers, has announced the appointment oi Elvira Regier to the position of district home economist at Brooks. Ms. Regier was born in Paraguay, South America, but grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.H. Ec. in 1976, having majored in foods and nutrition. And she obtained a secondary school teaching certificate from the same university in 1980. Following graduation Ms. Regier volunteered to go to Brazil in South America with the Mennonite Central Committee as a public health nutritionist and she worked in that country from 1977 to 1979. She was also a counsellor for ReNa, a nutrition and physical fitness survey, and she has spent the last two years with Alberta Agriculture as a district home economist in Oyen. -30- one: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch APR 1 4 198 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 14, 1983 THIS WEEK Rural Alberta Firms Receive Financial Assistance 1 Skunks Collected In The Edmonton Area Found Negative 2 Alberta Swine ROP Program Shows Continued Progress 3 Corrections 4 Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program 5 A Study To Compare Various Methods Of Seeding, Fertilizing and Spraying 7 Calgary Man Elected Second Vice-President Of The Society For Range Management 9 A Very Early And Palatable Pasture Grass 10 Dairy Seminar Scheduled For Banff 12 Spring Warble Treatment For Dairy Cattle 13 Progressive Pork Producer Nominations Deadline 14 Paying Your Family A Salary 15 Phone: (403) 427-2121 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 1 March 14, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RURAL ALBERTA FIRMS RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Four rural Alberta firms will receive a total of $1 19,885 under the Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assistance. Pioneer Meats Ltd., which trades as Valbella Gourmet Foods Ltd., received $55,675 to build a specialty meat facility in Canmore that will produce veal cordon bleu, wiener schnitzel and black forest ham for restaurants and hotels in the Banff area. The building is estimated to cost $206,000, and three jobs are expected to be created. Acme Meats and Homemade Sausage will receive $47,816 to establish a meat market in Acme that will produce specialty meats and a full line of meat cuts. The new facility is estimated to cost $164,000, and four jobs are expected to be created. Bassano Growers Co-op Ltd. will receive $9,400 to purchase and install production line and packaging equipment for its potato processing plant in Bassano. The new equipment will increase the plant's efficiency and improve the quality of its product. The equipment is estimated to cost $47,000. Superior Feeds and Supply Ltd., a feed mill in Rockyford, will recieve $6,994 to purchase and install a grain scalping system and lime handling equipment. The new system and equipment is estimated to cost $35,000. The Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assistance is equally funded and jointly administered by the federal Department of Regional Economic Expansion and Alberta Agriculture. lone: (403) 427-21 21 -30- /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Brancf March 14, 1983 2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SKUNKS COLLECTED IN THE EDMONTON AREA FOUND NEGATIVE The director of Alberta Agriculture's animal health division, Dr. Ralph Christian, has announced that none of the 26 skunks that were collected on the outskirts of Edmonton, near Millwoods, and subsequently tested for rabies, were found to have the disease. The animals were collected through the combined efforts of Alberta Agriculture and Alberta Fish and Wildlife personnel, and they were tested by Agriculture Canada's Animal Diseases Research Institute in Lethbridge. According to Dr. Christian, the origin of the infection in the cat in the Millwoods area that was found to have rabies earlier this year is still a mystery. However, he feels the most likely explanation is that the animal contracted the disease when it captured a rabid bat. Because the incubation period for rabies is quite long, it is possible that the cat came in contact with the bat last fall. Dr. Christian says rabies has been found in bats in many parts of Alberta over the past 10 years, but that they have rarely transmitted the disease to another animal species. However, since rabies still poses a hazard in the province, he advises pet owners to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against it. - 30 - A\ba\a AGRICULTURE >one: (403) 427-2 1 2 1 Print Media Branch 3 March 14, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA SWINE ROP PROGRAM SHOWS CONTINUED PROGRESS The 1982 Alberta swine record of performance (ROP) annual report shows that the quality of breeding stock in the province is continuing to improve. Art Lange, Alberta Agriculture's assistant supervisor of swine breeding, says evidence of this improvement is shown by the fact that the average breeding animal in Alberta is continuing the trend towards a leaner carcass and a faster growth rate. He reports that the average backfat measurement of the 4,750 boars that were tested on the farms of breeders who participated in the program during the past year was 13.9 mm, and that they took 162 days to reach 90 kg. The corresponding figures for the 4,201 boars that were tested in 1981 were 14.4 and 166. The average backfat measurement of the 10,990 gilts that were tested in 1982 was 15.2 mm and they took 172 days to reach 90 kg. The corresponding figures for the 9,278 gilts that were tested in 1981 were 15.8 and 174. In addition to the above, 872 boars were tested in the central test stations at Leduc and Lacombe. They had an average backfat measurement of 15.3 mm and took 147 days to reach 90 kg. Their average daily gain was 0.92 kg and their feed conversion rate was 2.43 kg of feed per kg of gain. The corresponding figures for the 732 boars tested in 1981 were 16.6, 149, 0.91 and 2.47. Mr. Lange says the long-term trend of Alberta's swine ROP program is very encour- ing. He points out that in the last 10 years (1972-1982) the average backfat measurement for farm-tested boars has dropped to 13.9 mm from 19.8 mm or by 30 per cent. And the number of days the boars require to reach 90 kg has dropped to 162 from 178, representing a nine per cent decrease. According to Mr. Lange, the trends for farm-tested gilts and for station-tested boars are similar. - (cont'd) - Ab&tQ AGRICULTURE ione: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 4 - 2 Alberta Swine ROP Program Shows Continued Progress (cont'd) The swine ROP program in Alberta, as well as those in the other provinces, is a federal-provincial project with the province being responsible for the on-farm testing and the federal government providing the central test station facilities. The 1982 Alberta Swine ROP Annual Report is now being printed, and copies will be available from the Pork Industry Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 -113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6 (Telephone: 427-5319). -30- CORRECTION Farm Implement Act Administration (February 28 issue of Agri-News). The second sentence in the second paragraph should read "And it states that the warranty on a piece of new farm equipment must remain in force for at least a year from the date that the piece of equipment is first used in its normal season of use (i.e. a baler in the haying season, a combine in the harvesting season, etc.)." The key word is new! CORRECTION The dates for the Agro-Electronics Show, Western Exposition Grounds, Red Deer, Alberta, are April 15 and 16, 1983; NOT April 14 and 15 as was previously stated in the "Coming Agricultural Events" listed in the January 3 issue of "Agri-News". March 14, 1933 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RESJTJENTIAL REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM People who are planning to repair or improve their homes would be wise to con- sider taking advantage of the federal Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), says Doug Barlund of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch. Although basically designed to assist low income families to improve and repair their houses, the program has some features that could appeal to others. These are its relat- ively low interest rates compared with most consumer rates, the fact that the interest rates are fixed and the fact that the only security needed for one of these loans is a promisory note. To qualify for a RRAP loan the person must own and live in his house, which may be situated either on land which he owns or on land which he rents. However, it must be located in a designated urban area, or in a rural area (small town or village) with a population of less than 2,500 people (check with your local municipality, local Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) office or the Metis Association of Alberta). And the house must be in need of repairs in at least one of the followiny areas: its structural soundness, its electrical, heating or plumbing systems or its fire safety standards. Although these areas are given priority under the program, there are a number of others, such as insulation and heating cost reduction methods, that could qualify as well. Assistance under RRAP is provided in the form of a loan which can be repaid at a f ixecJ interest raid over a period of up lo 20 years And CMHC's interest rate, which is at present 13 per cent, applies to all RRAP loans. Funds for the program are provided by the federal government through CMHC. The maximum loan that is available under RRAP is $10,000 and $5,000 of this amount may not have to be repaid, depending upon the "adjusted family income" of the applicant. An "adjusted family income" is determined by taking the annual income from all sources, except the Family Allowance, and deducting $300 for each dependant child and an additional $1 ,000 if both parents are working or if the family is a single-parent family. ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch 6 -2- Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (cont'd) An applicant with an "adjusted family income" of $13,000 or less would be eligible for the maximum loan forgiveness of $5,000. This forgiveness will be reduced by $1,000 for every $2,000 increase in the "adjusted family income". The maximum "adjusted family income" that is eligible for loan forgiveness under the program is $23,000. People with an "adjusted family income" of more than $23,000 can apply for a RRAP loan, but they are not eligible for forgiveness. A person who qualifies for a maximum loan forgiveness of $5,000 must continue to live in the house for five years to "earn" the total forgiveness. This is because RRAP loans are reduced by $33.33 per month or by $1,000 a year as long as the person is living in the house. Anyone who would like more information on RRAP loans should contact their local municipal office or their nearest CMHC office - In Edmonton, telephone 482-3431; Red Deer, telephone 343-6677; Calgary, telephone 265-6860; Lethbridge, telephone 328-5581 ; or the Metis Association of Alberta in Edmonton, telephone: 452-9550. - 30- March 14, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A STUDY TO COMPARE VARIOUS METHODS OF SEEDING, FERTILIZING AND SPRAYING Alberta Agriculture currently has a study underway to compare the costs and efficiency of using aircraft, airseeders and conventional ground equipment for seeding, fertiliz- ing and, in the case of the aircraft and conventional equipment, spraying crops. According to Len Fullen of the production economics branch, who is in charge of the study, questionnaires have been sent out to farmers across Alberta to determine the invest- ment they have in the equipment they are using for seeding, fertilizing and spraying, their labor requirements and input costs, their crop performance and yields and so on. "We hope," he says, "that the answers we receive from the survey will help us to answer some of the questions that farmers have regarding new farm technology and farming practices." He points out that farmers often form an opinion on how well a particular method works on the basis of what they see in their neighbor's field. Unfortunately, this way of evaluating a crop that has been seeded with an aircraft, for example, is not very accurate. The reason being that the poor results could be the outcome of poor management and have nothing to do with the way the crop was seeded. It might be that the crop had germinated poorly because the farmer did not, or could not, harrow the seed into the ground. Similarly, the results from an airseeder will be less than desirable if the farmer does not adjust the machine's seeding depth properly or does not pull a set of packers behind the seeder. In view of the increasing concern for rising fuel costs and the shortage of skilled farm labor, many farmers are now looking seriously at using an aeroplane or an airseeder for seeding or fertilizing their crops. One of the main benefits of using an aeroplane for seeding, fertilizing or spraying is that the job will be completed in the minimum of time, thereby releasing the farmer for other work. Up to now aircraft have been mostly used for seeding and spraying, and then mostly in emergency situations. But this could change. Mr. Fullen reports that the National Aeronautics (cont'd /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2121 Print Media Brancr s -2- A Study To Compare Various Methods Of Seeding, Fertilizing and_Sprayjng (cont'd) and Space Administration in the United States estimates that seeding and spraying operations are nine times more fuel-efficient when they are done by an aircraft as opposed to conven- tional ground equipment. This means that an increase in the use of aircraft for agricultural purposes could have a very considerable impact on the fuel efficiency of the agricultural industry. And it is reported that an airseeder can cut fuel costs by as much as two-thirds compared with conventional seeding methods. In fact, a 1981 U.S. study showed that farmers ho used airseeders cut their total cereal crop production costs by as much as $30 per acre! The saving came from a reduction in fuel consumption, labor costs and machinery costs as well as from the farmers' ability to plant their crops at the right time to get maximum yields. -30- March 14, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CALGARY MAN ELECTED SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY FOR RANGE MANAG EMENT Ed McKinnon,a well known resident of Calgary, was elected second vice-president of the Society for Range Management at their 36th annual meeting, which was held recently in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Society for Range Management is an international non-profit organization that is comprised of about 5,500 individuals with a common interest in the rational use of rangeland. Its membership represents some 50 countries of the world and includes ranchers and others who are interested in range management. Over the years, Mr. McKinnon has managed the L. K. Feedlot near Dalemead, his own farm and a feedlot near Airdrie. And he was president of Running M Ranches until he moved to Calgary in 1968. In addition to all his other accomplishments in southern Alberta, Mr. McKinnon spent 12 years on the board of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and he is a past director of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce. At the present time he is vice-president of Ranco Investments, a construction company in Calgary's industrial area; vice-president and a charter member of the Stockmen's Foundation of Calgary; a shareholder and long-time member of the Calgary Stampede and Exhibition and an honarary life director of that organization. And now he will serve as second and first vice-president of the Society of Range Management before becoming its president in 1985. (403) 427-21 21 -30- ydlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch March 14, 1983 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A VERY EARLY AND PALATABLE PASTURE GRASS Meadow foxtail is a very early pasture grass that produces a nutritious and palat- able forage over a long grazing season in those areas to which it is adapted. According to Peter Funk, district agriculturist at Red Deer, meadow foxtail is a a hardy grass that is adapted to the cool, moist conditions in the Gray Luvisol soils of Alberta. He says it is second only to reed canary grass in its tolerance to flooding, and that its preference for soils with a high water table and cool conditions makes it well suited for use in peaty soils. It also thrives on clay and loamy soils if they are in an area that have a high rainfall or that have a high water table. And it is tolerant of alkalinity and fairly tolerant of acidity, but it is intolerant of drought and long periods of hot weather. Mr. Funk says meadow foxtail yields are high, especially on well fertilized and properly rotated pastures. And it is the earliest growing or the domestic grasses in the cooler most moist areas of Alberta. In fact, it is often more than 15 cm tall and ready for grazing by mid-May. Since its total growth is spread over the entire growing season, a meadow foxtail pasture can be grazed before most other pastures in the spring and rotated for the rest of the season. Established stands of meadow foxtail are more or less permanent, although over- stocking weakens the stand by removing most of the leaf mater ial. Hence, livestock should be moved to another pasture when plant height is grazed down to 10 cm. Meadow foxtail needs to be planted in a carefully prepared seedbed, but it is easy to establish and gives a full yield in its first utilization year. Once established, it is very competitive and will gradually take over from other forage species. - (cont'd) hone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlbcrrc AGRICULTUR Print Media Branc A Very Early And Palatable Pasture Grass (cont'd) 1 1 can be used for hay, but lodging is a problem, and single cut yields are generally lower than those of reed canary grass or timothy. The quality of meadow foxtail grass is comparable to that of other grasses at the same stage of maturity, and its early growth makes it ready for harvesting as hay bv mid-June. Regrowth after cutting is very rapid, and two cuttings of hay can be taken under favourable conditions. Its rapid regrowth is its best ustification for including it in a hay mixture. Because meadow foxtail seed is very light and fluffy, it is very difficult to harvest, I consequently, it is scarce and very expensive. Also, the light fluffy seed is very difficult to plant with a conventional drill. -30- March 14, 1983 12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAIRY SEMINAR SCHEDULED FOR BANFF "Managing the Cow for Maximum Profit" is the name of a dairy seminar that will be held at the Banff Centre in Banff from April 5 to 8. The broad topics that will be discussed at the seminar are: "Reproduction Effic- iency"; "Feeding for Production and Reproduction"; Protein Nutrition for Dairy Cattle" (will include the new protein system); "Breeding for Optimum Milk Production"; "Financial Management" {will cover among other things the amount of debt a dairy cow can support); and Labor Relations. The main speakers will include Jack Britt, professor of animal science at North Carolina State University; John Oldham, a researcher with the Department of Feeding and Metabolism at the National Institute for Research and Dairying in