r September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCT 111977 CAMAD1ANA THIS WEEK Grain Dryer Data 1 Pityriasis Rosea 3 Bats Field Equipment Popular at Drainage Field Day Avoid Winter Killing Alfalfa 8 Harvesting Corn 9 Canning Tomatoes 10 Mom and Dad Do Not Have to Agree 13 /dlberro AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 1. September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRAIN DRYER DATA If you are thinking of buying a grain dryer, the following information may help you to cecide on the type thaJ will be most suitable for your particular harvesting system. Grain dryers come in many sizes and types. There are the 'in-bin' batch, the recirculating batch and the continuous flow systems. Some units are stationary, some are portable, some are electrically powered, some are tractor powered, some run on natural gas and others run on propane. Paul Barlott, head of Alberta Agriculture's systems engineering branch, says, "A dryer should be able to dry all the damp grain that can be combined in an average day." If your fields are spread over some distance, your best choice would probably be a portable dryer with a propane fuel supply. On the other hand, if your grain handling system can be centered at the farmstead, an "in-bin" drying or continous flow system might be your best buy. As a general rule, the larger your grain operation, the more automatically controlled equipment you should use. According to Mr. Barlott, prices for grain dryers that are suitable for most Alberta farms fall into the $6,000 to $16,000 range, and the operating costs vary from 9<£ to 18<£a bushel. The operating costs, include labor, repairs and fuel. Fuel costs, which account for a large proportion of the operating costs, are mainly determined by the moisture level of the grain, the grain drying temperature and the outside air temperature. Costs will be lower if the dryer is used in September rather than during the winter. The ability to dry both cereals and oilseeds and the ease with which the dryer can be cleaned out are both important considerations when choosing a grain dryer. The latter is particularly important for people who sell seed. Mr. Barlott says the grain dryer should always be certified by one of the following recognized testing agencies: the Canadian Gas Association, the Canadian Standards Association or the Underwriters Laboratories in Canada. Phone (403) 427-2127 - (cont'd) - /dlberra agriculture communi : Grain Dryer Data (cont'd ) Alberta Agriculture's systems engineering branch has developed a computer simulation model which can evaluate the potential of any type of grain dryer. It predicts the drying rate, fuel consumption, operating and fixed costs, etc, and helps the farmer decide what are the best conditions under which to dry grain. It does this by showing which combination of factors will give the lowest costs and the highest drying rates. If you would like more information on this computer simulation model or help in selecting or operating your grain dryer, contact your regional agricultural engineer or the Systems Engineering Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- 3. September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PITYRIASIS ROSEA Pityriasis rosea, a condition that produces lesions on the skin of young pigs that are similar to those of ringworm, appears to be on the increase in Alberta. Dr. M.W. Stone, head of Alberta Agriculture's swine health program, says that often only one pig in a barn is affected, and that the condition does not appear to be infectious, even though several pigs occasionally show lesions at the same time. Although the lesions are very similar in appearance to those produced by ringworm, true ringworm is extremely rare in pigs anywhere in the world. The lesions begin as pea-sized, slightly red spots which frequently coalesce to form nodules. Initially, the spots are depressed in the centre and are covered with a brown dan- druff and scab. Although the centre of the spots soon clear up, leaving a normal-looking skin, the dandruff and scab remain on the periphery of the spots which continue to enlarge. The lesions are most often seen on the belly and inside the thighs, but they can cover large areas of the animal's body. According to Dr. Stone, there is no recommended treatment for pityriasis rosea because the cause in unknown. The condition usually disappears spontaneously within six to eight weeks with no apparent harmful affects to the animal. -30 - A u Phnnp Idmi 497 9197 4. September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BATS If you were bothered by bats that took up residence on your premises last spring, now is the time to do somethirg about them. By September most of the bats will have left their summer roosts, and you can block the entrances they used so that they will not return next spring. Bats usually use several entrances, and they are most often located in the eaves and around chimneys. If you are not sure which holes the bats used, you can often tell by looking for those with a brown stain around them. These should be blocked carefully because bats can wedge themselves through a surprisingly small area. Since bats defend themselves vigorously when captured, they should never be handl- ed without gloves or some other form of protection. Although few peopie