Shinfield, England; Larry Satter, research animal scientist and professor of dairy science at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Centre at the University of Wisconsin; and David Christensen, professor of animal science at the University of Saskatchewan. The seminar will cost $95 per person, payable in advance to the University of Alberta. The cheque should be mailed to the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta, 82 Avenue and 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G4. Accommodation at the Banff Centre will cost $62 per day for a single room or $50 per person per day for a double room, and these prices include three meals a day. If you would prefer not to stay at the centre, you can contact Banff Central Reservations. They will waive the customary $5 booking if you tell them you are attending the Alberta dairy seminar. And you can purchase meal passes that will enable you to eat at the Banff Centre for $20.70 per day. The seminar will commence at 8:30 p.m. on April 5 with a wine and cheese recep- tion and conclude at noon on April 8. The Banff Centre telephone number is 762-6100 and the Banff Central Reserv- ations telephone number is 762-5561 . If you have any questions regarding "Managing the Cow for Maximum Profit," contact your district agriculturist. Akex\a AGRICULTURE ie: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 13 March 14, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SPRING WARBLE TREATMENT FOR DAIRY CATTLE This is the time that dairymen should check their cattle for warbles and treat any that are found to be infested. Alberta Agriculture's pest control specialist, Dr. Ali Khan, says that spring is the only time that warble infestations can be confirmed, and he suggests that dairymen check for warbles by running their hand along the animal's back and feeling for small bumps or cysts. The cysts are made by warble larvae, and it is possible to see their breathing holes in the centre of the cysts if the animal's hair is parted at these locations. According to Dr. Khan, spring is the time when cattle that could not be treated for warbles in the fall, because they were milking, should be carefully checked. Any that are found to have cysts should be sprayed three times, at three-week intervals, with rotenone, or they can be treated with a warble wash containing the same insecticide. The wash too should be applied three times at three-week intervals. Dr. Khan says on-farm spring monitoring that has been carried out during the past two years shows a higher incidence of warble grubs in dairy cattle herds than in beef cattle herds. He believes this situation is the result of many dairymen not treating cows in the spring that they were unable to treat in the fall. And he points out that untreated dairy herds serve as a reservoir every year for new warble infestations. This spring agricultural fieldmen and warble control inspectors will be visiting dairy farmers in Alberta who have a past history of warble infestations to discuss their pro- blems with them. More information on controlling warbles in dairy herds can be obtained from dairy specialists, district agriculturists or from Dr. Ali Khan, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6, (Telephone: 427-9051). 30 - Abzxk AGRICULTUF >hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branc March 14, 1983 14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROGRESSIVE PORK PRODUCER NOMINATIONS DEADLINE March 31 is the deadline for the Progressive Pork Producer Award, which will be presented annually by the Alberta Pork Congress Association at its congress in Red Deer for the most exemplary hog production operation that is nominated. This year's congress will be held from June 14 to 16. Fred Schuld, head of Alberta Agriculture's pork industry branch, says the award is intended to recognize young pork producers in Alberta, and that nominees must not be more than 40 years old. They must be the principal owner of the operation, they must receive most of their income from the farm and they must take an active part in community affairs. Nominations can be forwarded to the pork congress via district agri- culturists or they may be sent directly to the Alberta Pork Congress Association, P.O. Box 5002, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 5Y5 (Telephone: 343-5307). And more information on the Progressive Pork Producer Award can be obtained from district agriculturists. -30- le: (403) 427-21 21 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print l\^o/-lio Drinrh March 14, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 PAYING YOUR FAMILY A SALARY If you are unhappy about the amount of income tax you have to pay each year, you can reduce it by paying your wife and children a salary for the farm work they do. It is too late to benefit from this tax return, but you will be ready for the 1984 tax man if you start now! According to research carried out at the University of Guelph, Ontario, only 11 per cent of farmers pay their wives a salary for the work they do on the farm, even though in some cases it is possible to save as much as $900 in taxes when the farm income is about $25,000. Such things as washing dishes would not qualify as farm work unless the work was being done for a hired man, but more than 75 per cent of farm record books are kept by farm wives. And driving into town for machinery parts, driving a grain truck at harvest time and feeding the livestock during rush periods, etc., are all legitimate forms of farm work. You should pay your wife the same amount that it would cost you to hire someone to do the same work. And remember that children who are under 18 are allowed to earn $2,320 a year, and those who are over 18 are allowed to earn $2,440 a year and still be classified as full dependants. A salary of $800 a year to your wife is not likely to be questioned by Revenue Canada as long as you write down in your record book every month what you paid her to do. And be sure to pay her by cheque so that you can show it to the tax officials if they should ask to see your books. Further information on this subject is contained in a publication entitled "Tax and the Farm Family" (FS837-6). It is available from district offices and the Print Media Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. hnnc- (ACi^\ 4 9 7.01 9 1 -30- >4lberrc AGRICULTUR n. . r/i is— r> I (p^l CANADIAN* APR 14 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 1983 THIS WEEK Changes To The Crow Rate 1 Overdimensional Permit Rule Changed For Farmers And Farm-Related Truckers 3 Seed Inoculation * 4 Correction 5 Alternative Crop Outlook 6 Individual Cow Somatic Cell Count Pilot Project 9 "Wonder Herbicides"! 10 Canada Oil Substitution Program 11 University Of Alberta's Range Club Competes At Albuquerque, New Mexico 13 Alberta Agriculture Hall Of Fame Nominations 14 Ag-Expo '83 Seed Fair Winners 16 Probationary Growers Short Course Scheduled For April 17 Horse Courses At Olds 18 Farm Management Data Manual 19 A Traditional Favourite For Easter 20 Phone: (403) 427-2121 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch March 21, 1983 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHANGES TO THE CROW RATE Proposed changes to Canada's Crows Nest Freight Rate for the transportation of grain will have long-lasting effects on Prairie agriculture, according to Doug Radke, Alberta Agriculture's assistant deputy minister of planning, economics and administration. He says the changes suggested by the Hon. J. L. Pepin, federal minister of trans- portation, will have a major impact on both grain and livestock production as time passes. He also says that the two major railways, CPandCN, will be required to make large investments in their rail line capacity and in their running stock to support current grain shipment levels and to improve their overall efficiency in the face of rising grain volumes. However, Mr. Radke advises producers and agribusinesses to be cautious for at least a year in their reactions to the announced changes to the crow rate. He points out that the impact on producer shipping costs will be minimal for the upcoming crop year (1983-84). Under a scenerio that included an increase in the tonnage of grain handle by the system, the increase in shipping costs to producers would amount to a maximum of 59 C per tonne, and to only 10 c per tonne if there was no increase in the tonnage hauled. Since the rise in producer costs from the proposed changes compared with the existing rate will not be significant until after the 1983-84 crop year, Mr. Radke advises producers not to let the proposed changes affect their 1983 seeding program. He also says the proposed changes will have a number of significant long-term impacts on Alberta's agricultural industry, and that Alberta Agriculture will be assessing them. The following major points in the proposals need to be considered by individual producers, producer groups and agribusinesses: • Payments to the producers and the railways will be on a 50:50 basis, with a statutory amendment to the legislation required to go beyond this level. - (cont'd) - A\b&\a AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-21 21 Pnnt Media Branch Changes To the Crown Rate (cont'd ) • A legislative review will be conducted in 1985-86. • An adjustment payment of $204 million will be made to producers between 1983-84 and 1985-86. • Payments to producers will be on an acreage basis, with the details still to be deter- mined. • The producer share of rising costs due to inflation will be 3 per cent per vear from 1983-84 to 1985-86 and 6 per cent per year thereafter. . The federal subsidy will only apply to a maximum shipment level of 31.1 million tonnes. • Canola and linseed (flax) oil and meal as of August 1 , 1982 will be covered under the new statutory rates the same as wheat and other current statutory grains. . A new grain transportation agency will be established to oversee the operations and to monitor railway performance and investment guarantees. . Additional industrial development expenditures by the federal government in the West will total $75 million over five years. Agricultural development expenditures at the same time will total some $20 million to $40 million. Alberta Agriculture will be providing basic information and an analyses of import- ant points to assist producers in making their decisions and in establishing their positions on the proposed changes to the grain transportation rate that were released by the federal govern- ment on February 1, 1983. -30 - March 21, 1983 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OVERDIMENSIONAL PERMIT RULE CHANGED FOR FARMERS AND FARM-RELATED TRUCKERS After March 31 farmers and commercial truckers in Alberta who require an over- dimensional permit to haul farm products and farm equipment will no longer have to provide the Alberta Motor Transport Board with proof that they are carrying the minimum PL and PD coverage. The onus will then be on them to carry this coverage. At the present time farmers and farm-related commercial truckers in this province can obtain six overdimensional permits from the Alberta Motor Transport Board without providing evidence that they are carrying a minimum of $500,000 PL and PD coverage. How- ever, when applying for their seventh permit, they must provide evidence of such coverage before the board will issue it to them. R. M. West, who is a member of the Alberta Motor Transport Board, says the new policy will make it easier for those involved in such things as hauling hay, moving grain bins and moving large pieces of machinery by truck to get an overdimensional permit. Further information on this subject can be obtained from R. M. West, Alberta Transportation, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8 (Telephone: 343-5430). -30 - ne: (403) 427-21 21 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch March 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEED INOCULATION Inoculants and pre-inoculated legume seed sold in Alberta have all been tested, and, if properly stored and used, they should ensure legume yields that are equal to or higher than those obtained from a nitrogen fertilizer, according to Dr. Wendell Rice of the federal research station at Beaverlodge. Dr. Rice says an inoculant may be applied to legume seed in a variety of ways, but that the sticker method is the most effective. "It 'glues' the inoculant to the seed, feeds the rhizobia (certain soil bacteria) and protects them against drying conditions." he says. And he points out that companies that manufacture inoculants also sell sticker products, but that a 10 per cent aqueous solution of paper glue (make sure it contains no lead or mercury) or a 10 per cent aqueous solution of powdered milk are both very effective stickers. Other good stickers include 10 per cent aqueous solutions of common table sugar, corn syrup or honey. Dr. Rice suggests putting the legume seed into pails, a cement mixer, etc, and add- ing enough of the sticker to slightly wet the seed. Then add the inoculant powder and mix it with the seed until all the seeds are uniformly black. After this, the seed should be spread out in the shade to dry for one or two hours. Never leave it in direct sunlight because the light and the heat will destroy the rhizobia. Legume seed that has been treated in the above manner can be planted with normal seeding equipment. The following is Dr. Rice's guide for obtaining successful seed nodulation. • inoculate all legume seed • purchase a commercial inoculant specific to the legume to be grown • store the inoculant in a cool, dry place until used • use the sticker method of inoculation • inoculate seed immediately before seeding apply a fertilizer and lime before seeding where soil tests indicate deficiencies for the legume to be grown • sow inoculated seed in a moist seedbed • use three to five times the usual amount of inoculant on fungicide-trea ^dlbcrra , +.A , AGRICULTURE ne: (403) 427-2121 - (com d ) - Pnm Med|g g h 5 - 2 - Seed Inoculation (cont'd) The alternative to farm inoculation of legume seed is to buy seed that has already been treated. Again, there are a variety of methods by which this seed is treated. They include coating, the use of a vacuum to force the rhizobia under the seed coat and the use of a clay-based inoculant that adheres to the seed as a result of electrostatic forces. The main disadvantage of pre-inoculated seed, according to Dr. Rice, is the rapid decline in the viability of the rhizobia. However, as long as their viability is maintained, they will produce adeqate nodulation. Dr. Rice says the quality of some pre-inoculating seed processes, especially the seed coating process, is now sufficient to produce adequate nodul ation. Finally, as with all crops, a well prepared seedbed and good management practices are extremely important for inoculated legume seed. -30- COR RECTI ON "Paying Your Family A Salary" (March 14 issue of Agri-News). The first sentence in the fourth paragraph should read: "A salary of $8,000 a year to your wife..."; not $800 a year as stated in the article. March 21, 1983 6 FOR IMMEDIATE RE LF ASF ALTERNATIVE CROP OUTLOOK Prices for alternative crops are lower than they were a year ago, and they are not expected to improve significantly during the remainder of this crop year. Alberta Agriculture's special commodities analyst, Fred Boyce, says that carryover stocks from the 1981 crop, and stable or increased production, have resulted in supplies being well above what they were this time last year. He also says large crops in the United Stater and other exporting countries have put pressure on alternative crop prices, and that exports and imports have been described as being on a "hand-to-mouth" basis. This is because importing countries with currency problems are either not able or not willing to carry supplies beyond their immediate needs. Following is a brief outlook for lentils, dry peas, dry beans, fababeans, canary seed, mustard seed and grain corn. Lentils Unless the volume of lentil exports increases substantially from its current level, a buildup in carryover stocks is inevitable in both Canada and the United States. Current grower prices in the United States are reported to in be in the $12.50 to $13 per hundredweight range, and the volume that is changing hands at these low prices is limited. Consequently, the acreage seeded to lentils in Canada and the United States is expected to decline this year compared with last year. Contract prices in Candad are likely to be several cents per pound lower than they were in 1982, and the current American grower price is not attractive enough to maintain last year's acreage. Dry Peas The American f.o.b. dealer selling price is currently $10.75 per hundredweight for yellow peas, and green peas are commanding a premium over the yellow peas. Prices for the two types of peas are from $2.25 to 2.75 per hundredweight lower than they were a year ago. one: (403) 427-21 21 - (cont'd) - /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch Alternative Crop Outlook (cont'd) Farmers' offerings at these prices have been limited, but are still adequate for the hand-to-mouth pattern in the export market. Until the international demand increases, pea prices are expected to remain at their present levels in both Canada and the United States. Dry Beans Dry bean prices, especially those for white pea beans, are much lower than they were a year ago. In fact, Ontario white pea bean prices are less than half what they were a at that time. And current export prices for white pea beans f.o.b. plant are $16 per hundred- weight compared with $38 per hundredweight a year ago. Pea bean prices in the United States are similar to those in Canada, and prices of other colored beans have also declined, but not as much as pea beans. Current f.o.b. dealer seiiing prices in the northwestern United States are around $13 per hundred and $15.50 per hundredweight for pintos and great notherns, respectively. A year ago, pinto prices were $18 oer hundredweight and great northerns were $27 to $28 per hundredweight. Until the oversupply of beans is reduced to a more manageable level, prices in both Canada and the United States will remain at their present depressed levels. Fababeans Current f.o.b. dealer prices for fababeans are around $1 1 per hundredweight com- pared with $13 to $14 per hundredweight a year ago. The volume of sales on a monthly basis has been small but steady, and it is expected to hold prices at their present level. If Egypt or other importing countries should enter the market on a significant scale, prices could improve somewhat. However, this improvement is not likely to increase prices to the level they were at a year ago. Canary Seed Prices for canary seed have dropped dramatically since early 1982 because of large 1982 North American and Argentine crops. - (cont'd) - -3- 8 Alternative Crop Outlook (cont'd) Canadian canary seed production in 1983 will be much lower than it was in 1982 because of very poor world price prospects and low contract prices. Growers who do not have a contract are currently facing prices in the 6c to 8c per pound range. Mustard Seed Canadian contract prices for mustard seed in 1983 are expected to be similar to those in 1982. In 1982 producer prices in Alberta averaged about $286 per tonne compared with an estimated $330 per tonne in 1981 . An ample supply of mustard seed in terms of carryover stocks, and lower prices for other contracted crops, will probably result in the 1983 mustard seed acreage and prices remaining at their present levels or slightly higher. Grain Corn Average producer prices for grain corn in Alberta are expected to reach $144 per tonne, which would be considerably higher than those received by Manitoba and Ontario growers in 1982, but less than the $165 per tonne received by Alberta growers in 1981 . The grain corn acreage in Alberta is expected to increase in 1983, mainly because of poor price prospects for other crops. -30- lone: (403) 427-21 21 ydlborra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch March 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 INDIVIDUAL COW SOMATIC CELL CO U NT PILOT PROJECT Sixty Alberta dairy herds have been selected to participatate in Alberta Agri- culture's Individual Cow Somatic Cell Count Pilot Project, which is designed to detect mastitis. According to the head of the dairy farm production branch, Ed Bristow, selections were made on the basis of the herd's past record as a participant in the Herd Somatic Cell Program and on the basis of its present participation in the Dairy Herd Improvement Program or its present participation in the Record of Performance Program's laboratory test for milk fat. Mr. Bristow reports that world research has shown that the lower the somatic cell count in a cow's milk, the less likely she is to have mastitis. As a general rule, a cow which consistently has a count of below 100,000 will be free of mastitis, while a cow which has a somatic cell count of 1,000,000 is losing about 15 per cent of her potential milk production from a mastitis problem. Mr. Bristow also says even a cow which has a somatic cell count of less than 100,000 must be monitored each month to make sure that this count does not suddenly rise significantly as a result of a sub-clinical infection. Effective mastitis control requires proper housing and milking management as well as properly functioning milking equipment. Should a problem arise in any of these areas, action must be undertaken at once as a condition of continued participation in the project. The routine dripping of teats in a safe, effective teat dip immediately after milking and the use of a mastitis treatment program at drying-off time are also essential to the continued particip- ation in the project. Dairymen who are taking part in the project will receive a somatic cell count report each month, which will contain the most recent six months data on each cow so that the dairymen can see their herd trend. The cost of participating in the Somatic Cell Count Pilot Project is only $2 per cow per year. ydlberra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2121 Print Media Brancr March 21, 1983 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ' 'WONDER HER BICIDES"! Beware of herbicides that are not sold through a bona fide dealer. This advice comes from Walter Yarish, who is supervisor of weed control with Alberta Agriculture. He says salesmen are again telephoning farmers and institutional agri- cultural chemical users to promote the sale of the so-called "wonder herbicides." According to Mr. Yarish, these products have been checked out and they are registered. However, their chemical concentrations are so low that a person who buys one of them could pay 10 to 20 times more per unit of active ingredient than he would have paid if he had bought the same product from his local dealer. Mr. Yarish also says that institutional users of herbicides, such as grounds keepers and building maintenance staff who are responsible for the grounds, appear to be the main targets of the "wonder herbicide" salesmen this year. He advises anyone who is in doubt about the value of an agricultural chemical product that he is being encouraged to buy to check it out with a district agriculturist or a municipal agricultural fieldman. -30- lone: (403) 427-21 21 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Brancf March 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANADA OIL SUBST I TUT ION PROGRAM The Canada Oil Substitution Program (COSP) is a part of the National Energy Program and provides grants to home owners and businesses to help them meet the costs of converting their heating systems from oil to more plentiful domestic energy sources. Doug Barlund, of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch says, in addition to providing grants for the conversion to natural gas from heating oil (through natural gas utility companies and gas co-ops), COSP will help people who convert to energy sources other than gas. These other energy sources include wood, solar heating and propane. Mr. Barlund advises people who live outside a natural gas area to check with their nearest gas utility or co-op to find out whether propane is eligible for a grant under COSP. COSP provides taxable grants which cover one half of the eligible costs of materials and labor used in the conversion of a heating system, up to a maximum of $800 for a single family residence. An eligible conversion is described as: • Replacing an oil furnace with a gas furnace. • Adapting an oil system to operate with a gas burner. • Adding a supplementary source of heating that will reduce oil comsumption by at least one half (e.g. adding a wood stove). • Adding a solar-heating system that will supply at least one-third of a home's water or space heating requirements. Subject to the $800 grant maximum, COSP grants cover one-half the costs directly related to conversion, including equipment, materials, labor and reasonable expenses for licenses and other government fees required for such installations. Labor costs for self- installed conversions are not eligible for a COSP grant. - (cont'd) - one: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberra AGRICULTURE n _ " x * * _ _i ' i - 2 - Canada 0:1 Substitution Program (cont'd) To be eligible for a COSP grant, a solid-fuel-burning (wood) appliance must have a COSP acceptance number (available at appliance retailers and Energy, Mines and Resources Canada regional offices). The stove must be installed according to the instructions in the manufacturer's manual and in accordance with provincial and/or municipal fire safety regulations. COSP does not cover the costs of: • Wood storage facilities • Fireplaces or fireplace inserts • Glass or screen door inserts for stoves or fireplaces • Stove or fireplace tools Further information about COSP and/or assistance in applying for a grant for converting an oil heating system to gas or to a renewable energy source can be obtained from: Energy, Mines and Resources Canada Grandin Park Plaza - 2nd Floor 22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue St. Albert, Alberta T8N 1B4 (Telephone: 420-4085) or by using the free Heatline No. 1-800-222-6477 -30 March 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 13 UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA'S RANGE CLUB COMPETES AT ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO The University of Alberta's Range Club did extremely well in the Plant Identif- ication Contest at the Society of Range Management's annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is the opinion of Alberta Agriculture's supervisor for range management, Robert Wroe. He reports that the Alberta team placed fifth in the comprehensive range management examination out of 23 university teams from the United States and Mexico and tenth in the plant judging section of the contest. The top Canadian student in the range management examination placed ninth out of 60 contestants, while the top Canadian student in the plant judging section placed in the upper 20 per cent out of about 125 students. "Very good," says Mr. Wroe, "for a team that only started to compete in this prestigious event two years ago." The Canadian team consisted of Adriene Forest of Leduc, Nancy Paul of St. Albert, Micheal Gary of Claresholm, Gordon Dinwoodie Of Wetaskiwin, Lorie Enns of Edmonton and Craig Richardson of Sherwood Park. According to Mr. Wroe, the main part of the Plant Identification Contest involved identifying abut 200 plants that grow in North America, knowing their origin and describing their life cycle. He says that students are allowed only 55 seconds per sample or per plant to identify grass samples, forbes and shrubs, which may be in any stage of growth. The University of Alberta's Rangeland Club team was the only Canadian team at the Society of Range Management's annual meeting, which was attended by about 1,500 people. And the team's display can be seen on the lower floor of the University of Alberta's book store during March. The university's Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, the Range Management Club, the Department of Zoology, and the federal Farm Credit Corporation all donated money to cover the travel and accommodation expenses of the Alberta team. 30 - /dlberra AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch March 21, 1983 14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA AGRICULTURE HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS Alberta Agriculture Minister, LeRoy Fjordbotten, has announced that nominations are again being accepted for the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame. And the deadline for their acceptance is June 30, 1983. "Recognition in the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame is the highest honor Alberta Agriculture can bestow upon an individual," says Mr. Fjordbotten Albertans who have made outstanding contributions to the development of agri- culture in Alberta, in Canada or on the international scene, and who hold Canadian citizenship, are all eligible for nomination. Service to the agricultural sector is the basic qualification necessary to be admitted to the hall of fame, and, in past years, a life of dedication to the betterment of agriculture has distinguished each of the people who were chosen. Nominees who have made an outstanding contribution in their specialty will be considered by the selection committee, regardless of whether they are professionals or volunteers. Although the committee will give preference to people directly associated with agriculture, such as farming and ranching, they will also consider agricultural business people, professional agrologists and rural community workers. The committee is made up of farm men and women. Nomination forms are designed to help nominators to present background inform- ation and supporting evidence of a candidate's contributions to agricultural and rural develop ment. They are available from Alberta Agriculture's district offices throughout the province and from the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame, Agricultural Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. - (cont'd) /dlberra AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 15 Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame Nominations (cont'd) Since its establishment in 1951 , the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame has honored 56 men and women for outstanding contributions to farming, ranching and the quality of life in rural Alberta. Their portraits and a description of their accomplishments can be seen at the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame display, located on the main floor of the Agriculture Build- ing in Edmonton. Men and women selected for the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1983 will be honored at a banquet and ceremony in March of 1984. - 30 - 16 March 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AG-EXPO '83 SEED FAIR WINNERS Jim Miklos Enterprises of Lethbridge won first prize for his pedigreed hard red spring wheat at Ag-Expo '83's seed fair, first prize for his pedigreed durum wheat, the George Luco Grand Champion Trophy and the Kisema Memorial Trophy. Lloyd Mercer, also of Lethbridge, won first prize for his pedigreed hard red winter wheat, pedigreed utility wheat and the Grand Aggregate Award, which was a grain bin sponsored by Westeele Rosco. Well known in Western Canada, the seed fair is held in Lethbridge every year during the first week of March, and it consists of: pedigreed cereal, oilseed and forage seed classes; open cereal and oilseed classes; a cereal protein and quality class; a pulse class, a corn class; a hay class; a silage class and a junior seed class. Following is a list of the first prize winners at the fair and their classes : Ken Welsh Milk River Pedigreed 2-Row Barley Luco Farms Lethbridge Pedigreed 6-Row Barley Hussin Seed Farm Calgary Pedigreed Oats Henry Williams Grassy Lake Pedigreed soft White Spring Wheat Ken Miller Milk River Pedigreed Grass Seed Steve Merkl Brooks Pedigree Legume Seed George Templeton Coaldale Pedigree Argentine Canola Jerry Kubik Wrentham Pedigree Polish Canola Doug Campbell Coaldale Pedigree Flax Bill Witbeck, secretary of the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Seed Growers Association, extends congratulations on behalf of the Alberta Branch to Jim Miklos Enter- prises, to Mr. Mercer, to all the first prize winners and to Lori Ann Deurloo of Granham and Natasha Kubik of Wrentham who were co-winners of the Junior Challenge Aggregate Trophy in the junior seed class. -30- Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Ab&H AGRICULTL Print Media Brai 17 March 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROBATIONARY GROWERS SHORT COURSE SCHEDULED FOR APRIL Select seed growers, probationary seed growers and anyone who would like to become a probationary seed grower are invited to attend the Probationary Growers Short Course that will be held at the Alberta Agricultural Building in Lacombe on April 13. It will start at 9 a.m. and is being hosted by the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Seed Growers Association. (CSGA). The tenative agenda is as follows: "Requirements and Procedures for Starting Probation" - Bill Witbeck, Alberta Stock Seed Distribution Committee, Alberta Agriculture, Lacombe. "Getting Back to Basics Requirements Relating to Plot Production" - Orrin Clayton, National CSGA, Ottawa. "How I Do It A Select Grower's Presentation," — Ray Niemela, Seed Growers, Benalto. "Plant Products Inspector - What They Look For During Plot Inspection" - Randy Milner, Agriculture Canada, Red Deer. "Attributes and Release of New Varieties," - Bob Nelson, Alberta Agriculture, Lacombe. "How a Variety is Developed" - Dr. Martin Kaufmann, Agriculture Canada, Lacombe. The Probationary Growers Short Course will wind up with a question and answer period. Further information can be obtained from Bill Witbeck at 782-4641. -30 - /dlborrc AGRICULTURI hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Brand March 21, 1983 18 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HORSE COURSES AT OLDS If horses are your interest, you may want to take one of the courses or the work- shop that is being offered by Olds College, Olds, in April and May. Learn to Pack the High Country This workshop will be held from April 18 to 23 and will cover packing equipment, how to look after it and packing a pack horse properly. It will be very beneficial to people who would like to get a job with an outfitter, and it will appeal to anyone who would like to learn more about the ecology on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Registrations and payment must be received at the College by April 13, and the fee for this six-day workshop is $185. If the workship is fully subscribed, the college will hold the same workshop again from April 25 to 30. Horse Hoo f Care and Trimming This course will be held from April 22 to 24 and will emphasize the correct care of a horse's hooves and proper trimming methods. It will also cover the correction of minor hoof problems and the recognition of major ones. It will be held in the Farrier's Laboratory in the Animal Science Building, and registrations and payments must be received at the college by April 8. The cost of the course is $80 plus $100 for those who do not have the required tools. Monte Foreman Clinic This course will be held from May 11 - 15 and is designed for beginning horsemen and horsewomen. It will cover the basic techniques used in handling a horse (e.g. reining and cutting). The deadline for registering is May 4 and the cost of the course is $145. More information on the workshop, the courses and registering can be obtained from the Department of Continuing Education, Olds College, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1 P0 (Tele- phone: 556-8344). ydlberra -30- AGRICULTURE (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch 19 March 21, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FARM MANAGEMENT DATA MANUAL Have you got a copy of Alberta Agriculture's Farm Management Data Manual? Did you know that it has subscribers from every province in Canada and from countries like Australia, Germany, Korea and Japan? The manual is not intended to be a publication on production, nor is it intended to be an encyclopedia, but it contains information that is not readily available to most people. For example, it tells you such things as the number of seeds per gram for different crop varieties, the family labor rates on dairy farms in Alberta, the incubation period for Guinea hen hatching eggs and much much more. And it tells you where you can find more detailed information on the topics that it covers. The manual consists of two volumes, which are divided into four sections on the basis of the Agdex system of classifying material, and it contains 700 pages. There is a com- plete table of contents at the beginning of Volume I and a similar table of contents at the beginning of each subdivision. The manual is updated periodically as more information becomes available on a particular topic, and these updates are mailed out to subscribers free of charge. The first updated material was mailed out in February of this year. The manual is mainly used by farmers, but it also has subscribers from government agencies, universities and colleges, banks, financial institutions and agri-businesses. It costs $10 for the two volumes. Cheques should be made payable to the Pro- vincial Treasurer, and they should be sent to the Financial Cashier, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. Further information on the Farm Management Data Manual can be obtained from Craig Edwards, Farm Business Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1P0. /Axsnc AGRICULTUF 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Bran< March 21, 1983 20 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A TRADITIONAL FAVOURITE FOR EASTER By Catherine Sinnott, Regional Food and Nutrition Specialist, Alberta Agriculture The fact that ham is a traditional favourite for Easter is well known, but the way to cook today's large variety of hams, and which types are the best buy for a particular situation are probably not so well known. First of all the word "ham" refers to the meat from the hind leg of a pig. Cured and smoked ham is available in the retail store in several forms. However, cuts such as smoked picnic or cottage roll are excluded from the ham category because they come from the shoulder of the animal. Almost all ham is fully cooked and requires only enough cooking time to heat the ham through. Allow 20 to 30 min/kg at 160°C (325° F). A more accurate way is to use a meat thermometer and heat the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 55° C (130°F). As well as the natural ham, ham is available as "massaged" ham. This means that large chunks of lean ham have been agitated until the soluble protein become sticky. The chunks are then stuffed into fibrous casings and smoked. The stickiness of the protein binds the chunks together. The following chart describes the various forms of ham, listing them in ascend- ing order of cost per kilogram and giving the approximate number of servings per kilogram. (cont'd) - >ne: (403) 427-21 21 Liberia AGRICULTURE Print l\/lo/Hio Rronrh A Traditional Favourite For Easter (cont'd) Market Form Of Ham Key Characteristics Approximate Number Of Servings Per Kilogram Bone-in Part Skin Ham Cuts Centre Cut Butt Half Shank Half Portion of Ends Semi-boneless Dinner Ham (may be fiat or round) Old-Fashioned Style a natural cured, smoked ham with the foot removed at about the hock joint. may be sold as slices or in one large piece. The proportion of meat to bone is much higher than for the other cuts of ham. has more lean meat contains a large bone and joint as well as a high percentage of fat. either the butt or shank half of a ham with the centre slices removed. a natural ham which contain only the upper leg bone, the aitch and shank bones having been removed. stuffed into a cellulose or fibrous casing and then smoked; fibrous casing is not edible. packaged in cryovac for retailing. no bones massaged then stuffed into fibrous casing for smoking fibrous casing is more easily removed before cooking packaged in cryovac for retailing. a choice, natural, boneless ham which is the "cadillac" of hams string-tied and placed on smoking tree which gives a better smoked flavor 5-6 6-7 4- 5 5- 7 6- 7 7-9 4-5 packaged in cryovac for retailing. - 30 \DIAN* APR 1 4 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 1983 THIS WEEK Preventing Soil Erosion 1 Powerline Relocation Program Expanded 3 Assistant Deputy Minister Field Services Appointed 4 Soil Nitrogen Level Varies In Alberta 5 A New Insecticide Eartag For Cattle Now Available 6 Surfactant — Are They Necessary 7 Rangeland Enhancement Program 8 Recommended Procedures To Increase Alfalfa Seed Returns 9 Potatoes With Hollow Hearts 11 Two Devices For Sheepmen Developed In Scotland 13 How Much Debt Will A Dairy Operation Support? 14 Sheep Production And Sheep Shearing Courses 17 ADC Management Appointment 18 Phone: (403) 427-2121 ydlborra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PREVENTING SOIL EROSION The South ■ Central Alberta Region II Soil Management Committee 's Slogan "Keep Your Stubble Up"! That is the sogan that has been adopted by the south- central Alberta Region I I Soil Management Committee to make farmers aware of the import- ance of maintaining a good crop residue cover to prevent wind erosion. Developed by Jack Hazewood, district agriculturist at Three Hills and a member of Region II Soil Management Committee, the slogan will be distributed to local farmers in the form of bumper stickers and it will be used in newsletters, press releases, etc. John Hermans, Alberta Agriculture's supervisor of soil conservation, says "Some areas in central and southern Alberta experienced some of the worst wind erosion in the springs of 1981 and 1 982 that has been seen since the 'Dirty Thirties' and most of this erosion was associated with summerfallow fields, especially those that has been kept black during the previous season. Hopefully, by taking all the precautions this spring, we can avoid a repeat of those conditions." Effective crop management systems for preventing wind erosion include: strip cropping, planting a cover crop in the fall and establishing shelterbelts. However, the most effective method of all is probably the presence of a good crop residue on the surface of the soil. 'hone: (403) 427-21 21 - (cont'd) - ydlberrc AGRICULTUR Print Media Branc - 2 Preventing Soil Erosion (cont'd) "Because some of the most erosive winds in central and southern Alberta occur during April and May, cultivating the land too far in advance of seeding could increase the potential for soil erosion and result in the needless loss of moisture," Mr. Hermans say. He recommends preparing the seedbed with implements that conserve as much of the crop residue as possible. A blade or a wide-sweep cultivator, for example, will leave most of the stubble on the surface of the soil, while a disc will bury some of it, pulverize the soil and leave the soil exposed to wind erosion. The conservation of crop residues actually begins at harvest time when the stubble should not be cut too short. Strips of taller stubble, which can be created by a deflector attached to the swather, will help to trap the snow, and thereby protect the soil and provide additional soil moisture. Mr. Hermans says that if straw is properly spread with a straw spreader on the combine, there should be no problem using a one-way or a cultivator even after a heavy crop. And he warns against removing the straw from a field. This practice, he says, will reduce the crop residue and increase the risk of soil erosion. And, in his opinion, to burn stubble is to ask for trouble! -30 - March 28, 1983 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE POWERLINE RELOCATION PROGRAM EXPANDED Alberta's minister of agriculture, LeRoy Fjordbotten, has announced an expansion to the Powerline Relocation Program, which is designed to help farmers to move electrical cables and poles that are impeding the efficient use of their sprinkler irrigation systems. The expansion means that the program will now apply to powerlines that have a capacity of 69 kV as well as to those which have a capacity of 25 kV or less. It also means that the cost that must be borne by the farmer to have a powerline with a capacity of 25 kV or less moved has increased to $400 from $300, and that the minimum amount that he will be charged for this work has been increased to $800 from $600. These increases in costs have been made to bring the farmer's share of the expenses involved in moving the poles more in line with the increase in the overall cost of this work. The cost that a farmer will have to pay under the program to have poles with a capacity of 69 kV moved will be $800 per pole. And the minimum amount that a farmer will be charged for this work will be $1 ,600. In all cases of moving electrical cables and poles, the balance of the costs will be paid by the utility company and the Alberta government. Mr. Fjordbotten noted that the Powerline Relocation Program applies only to those powerlines which definitely interfere with irrigation, and that individual farmers must be willing to grant another easement at no charge to the utility company concerned. He says the inclusion of the 69 kV capacity poles in the program, and the increase in the cost to farmers for moving 25 kV poles, will take effect on April 1, 1983. As it applies to both 25 kV and 69 kV poles, the program is estimated to cost the provincial government in the vicinity of $100,000 in 1983. Application forms for assistance under the Powerline Relocation Program can be obtained from Alberta Agriculture's irrigation specialists throughout southern Alberta. Phone: (403) 427-21 21 -30- /dberh AGRICULTL Print Media Brai March 28, 1983 A FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ASSISTANT D EPUTY MINISTER FIELD S E R V I C E SA P POINTED The appointment of William J. Dent to the position of assistant deputy minister of field services has been announced by H. B. (Ben) McEwen, deputy minister of Alberta Agriculture. Mr. Dent essentially replaces C. J. McAndrews who retired in early February from the position of assistant deputy minister of development. "I am very pleased", said Mr. McEwen "that we have been able to promote a well qualified man from within the department to this senior position. And I have full confid- ience in Mr. Dent's ability to direct and manage the f ield services group, which is comprised of the extension, engineering and rural services and home economics and 4-H divisions. The six regional directors will now also report directly to the assistant deputy minister of field services." Mr. Dent has a broad background and exposure to agriculture in Alberta. After graduating in agriculture from the University of British Columbia, he joined Alberta Agri- culture and worked for nine years as a district agricluturist in Two Hills. He was promoted in 1968 to senior district agriculturist of the north east region. In the same year he obtained a masters degree in extension education from the University of British Columbia. Mr. Dent served the department as regional director at Barrhead from 1974 through 1980 when he moved to the head office as director of the plant industry division. He held that position until this recent appointment. As assistant deputy minister of field services, he will be responsible for the operations of the divisions in that sector and for delivering information and other depart- mental services to farmers and farm families. He will also initiate and manage an updated and more closely coordinated field service program in Alberta Agriculture. 30 /dlbcrrc AGRICULTU Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Bran March 28, 1983 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOIL NITROGEN LEVEL VARIES IN ALBERTA Soil samples that were taken from across Alberta last fall and analyzed at Alberta Agriculture's soil and feed testing laboratory in Edmonton showed a wide variation in nitrogen levels. And in some areas they also showed a wide variation in the nitrogen level in stubble fields compared with fallow fields. Len Kryzanowski, soil fertility specialist, reports that soil samples taken from the Peace River region last fall show that a higher level of nitrogen than usual will be required this year for both stubble and fallow fields. Soil samples taken from central Alberta show that the nitrogen requirement will be higher than usual for stubble fields but lower than usual for fallow fields. The soil samples taken from southern Alberta show that the nitrogen requirement for both stubble and fallow fields will be about the same as in previous years. Mr. Kryzanowski thinks that the difference between the nitrogen level in the Peace River region and the central portion of the province is probably due to the difference in the climatic conditions that prevailed in the two areas last summer. The drought in the Peace River region reduced the availability of soil nitrogen, which has resulted in a lower soil nitrogen supply for this year's crops. According to Mr. Kryzanowski, the average fall nitrogen level in soils south and east of the black soil zone was similar to the long-term average ( 1 962-81 ) for the area. How- ever, the nitrogen level in stubble fields in the dark brown soil zone north of the Bow River was very low. And while the nitrogen level in stubble fields in the black and grey soil zones in the central part of the province were less than, or equal to, the long-term average, fallow fields in these areas tended to have a higher than average nitrogen level. -30- /dlberK AGRICULTUI Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Bran March 28, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A NEW INSECTICIDE EARTAG FOR CATTLE NOW AVAILABLE Alberta cattlemen have two types of insecticide eartags to choose from when deciding on the method of treatment they will use this summer to protect their cattle against horn and face flies. Bovaid, manufactured by Shell Canada, has been available in Canada since the summer of 1981 and apparently provides excellent control of both horn and face flies. The other product, Debantic, is available for use in Canada for the first time this spring. It is manufactured by Diamond Shamrock. According to Dr. AM Khan, Alberta Agriculture's livestock pest control specialist, both types of eartags are slow insectcide-releasing devices and will protect cattle during the whole pasture season. "The main difference between the two", he says," appears to be that two Debantic eartags are required per animal as opposed to one Bovaid tag. However, the company that manufactures the Debantic tags claims that the effectiveness of their tags is not reduced by dampness or by rain." One of the main advantages of eartags compared with other types of hornfly control is that the catttle can be slaughtered without a wait period. Another factor that has probably contributed to their general popularity is the fact that they are easy to apply. The method of application is the same as that used to apply an Al If lex indentif ication eartag. Still another advantage of insecticide eartags is that they can be used on both beef and dairy cattle. Dr. Khan reports that studies conducted in Alberta and in other parts of Canada over the past two years show that horn fly populations in herds where the cattle are wearing insecticide eartags can be reduced by as much as 98 per cent! 30 - /dlbcrrc AGRICULTU Phone:(403)427-2121 Print Media Bran March 28, 1983 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SURFACTANT - ARE THEY NECESSARY? Farmers are urged not to use a surfactant with their herbicides when spraying their crops unless the label on the herbicide container recommends that they do so. And then they should use only the product that is recommended. According to Alberta Agriculture's supervisor of weed control, Walter Yarish, salsemen have been using testimonials to promote surfactants. By using this promotional technique, they do not have to actually say that the product will improve the performance of a particular herbicide. They leave that to the testimonials, which may or may not be based on fact. A surfactant is a product that helps the sticking power and absorption rate of a herbicide, and many herbicides have a surfactant included in their formulations to balance their performance and to prevent crop injury. Mr. Yarish points out that a crop can be seri- ously damaged if this balance is changed. When a surfactant needs to be added to a herbicide, this fact, plus the name of the recommended product, will be stated on the herbicide label. Mr. Yarish believes that farmers are tempted to try surfactants that are not recom- mended because they have been led to believe that the use of any surfactant will reduce the amount of herbicide that they require for a specific job. "This type of experimenting," he says, "could turn out to be a very expensive proposition if the crop is damaged and its yield is greatly reduced." So, if a surfactant is not mentioned on a herbidide label, it is not needed and it should not be used. /dlberra - 30 - AGRICULTURE lone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 8 March 28, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RANGELAND E NHANCEMENT PROGRAM After two years of data evaluation, Alberta's Rangeland Enhancement Program has begun providing cattle ranchers with colored composite images of their grazing land. The images are taken from 705 Kilometres above the earth's surface. The program was started in 1980 by the Public Lands Division of Alberta Energy and Natural Resources, the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing of Energy, Mines and Resources and the Alberta Remote Sensing Center of Alberta Environment. And it is designed to use the Landsat 4 satellite to improve the management of millions of hectares of grassland in southern Alberta. Eventually the Landsats will take over much of the surveillance work that is now being done from horseback, vehicles and small aircraft. Landsat 4 was launched in July, 1982, by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and it passes over any given area of the earth's surface every 16 days. Sunlight reflected from the ground is detected by the satellite's multi-spectral scanner and separated into four wavelengths or bands on the electromagnetic spectrum. This energy is converted into electrical signals which then are transmitted to the federal government's ground receiving station at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The station records the data in numerical values on a computer tape and sends the information to the Alberta Remote Sensing Center in Edmonton, where it is processed on digital image analysis equipment into photograph-like images. The colors of the images and their brightness show the kind and amount of veget- ation (native grasslands, forage crops, irrigated crops) in an area. This enables ranchers and provincial rangeland managers to tell at a glance whether grazing lands have been over or under-utilized. The Alberta Remote Sensing Center is distributing selected images of rangeland through the Map and Air Photo Library in Lethbridge, (Telephone: 329-5424). And more information on the Rangeland Enhancement Program can be obtained from Cal Bricker, Alberta Remote Sensing Center, Alberta Environment, 9820 -106 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2J6, (Telephone: 427-2381). /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE (4.01) AOi-7 1 ? 1 Print Media Brancr 9 March 28, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RECQM MENDED PROCEDURES TO INCREASE ALFALFA SEED RETURNS Although alfalfa producers in northern Alberta are likely to have to live with winterkill for many years, they can improve their dollar returns per acre by understanding some of the principles that affect plant survival and by having a more realistic expectation regarding yields and longevity. Dr. Jim McKenzie of the federal government's research station at Beaverlodge recommends the following practices for optimizing alfalfa returns. Plant Only Certified Seed of Recommended Varieties The chances of an alfalfa stand experiencing winterkill under conditions that are not normally stressful will be greatly reduced when certified seed of recommended varieties is used. The reason is that some varieties are hardier than others, and it is possible to choose the hardy ones when planting pedigreed seed. This is not the case with commercial seed (Canada No. 1 ). Plant More Than One Variety The seeding of some hardy, slow regrowth varieties in some fields and the seeding of less hardy, rapid regrowth varieties in other fields should help to minimize looses in stressful growing years and to maximize production during optimum growing years. Although Beaver is the main variety that is recommended for northern Alberta, there are other varieties which may be slightly more or slightly less hardy than Beaver. District agriculturists know the varieties that are best suited to their areas. Seed a Percentage of Alfalfa Acreage Each Year Since a seedling stand rarely winterkills, maximum production will be obtained from such a crop following a winter in which older stands have winterkilled. Hence, this practice is recommended to avoid having the whole acreage in old stands, which are the most susceptible to winterkill. hone: (403) 427-21 21 - (cont'd) - /diberrc AGRICULTUR Print Media Branc 10 -2- Recommended Procedures to Increase Alfalfa Seed Returns (cont'd) Do Not Cut Alfalfa in August Although cutting alfalfa in August and early September does not necessarily mean that the plants will winterkill, it does mean that they are more likely to winterkill. August and early September cutting increases the chances of the plants entering the winter with low food reserves, and the potential for winterkill is increased under these conditions. If August cutting cannot be avoided, the older stands should be harvested first and crops in the bloom stage should be harvested before those that are in the bud stage. Dr. McKenzie reports that winterkill in alfalfa fields has occurred in three out of the last eight years in northern Alberta. He believes that the simplest way to improve alfalfa production could be to use certified seed of recommended varieties, plant more than one variety, seed a percentage of the acreage each year and plan shorter rotations. - 30 - March 28, 1983 1 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE POTATOES WITH HOLLOW HEARTS What is that brown cavity in the centre of some of my potatoes, is a question that is frequently asked of specialists at the Alberta Horticultural Research Center in Brooks by people who grow their own potatoes. According to plant pathologist, Dr. Ron Howard, the brown cavities are asso- ciated with the excessively rapid expansion in the size of the potatoes. Referred to as hollow heart, Dr. Howard says the condition is frequently severe in fields where the potato plants are irregularly spaced, and that any practice that inhibits rapid tuber growth (close plant spacings) or stimulates the production of a large number of small potatoes will reduce its incidence. He also says that a marginal potassium deficiency may be a factor in the incidence of hollow heart, particularly when the cultivars are prone to that condition. In such cases, increasing the level of potassium to above that required for normal growth will usually reduce the number of potatoes with hollow hearts. Dr. Howard recommends the following practices to control hollow heart. . Plant potato varieties that are less prone to the condition. Viking potatoes rarely develop hollow hearts even under extremely adverse growing conditions. On the other hand, Norgold Russet potatoes are very susceptible to hollow heart, while netted gems are somewhat less susceptible. - (cont'd) - 'hone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlbcrrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc 12 -2 Potatoes With Hollow Hearts (cont'd) . Plant potatoes at close and regular intervals to increase competition, and, there- by, prevent excessively rapid growth. . Use sound cultural practices to ensure a good stand. . Maintain a uniform soil moisture level to stimulate a uniform potato growth rate. . Use a balanced fertilizer that will provide uniform but not excessive vine growth. Additional potassium fertilizer may reduce the incidence of hollow heart even though it may not increase the total yield of potatoes. -30- 13 March 28, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TWO DEVICES FOR SHEEPMEN DEVE LOPED IN SCOTLAND Scientists at the Moredun Animal Disease Research Association in Edinburgh, Scotland, have developed two devices that could solve some of the problems that sheepmen encounter at lambing time. According to information received by the head of Alberta Agriculture's sheep and goat branch, Don Scheer, one of the devices is an electronic thermometer, called a hypo- thermia indicator, which enables a sheepman to see at a glance whether a new born lamb is suffering from hypothermia. It weights only 250 grams, can be carried in a sheepman's pocket and costs less than f 100. When the indicator's four centimetre probe is inserted into a lamb's rectum, one of three colored lights go on. Green means that the lamb's temperature is normal (39° C), while amber means that the lamb is suffering from a moderate degree of hypothermia and should be dried off and provided with food and shelter. And its temperature should be checked at half hour intervals. A flashing red light indicates serious hypothermia and the necessity to carry out resuscitation immediately. The lamb should also be dried off and put in a warm place. Here is where the other devices comes in. It is a heated warming box made out of heavy duty plywood, and it will hold up a six lambs at a time. It has an electric heater built into the sides and a fan that circulates the warm air. Unlike other lamb warmers, this one heats the whole animal; not just its feet. The box which can be folded flat when not in use, also comes with a gas heater and a battery operated fan. According to Alasdair MacKenzie, marketing director of Macam Photometries, which manufactures the hypothermia indicator and the warming box, the company has already had a good response from New Zealand, Australia and several Eurpoean countries. And he expects the export potential for these products to be excellent when marketing gets underway this year. The name and address of the company that manufactures the hypothermia indic- ator and the warming box is Macam Photometries, 10 Kelvin Square, Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland. ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2121 Print Media Brancr March 28, 1983 14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOW M UCH DEBT WILL A DAIRY OPERATION SUPPORT? by Gerd Andres, Farm Business Management Branch Alberta Agriculture, Olds, Alberta For many dairy farmers credit is an essestial part of running their business. In fact, in some cases the failure to use borrowed capital can result in production practices that reduce profits. A question that farmers and farm lenders often raise is "How much debt can a dairy operation handle?" The answer is very illusive because the amount of debt that a dairy farmer can carry depends upon several factors. They include: the level of milk production and quota; labor efficiency; size of operation; management ability; interest rates and loans terms; and the borrower's ability to defer payments during a poor year. The debt servicing capacity of a dairy operation is the dollar amount it can generate over all cash expenses and living costs for the repayment of the debt. And the debt servicing capacity of the operation or business is very important to a farmer who is consider- ing borrowing for capital purchases. It is also important that he realize that buildings and equipment do not directly generate additional revenue as would be the case if he purchased extra cows and quota. As a general rule, the majority of revenue generated by a dairy operation comes from the sale of milk, and one approach to analyzing the debt servicing capacity of a dairy operation would be to calculate the cash returns per dairy cow (milking and dry) or per herd; This can be done by using last year's figures to project an annual cash flow for the dairy operation. The following illustration may help. - (cont'd) - /dlberk AGRICULTUI Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Bran 15 -2- How Much Debt Will A Dairy Operation Support (cont'd) Annual Cash Flow Per Herd Per Cow A. Farm Income $ $ B. Less Feed Costs C. Less Other Expenses . D. Income Minus Expenses E. Living Expenses Risk (5% of income) Income Tax F. Total E G. Cash Returns D minus F = $ Principal and interest payments on outstanding capital loans should not be included in the C category of the above table because they must be paid out of cash returns. The C category should include such things as cow replacement costs per year (own or bought), marketing charges and interest on an operating loan. The non-cash costs, depreciation and returns on investment, do not need to be included each year, but they should be covered over the longer term (three or more years). The inclusion of these non-cash costs allows for the replacement of worn out or obsolete buildings and equipment. Only income expenses that contribute to the dairy enterprise should be considered when analizing it. If other enterprises support part of the dairy enterprise, their products (hay, grain, etc.) should be sold to the dairy enterprise at market value. This strategy will generate income to the appropriate enterprise, and each enterprise that is involved will have a separate income and expense statement. Separate statements for different aspects of a farm business will help to point out where the business's profits and losses are coming from. When you add the profits and loses for the separate enterprises together, you will see what the overall profit is. - (cont'd ) - -3- 16 How Muj:Ji^eblWi!iA Dairy Operation Support (cont'd ) The following formula is designed to calculate the debt carrying capacity of a dairy enterprise. Debt carrying capacity = Cash returns Dept Payment Factor The debt payment factor can be found in an amortization table which contains various interest rates and years. If a cow shows a cash return of $500 per year, and a capital loan is taken out for 20 years at 14 per cent, for example, the debt carrying capacity of that cow would be 500 t 0.151 = $3,311. You can obtain an amortization table from your local bank or from the Farm Business Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1P0. -30- 403) 427-21 21 /4lberr< P 17 March 28, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SHEEP PRODUCTION AND SHEEP SHEARING COURSES Alberta Agriculture, in cooperation with Olds College, will present a Sheep Pro- duction Course from April 18 to 20, which will be followed by a Sheep Shearing Course from April 21 to 22. The Sheep Production Course is designed for people who have only a limited amount of experience with sheep. It will cover the management of a sheep flock, feeds and feeding, reproduction, the selection of sheep, sheep facilities and marketing. And it will include some practical experience. The Sheep Shearing Course will cover both shearing and foot trimming and will mainly involve practical experience. Anyone who would like to take one or both of these courses should register by mail in advance of the course and include the fee. The cost of the Sheep Production Course is $97, and the cost of the Sheep Shearing Course is $75 or $70 if the person has taken the Sheep Production Course. More information on the courses and on registering can be obtained from the Con- tinuing Education Department, Olds College, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1 P0 (Telephone: 556-8344). -30- /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE 18 March 28, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ADC MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENT E. G. Suarez, general manager of administration for the Alberta Agricultural Development Corporation, has announced the appointment of Sylvia Moysa to the position of manager of human resources for the corporation. Ms. Moysa is a graduate of the University of Alberta and has a B. Ed in Business Education. Following a brief teaching career, she moved into the personnel field where she has held a number of responsible positions with the University of Alberta and the Alberta government. During the past four years she has been senior personnel generalist with Alberta Environment. In her new position, Ms. Moysa will be responsible for all the corporation's adminis- tration functions, including staff training and development. She will be located at the corpor- ation's head office in Camrose. -30- 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 ydlbcrrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc • (MANX FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 1983 THIS WEEK Land Use Panel Chosen 1 1983 Guide To Custom Rates 2 Recommended Measures To Reduce The Chances Of A Poor Canola Stand 4 Spring Tame Pasture Management 6 Feeder's Day Scheduled To Take Place At University Ranch 7 Coming Agricultural Events 8 Phone: (403) 427-2121 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 1 April 4, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LAND USE PANEL CHOSEN Four Albertans have beer1 named to a panel which will conduct public hearings into the agricultural land base of Alberta. The appointees are Charlie Stewart, Wainwright, chairman; James Lore, Carstairs; George Walker, Edmonton; and Walter Van de Walle, Legal. Fred Bradley, minister of environment, said these men, together with A.D. Crerar, Chief Executive Officer of the Environment Council of Alberta, will conduct hear- ings on maintaining and expanding the agricultural land base in Alberta. Brian Colgan, head of Alberta Agriculture's land use branch, says these hearings will offer a major opportunity for agricultural interest groups and individuals to express their views on land and land use. The panel's terms of reference include issues such as conversion of agricultural land to industrial and urban use, agricultural research, deterioration of soil resources by farming practices, and the need to open new lands. The dates of the hearings have not been announced; however Mr. Colgan expects they will take place this fall. More information on the agricultural land base public hearings can be obtained form the Environment Council of Alberta, 8th Floor, 5555 Calgary Trail, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5P9, or telephone 427-5792. PhnnP- (Arm 4?7-?1 21 -30 - A\b&\< AGRICULTL Print Media Brai 2 April 4, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE T_983 GLM DE TO CUSTOM RATES To help both custom operators and farmers who need custom work done, Alberta Agriculture's farm business management Branch has just released the publication "Farm Machinery Costs As A Guide To Custom Rates - Spring, 1983." As its name implies, this annual publication is intended as a guide; it is not intended to establish a "going custom rate." The format is the same as in previous years, and the costs are based on a survey of February, 1983 list prices from farm machinery cealers in the Olds area. Something new in this edition is a reply card for custom operators to complete and return. This information will be published in the form of a directory of Alberta custom operators for 1984, listing the custom operator's name, town, phone number and type of custom service. Gerd Andres, a farm management economist with Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch in Olds, says this year's replacement cost of machines was difficult to estimate because of unconventional pricing programs by many dealers. "These programs included discounts, bonuses and extended credit," says Mr. Andres. Generally, new machine prices remain the same as in 1982. Some operating costs continue to inflate, with the exception of interest rates, which have dropped. The projected costs for owning and operating equipment in 1983, according to Mr. Andres, are slightly lower than 1982. "Farm Machinery Costs As A Guide To Custom Rates" calculates individual cost items for different sized machines used in major field and livestock operations. It provides a breakdown of fixed costs such as depreciation, investment cost, insurance and housing as well as variable costs such as fuel, lubrication, labor and repairs for common farm implements. (cont'd) ^Iberrc AGRICULTUI Phr.no- (AP>1\ 497-91 9 1 Print Media Bran 1983 Guide To_Custom_ Rates (cont'd) Mr. Andres says every operation has different reasons for the variance in custom rates. He stresses it is beneficial to farmers and custom operators to calculate their custom operating costs to arrive at a true machinery cost which can be compared to the market rate. Worksheets are included in the new publication to help farmers and custom operators calculate their machinery costs. Copies of "Farm Machinery Costs As A Guide To Custom Rates - Spring, 1983" (Agdex 825-4) can be obtained from district agriculturists, Print Media Branch, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6 or the Farm Business Management Branch, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1P0. - 30 - 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlberrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Bram 4 April 4, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RECOMMENDED MEASURES TO REDUCE THE CHANCES OF A POOR CANOLA STAND Every spring a large percentage of Alberta's canola crops get off to a poor start, mainly because of a disease called seedling blight. The stands affected by this disease are either thin, patchy or slow to emerge or emergence is normal, but the seedlings are slow- growing. According to Phil Thomas, Alberta Agriculture's supervisor of oilseed crops, the soil-borne fungi that cause seedling blight are very weak and can only infect germinating seeds and seedlings that are under stress. Typical causes of stress are the use of poor quality seed, the placement of an excessive amount of nitrogen or phosphorous fertilizer in direct contact with the seed; or the placement of seed in a cool, moist seedbed, a dry, loose seedbed or in crusty soil. Mr. Thomas says seedling blight can destroy up to 100 per cent of a canola crop, but that in many cases it causes only partial thinning of the stand. He also says that infected seedlings may appear normal above the ground, but an inspection of their root systems will reveal that they have completely rotted away. Seedlings that are infected to this extent usually topple over before they completely dry up, while those that survive the initial root damage often develop into weak plants that produce poor yields. Because the fungi that cause seedling blight can build up to a high level when canola is frequently grown in the same soil, this crop should be planted in soil that has not been used for canola for at least three years. And it should not be grown in a field which contains volunteer canola plants or in a field that contains weeds that are susceptible to seed- ling blight. Seed treatments that contain a fungicide will provide a fair amount of seedling protection against seedling blight. And most seed treatments contain both a fungicide and an insecticide to protect the crop against flea beetles. Treating canola seed in an area where flea beetles are likely to be a problem will by increasing the seed's resistance to seedling blight, give the crop a better chance against the beetles. 'hone: (403) 427-21 21 - (cont'd ) - /dibcrrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc Recommended Measures To Reduce The Chances Of A Poor Canola Stand (cont'd) Mr. Thomas says planting certified seed to a depth of from a half to one inch is recommended to encourage rapid germination and the quick establishment of the young seedlings. The seedbed should be firm, moist, warm (10° C) and free of weeds and it should be adequately fertilized. Seed that is planted at a depth of more than an inch will be placed in a seedbed that is colder than would be the case at the recommended depth. This cooler soil will slow down the seed's germination and reduce the growth rate and vigor of the seedlings, thereby increasing the length of time that they are susceptible to seedling blight. According to Mr. Thomas, the Argentine canola varieties have a higher percentage of germination and emergence at a soil temperature of about 5°C than the Polish varieties, which means that the Argentine varieties can be planted earlier. The soil temperature for the Polish canola varieties should be around 10°C or higher. Seeding into a loose soil places the seed in poor contact with the soil particles and with moisture. This situation will increase the time the seed will require to absorb enough moisture to germinate. Also, a loose soil has a tendancy to dry out quickly, which may adversely affect the developing seedlings. Shallow spring tillage will help to conserve moisture, to aerate the soil and to promote weed seed germination. Subsequent tillage operations should also be shallow, and they should be followed by packing (rod-weeder, harrows) to firm the seedbed before it is seeded. If an excessive amount of fertilizer is placed with the seed, it will stress the seed while it is germinating and increases the chances of seedling blight infection. -30- hone: (403) 427-2121 ydlberrc AGRICULTUR Print Media Branc 6 April 4, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SPRING TAME PASTURE MANAGEMENT by Myron Bjorge, Supervisor, Forage Crops, Alberta Agriculture The early spring management of tame pasture is very important in determining total pasture yield and animal growth. In fact, the key decisions affecting both plant and animal performance are made before cattle are turned out to pasture for the season. Early pasture growth is desirable so that the winter feeding of livestock can be discontinued as soon as possible and there are grasses such as crested wheat grass, brome grass and meadow foxtail that grow rapidly in early spring in areas to which they are adapted. However, they should not be abused by being grazed too early in the spring. Livestock should not be turned on to a pasture before the grass is 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) high. At this stage of development, the yield should be approaching 1 100 kg/ha (1000 Ib/ac) where growth is dense. Grazing a pasture too early in the spring will result in the vegetation being removed before the plants have had a chance to replenish their root reserves. And overgrazing in the early spring will result in poor pasture performance for the whole grazing season. The following table gives the approximate relationship between the yield of a dense pasture stand at different stages of growth and the daily consumption of mature beef cattle. Yield Of Forage Approximate Daily Intake Monthly Intake kg/ha (Ib/ac) kg/ha (lb) kg (lb) 1100 (1000) 15 (32) 455 (1000) 550 (500) 10 (20) 275 (600) 225 (250) 5 (10) 135 (300) Everyone is always anxious to remove beef cattle and calves from wet winter quarters in the spring, but to give them free access to the summer pasture is not a good idea. It is much better to provide them with a small pasture — just enough to enable them to remain dry and to have shelter and to continue feeding them a normal qaily ration until other pastures are ready for grazing. Beginning the grazing season correctly will facilitate higher stocking rates later on, better plant and animal performance and a longer grazing season. 30 /dlberrc AGRICULTURI hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Brand 7 April 4, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEEDERS' DAY SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE AT UNIVERSITY RANCH Beef and dairy cattle, horses and game animal farming will be featured at this year's Feeders' Day, which will be held at the University of Alberta's ranch at Kinsella on June 17. The above animal species were chosen from among the many that the University of Alberta's Department of Animal Science has been conducting research on because Feeders' Day is being held at the ranch. Feeders' Day was first held 54 years ago and its location at that time was the University of Alberta's farm. It continued to be held at the farm until 1975. Since that date it has been held in various locations throughout the province to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to attend. The fact that it is being held at Kinsella this year will provide all livestock pro- ducers, but especially those from central and eastern Alberta, with an opportunity to become more familiar with the Department of Animal Science's recent research findings. And it will give them an opportunity to tour the ranch facilities and to see some of the research that is presently underway. Feeders' Day is the occasion on which the Department of Animal Science presents the results it has obtained from some of the experiments that were conducted during the pre- ceeding year. Results of the experiments that have been, and are being carried out on beef and dairy cattle, horses and game animals as well as results from other experiments will be contained in the 1983 Feeders' Day Report, which will be available at Feeders' day. -30- /dlberrc AGRICULTURI none: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Brand Apr il 4, 1983 COMING AGRICULTURAL F VFNTS 1983 Alberta Dairy Seminar Banff Centre Banff, Alberta April 6 - 8 Agro-Electronic Show Westerner Exposition Grounds Red Deer, Alberta April 15-16 Alberta Home Economics Association Conference Lethbridge, Alberta April 22 - 23 Alberta Charolais Association Sale of Bulls from Test Station Cow Palace Olds, Alberta Apnl 27 Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau On-Line Workshop Alberta Agriculture, Library Edmonton, Alberta May 4 Spring Horse Show Stampede Corral Stampede Park Calgary, Alberta May 10-15 Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Ontario May 29 - June 2 4-H On Parade Roundup Centre Stampede Park Calgary, Alberta June 3 - 5 Alberta Pork Congress Westerner Exposition Grounds Red Deer, Alberta June 14-16 Associated Country Women of the World World Conference Vancouver, B.C June 19-29 Western Canada Winter Wheat Conference University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan June 20 - 22 Farm Progress Show Exhibition Grounds Regina, Saskatchewan June 22 - 25 American Society of Agricultural Engineers Summer Meeting Montana State University Bozeman, Montana June 27 - 29 R.E.D.A. Grad Seminar Goldeye Centre . Rocky Mountain Ho use, Alberta July 2 - 9 AGRIQJLTL -2- 9 Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd ) International Dairy Council, 67th Annual Sessions Hotel Scandinavia Oslo Norway July 3 - 8 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Tour Picture Butte, Alberta July 6 - 8 Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Stampede Park Calgary, Alberta July 8 - 1 7 R.E.D.A. Teen Seminar A Goldeye Centre Rocky Mountain House, Alberta July 9 - 1b Agricultural Institute of Canada Truro, Nova Scotia July 10-14 Canadian Home Economics Association Conference Saint John, New Brunswick July 10-14 R.E.D.A. Youth Seminar A Goldeye Centre Rocky Mountain House, Alberta July 15-21 33rd Annual Conference of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Agriculture Brudenell Resort Cardigan, Prince Edward Island July 1 7 - 22 Alberta Women's Week Olds College Olds. Alberta July 18 - 21 1983 World Show and Sale of Charolais Cattle Red Deer Exhibition Grounds Red Deer, Alberta July 18-23 R.E.D.A. Teen Seminar B Goldeye Centre Rocky Mountain House, Alberta July 21 - 27 Edmonton's Klondike Days Exposition Edmonton Northlands Grounds Edmonton, Alberta July 21 - 30 Alberta Horticulture Week Olds College Olds Alberta July 24 - 29 R.E.D.A. Youth Seminar B Goldeye Centre Rocky Mountain House, Alberta July 27 - August 2 hone: (403) 427-21 21 >dlbcrrc AGRICULTUR Print Media Branc -3- 10 Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) Whoop-Up Days - Agricultural Summer Fair Lethbridge Exhibition Grounds Lethbridge, Alberta August 1 6 R.E.D.A. Teen Seminar C Goldeye Centre Rocky Mountain House, Alberta August 2 - 8 International Trading and Development Conference Holland August 15-19 National Dairy Council of Canada, Annual Convention Westin Hotel Edmonton, Alberta September 11-13 Canadian Agricultural Extension Council London, Ontario September 12-16 Round Up '83 Stampede Park Calgary, Alberta > October 26 - 30 Northlands Farmfair AgriCom Building, Edmonton Northlands Grounds Edmonton, Alberta November 3 -13 Saskatoon Fall Fair and Mexabition Prairieland Exhibition Grounds Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 18-22 Canadian Western Agribition Exhibition Grounds Regina, Saskatchewan November 25 - December 2 1984 29th National Alfalfa Improvement Conference Lethbridge, Alberta July 16 -20 /dlberrc AGRICULTUF CAN,\ :-,..V- 1AY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1 1, 1983 THIS WEEK Agriculture Minister Addresses Municipal Officials 1 Crow Uncertainty Hampers Crushers 3 Feedgrain Situation And Outlook 1983-84 4 Custom Rates Survey Results - 1982 5 Continuous Cropping Versus Clover Plowdown Rotation 6 Insurance For Farmers 8 Disease Control In The Home Garden 9 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-2121 Print Media Branch 1 April 11, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRICULTURE MINISTER ADDRESSES MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS Alberta's agricultural service boards will have to hold the line on spending during the 1983 - 84 fiscal year. Speaking to the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties in Red Deer recently, Agriculture Minister LeRoy Fjordbotten told delegates, "Service boards will have to make do with essentially the same level of funding they received last year." The minister noted that during times of fiscal restraint, "The province's options have become limited and as a result, so have some of yours." The practice of charging for certain services is an alternative means of municipal funding. Some municipalities already charge for beaver control, tree planting and use of equipment. While supporting the idea of fee-for-service, Mr. Fjordbotten told representatives to be careful how such programs are run. "I do not want to see charges in any form for services or supplies that are already provided and paid for by the province." The minister said he expects fees to be reasonable, as in a municipal election year voters will seriously consider budget performance when casting ballots. Touching on other subjects of agricultural interest, Mr. Fjordbotten said he does not support proposals to create a moratorium on farm foreclosures, including Bill C653, the federal government's proposed law to prevent farm foreclosures. He said that despite tight lending restrictions, "New laws to prevent foreclosures would backfire on farmers. Commer- cial farm credit would dry up faster than the law could be signed." - (cont'd) - Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Axx\t AGRICULTU Print Media Brar 2 -2- Agriculture Minister Addresses Municipal Officials (cont'd) Repeating Alberta's stand on the federal government's western transportation initiative (Crow reform), the minister said, "Generally we accept the federal government's understanding of the need for a comprehensive approach on western rail capacity, grain handl- ing and transportation. The policy proposal outlined in early February appears to be a necessary first step toward continued agricultural growth and economic development in Alberta." According to Mr. Fjordbotten, the province has several concerns about the Pepin proposals, however. They deal with Ottawa's future cost-sharing arrangement on inflation, the 31.1 million tonne ceiling placed on grain tonnage elegible for the Crow benefit, the possibility of the review process in 1985-86 overturning key parts of the policy, and the lack of mechanism compelling the railways to live up to both investment and performance standards. "We want to be sure that farmers' money is used to build capacity, not hotels," said the minister. -30- /llbcrrc AGRICULTU 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CROW UNCERTAINTY HAMPERS CRUSHERS Resolution of the Crow's nest freight rate issue will be a major factor in the future of Canada's oilseed crushing industry, says the vice-president of an Alberta crushing firm. "The lengthy months of negotiations to settle this issue have been prolonged by agencies wishing to protect their own individual establishments," said R.A. Simmons of Canbra Foods. He was addressing Accent '83, Alberta Agriculture's market outlook confer- ence held recently in Edmonton. Mr. Simmons added, "Whether this lobbying will delay the ultimate legislation or prevent a solution will have a dramatic effect on the future of the domestic crushing industry." Another concern of the industry is the subsidy programs of E.E.C. countries, the U.S., Brazil and Malaysia. These programs, which include the creation of very low export prices for canola oil and meal, and import duties, are intended to protect the home industries. Such programs effectively block Canadian canola exports to these countries. "It's doubtful that in the light of Canada's economic situation we can expect our Canadian treasury to com- pete with the treasuries of these other nations," he said. As for 1983 production, Mr. Simmons views the prospect of a prairie canola crop of 6.0 million acres as not burdensome to the market. Discussing the world oilseed market, a USDA economist, Alan Holz, predicted reduction in stocks, accelerated expansion in exports and some price recovery for 1983-84. - 30 - hone: (403) 427-2121 /diberrc AGRICULTUR Print Media Branc 4 April 11, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEEDGRA N SITUATION AND OUTLOOK 1983-84 ' We will look back on I983 as the bottom of the feedgrain market," says Peter Love, vice-president of Love Feeds Ltd. in Calgary. Carry-over stocks of feedgrain for 1982-83 are expected to be at record levels in both Canada and the U.S. To obtain higher prices, demand must increase or supplies must decrease. Speaking at Accent '83, Alberta Agriculture's market outlook conference, Mr. Love said he believes both of these will occur over the next year. Government programs will reduce I983 feedgrain production in the U.S. Canadian farmers are expected to reduce I983 barley acreage by at least 10 per cent and possibly 15 per cent. Given normal yields, 1983 Canadian barley production will be down about 14 per cent. Total barley supplies, however, will be down only 4 per cent because of the high carry-over, Mr. Love said. Over the past year export barley prices have gone from an abnormal premium of about $20 U.S. per tonne over corn to a discount of $20 U.S. per tonne, Mr. Love noted. Roughly the same thing has happened in the eastern Canadian market. Given the competitive position of barley relative to corn, eastern Canadian domestic and export demand should strengthen. Thus by July 1984 carry-over stocks of barley should be reduced from July 1983 levels. Mr. Love predicted the CWB initial price for No. 1 feed barley to decline by $10 to $15 per tonne for the 1983-84 crop year. Non-board barley is not likely to be dis- counted below the CWB initial price as much as it was last year. Mr. Love expects $10 per tonne to be the maximum discount in the upcoming crop year. He predicts non-board barley prices will remain fairly flat during the rest of 1983, but expects prices to strengthen by the first or second quarter of 1984, approaching $120 per tonne by then. -30 - /dlberrc AGRICULTUF April 11, 1983 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CUSTOM RATES SURVEY RESULTS - 1982 Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch has just released the publication "Custom Rates Annual Survey Summary - 1982." The publication contains surveyed custom rates for the following operations: seeding, fertilizer and herbicide applications, haying, silage making, grain harvesting, tillage, livestock hauling, corral cleaning, fencing and land rental in Alberta. The publication lists custom rates for each operation in two ways: a price range, and the most common price for 1982. The rates are reported according to six agricultural regions. Gerd Andres, farm management economist at Olds, says that because of labor requirements, economics or other reasons, many farmers hire custom operators as an altern- ative way to obtain machinery services. Custom rates normally include all operating costs and some or all fixed costs depending on the type of custom operator— casual, part-time or full- time. Operating costs are fuel, lubrication, repairs and labor. Fixed costs include depreciation, investment costs, insurance and housing. A management fee and a profit margin may also be included in a custom rate. The custom rates survey can be useful as a guide for what to pay, what to charge and what to budget for in custom rates in 1983. Mr. Andres stresses that the publication makes no effort to evaluate the fairness of reported custom rates. The publication reports the rates charged in 1982, not what should be charged in 1983. Copies of "Custom Rates Annual Survey Summary - 1982" (Agdex 825-9) can be obtained from district agriculturists, Print Media Branch, Agriculture Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6, or from the Farm Business Management Branch, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1P0. •hone: (403) 427-21 21 - 30- ydlbcrrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc 6 April 11, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTINUOUS CROPPING VERSUS CLOVER PLOWDOWN ROTATION A recent study of costs and returns for continuous cropping versus clover plow- down rotation for wheat, barley and canola indicates that there is an economic advantage in most cases of using a plowdown rotation. Bill Baier, an economist with Alberta Agriculture, conducted the study, and collected information from farmers in the Westlock area. A day was spent with them discuss- ing the costs involved, the complement of machinery required and the cultural practices carried out on each operation. This information was compiled and costs calculated to deter- mine the total cost of production and the returns expected from the crops. The clover plowdown rotation proved clearly to have an advantage over contin- uous cropping in the following areas. Profitability increases with a clover plowdown rotation. A gross operating profit of $6.73 per acre for clover plowdown was realized versus $0.94 per acre for continuous cropp- ing. Gross operating profit is the return over cash expenses, depreciation and labor. The cash flow was improved as well by using a clover plowdown rotation; contribution margin was $58.36 per acre versus $53.19 per acre for continuous cropping. A contribution margin is the return over cash expenses. Additional advantages for the clover plowdown included improved soil tilth, less risk and lower operating capital requirements, and labor and machine usage spread out over the growing season to a greater extent. Mr. Baier points out that the economic advantage of the plowdown rotation decreases as grain price levels increase, however, it would take an increase in grain prices of - (cont'd) - PhnnP- tAC)l) 497-21 21 ydlbcrrc AGRICULTL Print Media Brar 7 - 2 - Continuous Cropping Versus Clover Plowdown Rotation ( co n t 'd ) approximately 38 per cent to make profitability of continuous cropping comparable to the clover plowdown rotation. The objective of the study, emphasizes Mr. Baier, was to provide an estimate of the cost and expected returns for production of these crops but a producer should keep in mind that costs vary between producers because of differences in cultural and management practices of land. These findings should be used as a guide in decision making and adapted to a farmer's own conditions. Details of this study are available in the publication, "Continuous Cropping Versus Clover Plowdown Rotation in the Westlock District" (CR D. No. 254) from the Print Media Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6. - 30- >hone: (403) 427-21 21 ydlborrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Bran April 1 1, 1983 8 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INSURANCE FOR FARMERS Do you carry farm liability insurance? Are you aware that if you employ farm labor, you can be liable for any sickness, injury or death that results from his or her work? As the owner of the property, a farmer may also be held responsible for the injury or death of a salesman, buyer, canvasser, trespasser, etc if he, the farmer, failed to maintain his proper :y in a condition that was safe for others. And farm animals that stray may cause injury to others or damage the property of others, while farm equipment that is used in a negligent manner may injure others. Then there is the danger of fire. A fire that was ignited to burn grass or scrub bush may get out of control and damage a neighboring property, and chemical weed sprays may drift into a neighbor's property and destroy his crop or crops. Incidentally, since this risk is not covered by most farm liability insurance policies, anyone who is having custom spraying done should make sure that the operator is carrying adequate coverage. The most common liability insurance coverage used by farmers in Alberta appears to be comprehensive liability insurance or else they have a rider put on to their farm fire insurance policy. Farmers who would like more information on comprehensive liability insurance and/or information on workers compensation should get a copy of the publication entitled 'Liability Insurance for Farmers" (FS 838-3). It is available from district offices and the Print Media Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. (Telephone: 427-0391). 30 Ab&K AGRICULTUF 'hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branc April 11, 1983 9 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE D IS EAS E CO NTROL IN THE HOME GARDEN The time to plan a disease control strategy for a home garden is before any seed is planted. Dr. Ronald Howard, plant pathologist at the Alberta Horticultural Research Center in Brooks, strongly recommends planting resistant vegetable and flower varieties in a garden that has a history of certain diseases. The use of varietal resistance is the best way to control vascular wilts, for example. These diseases cannot be controlled with a protective fungicide and can survive in the soil for many years. Dr. Howard also suggests using fungicide-treated seed in gardens which have had disease problems. In addition to killing the disease-causing organisms on the seed, the seed treatment will protect the seed and young seedlings against certain disease-causing organisms that live in the soil. Dr. Howard says treated seed is usually red or some other easily identifi- able color, and the fact that it has been treated is marked on the container. Untreated seed may be treated by the home gardener with Captan 50W, Orthocide 50W, etc. Tear off the corner of a small package of seed and put about twice as much of the pesticide as can be picked up on the first centimetre of the flat end of a tooth pick into the package. Then shake the package until the seed is thinly coated. Anyone who buys cabbage or related plant seed should be sure that the seed has been treated by a special hot water method to destroy certain disease-causing organisms, says Dr. Howard. He also says that for a small area it is usually best to buy plants that have been started by a commercial gardener. And he emphasizes that seed treatment is not a cure-all. It is most effective, he says, when it is used in conjunction with a crop rotation because many - (cont'd) - Akex\( AGRICULTL Print Mpriia Bra 10 -2- Diseases Control In The Home Garden (cont'd) disease-causing organisms do not survive long in soil in which a different crop is grown. Excep- tions are some of the wilt-causing organisms like those that produce potato and tomato wilts and root rot in peas and beans. Once the soil becomes infested with these organisms, it remains so for a long time. The only thing that can be done in such cases is to use a resistant variety if one is available. Since many disease-causing organisms live in seed, Dr. Howard recommends pur- chasing seed each year from a seed-man or dealer who has a reputation for producing or selling high quality, disease free seed and plants. He does not recommend saving seed from a home garden in the fall. The removal of weeds from in and around a garden will destroy the source of disease causing organisms that are harbored in many weed species. Most of these diseases are caused by viruses that are transmitted by various insects from nearby gardens that have diseases. And the prompt removal of diseased plants will retard the spread of many diseases in a home garden. -30- /dlberrc AGRICULTUF Print Mprtia Rram i ANAlMANA MAY 1 8 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 1983 THIS WEEK Alberta Agriculture's Research And Resource Development Sector Reorganized 1 Herbicide Stocks To Be Withdrawn 3 Managing Agricultural Technology For Profit Conference Well Attended 4 World Weather And Crop Conditions Outlook 6 Electric Fencing 8 Alfalfa - Quality And Utilization 11 Secretary To The Agricultural Products Marketing Council Appointed 13 Phone: (403) 427-2121 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch April 18, 1983 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA AGRICULTURE'S RESEARCH AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SECTOR REORGANIZED Dr. A. 0. Olson, Alberta Agriculture's assistant deputy minister responsible for research and resource development, has announced the reorganization and consolidation of various line responsibilities within this Alberta Agriculture sector. The move is part of organizational changes outlined in early February. At that time, the department's irrigation division and irrigation secretariat and soil resources were combined with the research and land use activities divisions in a new research and resource development sector. "These moves were intended to help the department expand and intensify its involvement in ensuring proper management of the province's basic agricultural resources of land and water," said Dr. Olson. "Restructuring of the sector will help us to ensure the department maintains this continuing focus on land and water, resources essential for Alberta farmers, farm families and agribusinesses," said Dr. Olson. "It will also enable us to make better use of the new technol- ogies constantly being developed in this area." Under the reorganization, a number of branches have been realigned within research and resource development and two divisions have been renamed to reflect new responsibilities. The former irrigation division has become the irrigation and conservation division while the land use activities division has been expanded and is renamed the resource planning division. The research division in Edmonton and the irrigation secretariat in Lethbridge remain unchanged. one: (403) 427-21 21 - (cont'd) - ydlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch - 2 - 2 Alberta Agriculture's Research And Resource Development Sector Reorganized (cont'd) Administratively, two branches in the old irrigation division, project planning and land classification, have been shifted to resource planning division while a new branch named conservation and development has been formed and given the irrigation division major new functions. The conservation and development branch incorporates some of the soil-related resource duties previously managed by Alberta Agriculture's production sector, including soil problems such as dryland salinity and waterlogged soils and management of the Soil Conserv- ation Area Program (SCAP). In addition, the branch is responsible for developing irrigation and water conservation systems and applied research related to water and soils. The resource planning division is generally responsible for co-ordinating Alberta Agriculture's policy on water and land use, providing support to the Irrigation Council of Alberta and forming general guidelines for land classification. Among its responsibilities are to generate information or data bases pertinent to the new emphasis being shown by Alberta Agriculture on water and land use development. The division is composed of three branches, land use, land classification and project planning, the latter two being transferred from the former irrigation division. -30- April 18, 1983 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HERBICIDE STOCKS TO BE WITHDRAWN All stocks of the herbicide Magnum 40 EC will be withdrawn because test results on the herbicide have not been satisfactory. Walter Yarish, supervisor of weed control for Alberta Agriculture, urges farmers who had planned to use Magnum to make other arrangements. Magnum 40 EC is Uniroyal's trade name for a product containing triflur- alin and was developed for canola crops in western Canada. The company was issued a registration number for the product subject to completion of certain tests. Those tests have now been completed but results were not satisfactory and registration will not be permitted. All stocks of the herbicide are to be with- drawn. -30- Phone: (403) 427-2121 /dlbsrK AGRICULTUI Print Media Bran April 18, 1983 4 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MANAGING AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY FOR PROFIT CONF ERENCE WELL ATTENDED Over 400 people attended the sixth Managing Agricultural Technology for Profit conference in Banff sponsored by Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch. Dr. William Boast, president of SynCom Ltd., a Denver-based management advisory and training company, gave the opening address on Managing in Uncertain Times. He noted that we are now coming out of a great period of economic growth and stability and that we could be entering a long period of change and crisis. Our problem is learning to function and manage in a world that's changing faster and faster, where the changes are not easily predicted. "You and I live in a world where no one knows what's coming next. You can be pretty certain that you are going to have more problems this year than you had last year. The ability to handle those problems is called management. The inability to handle them is called bankruptcy. One main thing to do is pick problems that may be occurring before they do cause a problem," Dr. Boast advised. Other sessions at the conference included technical information on such topics as plant growth regulators, biotechnology, barley and canola production, and tax and estate planning. A computer vendor fair displayed microputer hardware and software and how they can be used as time-saving farm tools. The most popular sessions seemed to be those dealing with motivational topics. Dr. Eldon Morey, a staff member of the Lakeland Mental Health Centre in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, gave a session on Emotional Survival in a Difficult World. At the session he dis- cussed ways of maintaining emotional well-being at a time when the stress of management has never been greater. - (cont'd) - Abate AGRICULTURE -2- 5 Managing Agricultural Technology For Profit Conference Well Attended (cont'd) Carol Sapin Gold, a management consultant from Los Angeles, California, spoke about Secrets of Success of Top Management Teams. Other points brought out at the conference stressed the importance of managing a lean and fit farming operation; of good record keeping; of careful budgeting and sound finan- cial planning and marketing. Plans are underway now for another Managing Agricultural Technology for Profit conference to be held in 1984. -30- 6 April 18, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WORLD WEATHER AND CROP CONDITIONS OUTLOOK World wheat supply may shrink in 1983-84 because of reduced prospects in the U.S. and USSR, the world's leading wheat-producing nations. Statistical odds favor smaller harvests in Canada, the European Economic Community (EEC) and Argentina, as well. These were some of the predictions made by Gail Martell, meteorologist and assistant vice-president of E.F. Hutton of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in her address to Accent '83, Alberta Agriculture's grain and oilseed outlook conference held in Edmonton. Ms. Martell went on to outline world weather and crop conditions for the major grain-producing nations. U. S. wheat producers may harvest eight to nine per cent less acreage than last year, depending on final compliance figures in the various government farm programs. She added that soil moisture conditions are the best in many years in the northern U.S. Historically, spring wheat yields are increased by excellent subsoil moisture. Ms. Martell suggested that production of U.S. soft wheat should plummet in 1983 based on sharply lower acreage and reduced yields. Excessively wet weather has been plagu- ing southern U. S. states this winter. Currently Ms. Martell looks for U. S. wheat production to be substantially lower than last year's record output. On the other hand, she expects Canadian wheat acreage in 1983 to increase by at least four per cent. In spite of potentially higher acreage, it seems doubtful that yields will match last year's record level. Subsoil moisture conditions are not particularly good in the northern grain belt, where cumulative precipitation since last fall has been only two-thirds of normal, suggesting conditions not as ideal as last year. lAmi A97.9 1 9 1 - (cont'd) - ydlborrc AGRICULTUP Print MoHia Rranr World Weather and Crop Conditions Outlook (cont'd) When viewing the global situation, Mr. Martell suggested that Argentina wheat output will be less than last year's record crop. Similarly EEC production should be slightly lower than last year's record. Australia should rebound following the worst drought of the century and Russian wheat crops should be average or worse in 1983-84. The Soviets this year are expected to import a record amount of wheat. -30- April 18, 1983 8 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ELECTRIC F ENCING Electric fencing is becoming increasingly common in Alberta and has proven to be a versatile and effective method of animal control. Andrew Livingstone, Alberta Agriculture's regional engineering technologist in Barrhead, offers the following information as a summary of the available information on electric fencing. Permanent electric fences can be used for perimeter fencing for cattle, hogs and sheep. Temporary electric fences are used as cross-fencing for rotational grazing systems and for animal control around feed supplies. Use for predator control around bee yards, vegetable gardens and sheep pastures is becoming more common. A wide variety of solid state fence energizers, or controllers, is available. Controllers for permanent fences often utilize a 110-volt power supply and can energize up to 80 kilo- metres of wire, although 15 to 20 kilometres is more common. Controllers for temporary fences can be battery powered, using a three to 32-volt power supply. Some companies offer a wind generator to energize remote fences. A photovoltaic cell that recharges the battery using solar energy is also available. The controller should be CSA approved, with an integral lightning arrestor. It should produce a short duration pulse of high voltage, low amperage electricity. Common pulse lengths are 1 /3000th of a second, repeated every second. Common voltage output ranges are 5000 to 15000 volts. Posts for electric fences are commonly placed 15 to 50 metres apart, depending upon terrain. Stays, or droppers, are required every 10 metres to ensure correct wire alignment in multi-wire electric fences. - (cont'd) - /dlberra AGRICULTURE rj_:_* h a i : — r> u -2- 9 Electric Fencing (cont'd) Most electric fences use insulators on the fence posts to isolate the hot wire from the post, eliminating current leakage to ground. Polyethylene or porcelain insulators are com- monly used. Certain types of electric fences can be installed without insulators. One type relies upon a very high voltage output from the controller to compensate for voltage drop that occurs at each uninsulated wire-post connection. These types of fence are usually suitable for short runs (less than five kilometres). One company sells "Insultimber" posts, which are basically a very high resistance (or "insulating") wood, which eliminate the need for additional insulators. The wire used for electric fences is usually one or more strands of barbed, or smooth, high tensile wire stretched to 700 to 900 newtons (150 to 200 lb) tension. One strand at two-thirds the height of the animal is adequate for cross fencing for rotational grazing. Two or three strands are recommended for permanent fencing. A fourth strand can be added, 150 millimetres from ground level, for hard-to-control animals such as sheep, goats, calves, etc. Braided plastic twine, with steel wires woven into it, is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for portable fences. Electrified mesh, usually in metre-wide rolls, made from braided plastic and steel wires, makes an excellent portable fence for sheep, and for protection from predators of vegetable gardens, bee yards, etc. Insulated cable containing a hot and ground wire, with protruding, energized barbs (such as "Post-Shock") has proven successful in con- trolling feeding of large round bales, silage in bunker silos, etc. An additional lightning arrestor on the fence hot wire(s) is recommended, usually located near the controller. In arid areas, where the dry soil has little or no conductivity, it may be necessary in addition to the hot wires to run one or two ground wires to serve as a ground return. Equip the ground return wires with a ground rod every kilometre. The effect- iveness of this type of fence is limited, since accidental contact between the hot and ground wires, such as a falling tree, will short-out the fence onward from the point of contact. This type of fence has limited application and should not be used under damp conditions. - (cont'd) - 10 -3- Electric Fencing (cont'd) Permanent electric fences will require stretcher or pull-post assemblies every one to two kilometres and at corners. They add significantly to the physical strength of the fence and also allow re-tensioning of the fence wire periodically. Ratchet-type wire tensioning devices and tensiometers can be home-made or purchased, and are useful tools. A wide variety of spring-loaded wire gates, gate handles, connectors, cut-out switches, etc., are available. A common gate is a single hot wire, extending across the gate opening. Additional hot wires in the fence are carried underground, beneath the gate opening, through insulated cable. For electric fencing across ditches or runoff channels subject to periodic flooding, special insulators are available. They cut off the power to the wires submerged in the water, while maintaining power in the dry wires. For prolonged periods of submergence in water, the power should be mechanically cut off from the submerged wires with a cut-out switch. For more information on electric or conventional fencing, contact Alberta Agri- culture's engineering field services staff. They are located at all Alberta Agriculture regional offices and in Edmonton. -30- hone: (403) 427-21 21 ydlbcrrc AGRICULTUR Print Media Bran April 18, 1983 1 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALFALFA - QUALITY AND UTILIZATION Even though alfalfa is a versatile crop, care must be taken not to sacrifice quality for quantity without due regard for its ultimate use. According to Dr. Nigel Fairey of the federal government's research station at Beaverlodge, a compromise must always be made with forage crops between quality and quantity, but the extent of this compromise in the case of alfalfa will depend upon whether it is to be used for dehy, hay, silage, pasture, etc. because there are critical standards that must be met for such products as dehy alfalfa. He also points out that the stability of alfalfa yields over the years is influenced by such things as the type of soil and the nutrient status of the soil in which the alfalfa is grown, environmental conditions, the variety grown and the time and frequency of cutting. He says the stringent quality standards for dehy alfalfa dictate that the crop should be harvested in the pre-bud to bud stage. The stand should be kept in production for only one to two years per rotation, and vigorous, well adapted varieties should be grown. Alfalfa that is to be used for hay should be cut with a mower-conditioner before the full flower stage. And the mower should be set to cut about three inches above the ground to avoid taking too much of the woody stems. The crop should be handled as little as possible to prevent loss of leaf tissue, which contains 75 per cent of the plant's protein. Exposure of the forage to sun and rain should also be minimized as much as possible because these condit- ions cause a serious reduction in both yield and nutritive value. Alfalfa that is to be made into silage should be cut in the early flowering stage and it should be wilted to a 65 to 70 per cent moisture content. And to ensure a high protein digestibility, silage temperatures should not exceed 40° C during the fermentation process. The silo should be sealed as soon as it has been filled. Ahexia AGRICULTURE 12 -2- Alfalfa - Qnality and Utilization (cont'd) Dr. Fairey says the quality of alfalfa silage is generally better than that of hay, and that the big bale method of making silage may be a good way of switching from hay to silage production without having to invest in specialized machinery. He also says that alfalfa is not an easy crop to ensile, and that the use of an additive is recommended. Grain and organic acids make good additives. Dr. Fairey suggests direct-cutting alfalfa, adding barley, grain and blending the two during the ensiling process to get a well balanced livestock ration. When alfalfa is to be used for pasturing livestock, the crop should be grazed on a rotational basis to allow time for regrowth. According to Dr. Fairey, the bloat problem can be minimized by growing a mixture of alfalfa and palatable grasses. Fractionation is another method of utilizing a high protein crop like alfalfa. This process can be used on the farm or in conjunction with a dehydration plant and involves processing the alfalfa to remove its juice. Dr. Fairey says the residual pulp can be dried or used for silage, and that the juice is treated to coagulate the protein, which is then dried and used for human consumption. The residual liquid makes good pig feed. -30 - April 18, 1983 13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SECRETARY TO THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS MARKETING COUNCI L APPOINTED Tom Sydness, general manager of the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council, has announced the appointment of T. J. (Terry) Appleby to the position of secretary of the council. Mr. Appleby, who was raised on a mixed farm at Holden, Alberta, has a B.Sc.fromthe University of Alberta and an M.Sc. in agriculture economics from the same institution. Prior to this appointment, he worked as a dairy and poultry market analyst with Alberta Agriculture. In his new position, Mr. Appleby will be responsible for assisting members of the marketing council by analyzing policy issues and preparing reports on relevant marketing matters. The Agricultural Products Marketing Council is responsible for the establishment and supervision of Alberta's agricultural marketing boards and commissions. -30- /dberk MAri8i983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 1983 THIS WEEK $1 .9-Million Canola Oil Refinery Announced For Wainwright 1 Lontrel To Be Fie Id -Tested in Alberta 3 Forest Tent Caterpillar Forecast 4 How To Prevent Exposure To Pesticides 6 1983 Farmers' Market Season 9 Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Championship 11 Agricultural Tour Of Europe 12 Phone: (403) 427-2121 Liberia AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 1 April 25 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE $1 .9-M I LLION CANOLA OIL REFINERY ANNOUNCED FOR WAINWRIGHT EDMONTON - Canada Packers Inc., Canada's largest food processor, will build a $9. 1 -million canola oil refinery at Wainwright, Alberta. Utilizing the existing crushing capacity of canola crushing plants in northern Alberta, the new facility will produce refined canola oil that will be shipped in bulk tank cars and trucks to food processors and large commercial customers throughout Canada. The announcement of the project was made jointly by the Honourable LeRoy Fjordbotten, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture, Senator H. A. (Bud) Olson, Government Leader in the Senate, and Mr. Richardson Symmes, General Manager of Canada Packers' Edible Oils and Dairy Division. In making the announcement, Mr. Fjordbotten noted the benefits the project would bring to both canola crushers and canola growers in the region. "The new plant will purchase some $1 8-million worth of crude canola oil annually from crushers in northern Alberta, an amount equivalent to the oil yield of approximately 150,000 acres of canola seed," he said. "This oil now leaves the region unprocessed and the plant will therefore be an important alternative market for these crushers and will also be a great benefit to canola growers in the northern part of the province." The plant will produce edible oils for products such as margarines, salad oils and frying fats. Most of the oil will be sold in Canada and will help to replace imported edible oils. 'hone: (403) 427-2121 - (cont'd) - /dlberrc AGRICULTUF Print Media Branc 2 -2- $1 .9-Million Canola Oil Refinery Announced For Wainwright (cont'd) The latest refinery technology will be used. Of the $9-million in capital costs, more than 90 per cent of the purchases will be made from Canadian manufacturers and suppliers. The plant will employ approximately 25 people. A cost-shared development grant of $1 .2-million is being supplied by Alberta Agriculture and the federal Department of Regional Economic Expansion (DREE) under the Canada-Alberta Nutritive Processing Assistance Agreement. -30- For further information, contact Dr. J. E. Wiebe, Executive Director, Rural Development. Alberta Agriculture, Telephone 427-4287. 3 April 25, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LONTREL TO BE FIELD-TESTED IN ALBERTA Lontrel 360 herbicide will be field-tested by a limited number of canola growers this year in various regions of Alberta The performance of the herbicide and its persistence in soil will be monitored by Alberta Agriculture and Dow Chemical Canada Inc. Research on Lontrel herbicide in small plots over the years has indicated that the herbicide is very effective in controlling Canada thistle and perennial sow-thistle in canola. Until now, there has been no herbicide which could control these weeds in canola. Canola growers therefore had to resort to summerfallow to reduce the spread of these persistent weeds. Use of this herbicide means the grower can avoid one season's loss of canola produc- tion as well as the cost of summerfallowing. The field testing of Lontrel 360 herbicide will provide information for the registr- ation of this herbicide by federal authorities. "The benefit of this registration to canola growers cannot be over-emphasized," says Dr. Moe Hussain, pesticide issues co-ordinator for Alberta Agriculture. Limited amounts of Lontrel 360 herbicide are being released as a restricted herb- icide by federal authorities, for trial use only, under a research permit. The nature of the restriction on the herbicide label states that "The purpose of this trial use is to confirm the absence of excessive soil persistence and subsequent effect on rotational crops that may be sensitive." The restriction also indicates that "safety data and registrations of this product are under review, and that directions for use and cautionary statements should be carefully followed." Farmers are warned to read the Lontrel 360 label carefully before using the product. -30- Phone: (403) 427-21 21 /4lberr< AGRICULTl Print Media Bra 4 April 25, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOREST T ENT C AT E R P I L L A R F 0 R ECAST Residents in many centres in central and northern Alberta can expect severe problems with forest tent caterpillars again this year. A report prepared by the Northern Forest Research Centre of the Canadian Forestry Service of Environment Canada predicts that several areas, particularly to the north and west of Edmonton, will experience severe defoliation of trembling aspen in 1983. The prediction is based on results obtained from a survey of egg bands which was conducted in October of 1982. The survey involved counting the number of egg bands found on three randomly selected trembling aspen trees in each of 86 localities. The predicted defoli- ation levels may be reduced by unfavorable weather conditions and an increase in parasite and disease levels. This year's survey indicates that only 42 per cent of the sampled locations in Alberta (as compared to 68 per cent in 1981 ) will be severely defoliated in 1983. This suggests that forest tent caterpillar populations may be declining. If people in heavily infested areas are considering a control program this spring, Michael Dolinski, supervisior of entomology for Alberta Agriculture, suggests that they should organize locally to hire an aerial applicator to do spraying. Ground applications, says Mr. Dolinski, are difficult to do except for individual shade trees and shelterbelts. The accompanying map shows the areas that are predicted to be affected by tent caterpillars in 1983. - (cont'd) - /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE -z.- Forest Tent Caterpillar Forecast (cont'd) ® O Figure 2 Forest tent caterpillar defoliation forecasts for Alberta . 1983. Areas of moderate to severe defoliation of trembling aspen in 1982. Nil Light Moderate Severe 6 April 25, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOW TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES Because pesticides can get into the body through the skin, nose and mouth, the pesticide user should take steps to prevent exposure. Exposure can occur while handling or mixing concentrated dusts, powders, granules and liquids. Dr. Moe Hussain, pesticide issues co-ordinator with Alberta Agriculture, offers the following guidelines for using pesticides. It is in the best interest of anyone mixing, pouring, or applying pesticides to own and use protective clothing and equipment. In many cases the label on the pesticide con- tainer will give details as to what safety equipment is required. What To Wear: A long sleeved shirt, long pants, hard hat and tall rubber boots are recommended. A pair of cotton coveralls may be used instead of shirt and pants. This cloth ing leaves very little of your body exposed to the chemical. What Not To Wear: Do not wear cloth or leather gloves, leather shoes, sneakers or a baseball cap. These materials absorb pesticides and your skin would continually be exposed to the chemical on them. How To Protect The Hands, Eyes, Nose and Mouth: When opening pesticide containers and pouring the chemical into the sprayer tank, use a pair of rubber gloves to avoid getting chemicals on the hands, use goggles to protect the eyes, and a respirator to protect the nose and mouth from dusts, powders and splashes. Goggles should be chemical resistant. Respirator cartridges should be those that absorb pesticides; ask for them specific- ally. If pesticide gets on the skin, or inside your gloves or boots, wash off immediately with soap and water. If pesticide gets into the eyes, wash with clean water for 15 minutes and see a doctor immediately. Take the pesticide container label with you. - (cont'd) - A\b&\a AGRICULTURE r-i it x i:_ n i_ - 2 - 7 How To Prevent Exposure To Pesticides (cont'd) How To Protect The Face and Clothes From Splashes: When pouring the chem- ical into the sprayer tank, a face shield attached to your hard hat may be used to protect the face. To protect your clothes from spills and splashes, use a neoprene apron or neoprene coverall over your work clothes. What To Avoid: Stand upwind when mixing or pouring pesticide to avoid inhal- ing chemical. Don't drink, eat or smoke while using pesticide. Don't use your mouth to clean out clogged nozzles. Don't mix seed and chemicals with your bare hands; use a pair of rubber gloves. When spraying, the pesticide user should wear a respirator if he is exposed to spray mist. Clean-Up: At the end of the day's work, wash all safety equipment with warm water and detergent. Remove filters before washing respirator. Wash coverall separate from the other equipment. Dry all equipment immediately. Store respirator with cartridges in a sealed plastic bag. Bathe: Take a bath at the end of each day's work. Suggested Equipment: Hard hat with chin strap; tall rubber boots; 16" rubber or neoprene gloves (unlined); cotton coverall; neoprene apron; chemical splash goggles; respirator with dust filters and pesticide cartridges; and face shield (8" x 12" acetate) and headgear. Where To Buy Safety Equipment: Company .Locations Safety Supply Co. Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbrid.je. Grande Prairie ... Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray, Red Deer Malkin and Pmton Edmonton, Calgary Leavitt Safety Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray Fleck Bros. Edmonton, Arctic Safety Supply Edmonton, - (cont'd) - 8 -3- How to Preve n t E x posu re To Pestici d es ( co n t 'd ) What to Do If You are III After Spraying: Take the labelled pesticide container to the nearest doctor along with the emergency telephone numbers listed below. Emergency Tejephone JMumbers: The emergency department of most hospitals can deal with pesticide poisoning. However, poison information and treatment can be obtained from four hospitals that are fully equipped to deal with such cases. These four hospitals are: University of Alberta Hospital 83 Avenue - 1 12 Street Edmonton, Alberta 432-8822 Calgary General Hospital Calgary, Alberta 262-5982 (poison control) 268-9625 Royal Alexandra Hospital 10240 Kingsway Avenue Edmonton, Alberta 474-3431 Foothills Hospital 1403 - 29 Street N.W. Calgary, Alberta 270-1315 Some pesticide manufacturers have on their labels emergency telephone numbers to call in case of poisoning involving only their products. Some of them are: Union Carbide 1-304-744-3487 Monsanto Canada Inc 1-314-694-1000 Cyanamid Canada Inc. 1-415-356-8310 Chipman Incorporated 1-415-643-4123 Chemagro Products 1-416-528-6771 1-416-625-5280 Phone: (403) 427-21 21 /dlbcrrc AGRICULTU Print Media Brar 9 April 25, 1983 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1983 F A R ME RjT MAR K E T SEASON Over the next few weeks many of Alberta's farmers' markets will open their doors for another season. Already some managers report increased interest from both pro- ducers and consumers. "Since February people have been asking me when the market will open," says Liane Maitland, manager of the Spruce Grove farmers' market. She thinks the economy is prompting more people to produce goods to sell at markets for extra income. Mrs. Maitland says vendors are coming forward with new and different products — smoked sausage and home-ground flour, for example - and foresees no difficulty in filling the 46 stalls at the Spruce Grove market. Shoppers, on the other hand, like farmers' markets because they are a source of fresh, high quality products, and provide an opportunity to buy directly from the producer, Mrs. Maitland explains. There is always the possibility that shoppers will get a break on prices, too, especially by buying in bulk. And, according to Mrs. Maitland, some stallholders are willing to be a little flexible in their prices. "Anyone who likes to barter should give it a try, "she says. A successful farmers' market can also have a beneficial effect on businesses in a town. Lorene Cunningham, manager of the Three Hills farmers' market, points out that the market seems to attract people who might not otherwise come to town. "After visiting the market, many of them go uptown for shopping — something our merchants appreciate," she says. - (cont'd) Ahexia AGRICULTURE 10 1983 Farmers' Market Season (cont'd) Vegetables, eggs, honey and other farm products are the mainstay of goods sold at farmers' markets. Handmade crafts, home baking and seasonal items such as bedding plants are also generally available. Bob Prather of Alberta Agriculture's agri-food develop- ment branch says that one of the important aspects of farmers' markets is that goods are sold by the people who have produced them. In keeping with this, many markets use as their slogan, "If you grow it or make it, you can sell it." Since 1974 Alberta Agriculture has provided grants and promotional assistance to farmers' markets. This year 102 markets will operate throughout Alberta. Most will be open weekly from May to October; 1 2 operate year-round. Alberta Agriculture has a pamphlet listing days and times of operation of all farmers' markets in Alberta. Copies may be obtained by writing: Agri-Food Development Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 1 13 Street, Edmonton, T6H 5T6; or phoning 427-6533. -30- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROVINCIAL 4-H PUBLIC SPEAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS 1983 PROVINCIAL 4-H SPEAKING CHAMPIONS Left to Right Judy Williams - Arrowwood Beef Club (2nd Place), Cathy Botten - Boyle Beef Club (1st Place), Roxanne McClaflin, West Beef Club (3rd Place) Cathy Botten of Boyle won first place at the Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Championships held in Edmonton April 15. The title of her winning presentation was "Farm Families - Too Precious to Lose." Nine finalists, three from each of three zones in Alberta, competed in the compet- ition. Each candidate was required to give a four-to-six minute speech on a topic based on the theme, "Today's Family." The speakers were given the topic only a few hours before the competition. As well, each participant was required to give an impromptu speech with one minute to prepare. The winner's impromptu speech was entitled "Frendship - The Greatest Gift of All." Judy Williams of Arrowwood placed second in the competition and Roxanne McClaflin of Ponoka placed third. The 4-H public speaking contest is held annually. This year it was sponsored by Alberta Agriculture and Edmonton Northlands. -30- /dlberfc AGRICULTUF 3hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branc April 25, 1983 12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRICULTURAL TOUR OF EUROPE There is still time to join this summer's agricultural study tour of Europe, a trip that will combine a holiday with a look at agriculture in eight countries. "We'll visit places you could never see on your own," says Walter Dietz, tour co- ordinator and Alberta Agriculture's regional livestock supervisor at Vermilion. These include experimental stations, factories, processing plants, vineyards, handicraft makers and farms of all kinds. The tour is being organized by the Professional Association of the Department of Agriculture; however, it is open to anyone. The cost is $2,950 per person based on 88 participants. To date 50 people have registered for the tour. The tour will leave Edmonton by charter flight July 11 and return August 2. Starting in Copenhagen, the group will travel by coach through Denmark, West Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Holland. Participants will see Europe's popular tourist sights as well as agricultural operations, and will have time for shop- ping and leisure. Further information and application forms are available form Alberta Agri- culture's district offices or from Walter Dietz, Box 330, Vermilion, Alberta, TOB 4M0, telephone 853-281 1. -30- /dlbsric AGRICULTUI Drir-it IV /I <-> i ~, I-'.