in Alberta get bitten, a bat bite is always a potential rabies hazard. John Gunson and David Schowalter, biologists with the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, have been carrying cut research on bats in Alberta since 1971 . They say the bats that in- habit Alberta can be divided into two groups: those that form colonies and those that do not. The little brown bat and the big brown bat are the most common colonial attic bats found here. The little brown bat often forms colonies of several hundred in attics and other loca- tions. Surveys have shown that a minimum of 5 to 6 per cent of the farm houses in this province have little brown bat colonies, and that an even higher number of summer cottages and other buildings around lakes harbor bats. The population of the little brown bat, the most abundant species in Alberta, is esti- mated to be about one million. Although colonies occur throughout the province, the highest con- centration is in the parkland belt. Little brown bat colonies consist mainly of pregnant and nursing females and their offspring, of which there are usually one per female. The intense heat in attics during the summer months is believed to accelerate the growth of the young, which are capable of flying at three Abzx\Q AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Bats (cont'd) weeks of age and are usually independent by the time they are a month old. Dry females and males roost in cool, dark areas like open sheds and behind shelters and doors. Most little brown bat colonies break up in early August, but, for some unknown reason, a few remain into September. During the time the colonies are dispersing, it is usual to see bats in the day time hanging in sheds and on the outside of buildings. In fact, a careful search in early September will invariable reveal a few of these bats in downtown Edmonton. When there is a cold spell in the early fall, they will often hang in a torpid state for days. The migration and fall breeding of little brown bats are combined in a spectacular swarming activity. This is the explanation behind the rare sightings of hundreds of milling bats, which appear one night and are gone the next. Except for a few bats that are known to hibernate in caves in the eastern Rocky Mountains, the wintering site of Alberta's little brown bats is still unknown. It is known, however, that they require a moist, cool environment, such as that found in caves and abandoned mines. The big brown bat is less commonly found in attics than the little brown species. Apart from size, the big brown bat differs from his smaller cousin in that his colonies are usually smaller, and he prefers very old buildings. Female big brown bats usually give birth to one or two offspring. This species usually travels a relatively short distance to hibernate, and it is not un- usual to find these bats active in large buildings in Edmonton in mid-winter. This is especially true of buildings that are being remodelled or demolished. The hoary and silver-haired bats are typical of bats that lead a solitary existance and dwell in trees. Both species migrate in the fall to the southern United States and beyond. Because of their strong and enduring flight, the hoary bat is one of the most widely distributed mammals in the Americas. It can be found in the boreal forest of Canada, in Central America, and in Chile and Argentina in South America. In fact, these bats are the only mammals to have reached the Hawaiian Islands, and to have established themselves there without the aid of man. - (cont'd) - Bats (cont'd) A typical roost of the silver-haired bat is behind a piece of loose tree bark. However, during migration, they are frequently found in outbuildings and under eaves, especially when travelling through the Prairie regions of North America. This species seems to migrate so that it can hibernate in trees in more moderate climates and to breed. During the summer the sexes of both the silver-haired and the hoary bat are segregat- ed because few of the males travel as far north as Alberta, which is where the females give birth to their young. As is the case with all bats found in Alberta, breeding takes place in the fall and winter. The females retain the active sperm until spring when fertilization takes place. The silver- haired bat usually has two offspring, while the hoary bat can have as many as four. One of the most intriguing aspects of bat behavior, according to the Alberta biolo- gists, is their ability to manoeuvre rapidly in the dark and to locate their prey with great efficiency. This, the biologists says, is due to the bats' use of sonar. Many species apparently utter super-sonic cries and locate their prey by the echo. All the bats that inhabit Alberta prey on nocturnal insects. The estimated volume of insects they consume annually is more than 600,000 pounds. In regions like the Edmonton area, where bats are numerous, these creatures play an important role in the ecosystem. -30- Digitized by the Internet Arch ive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/agrinews00albe_7 7. September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIELD EQUIPMENT POPULAR AT DRAINAGE FIELD DAY Field equipment demonstrations proved to be the main attraction at a recent drain- age field day in southern Alberta that was attended by over 1 30 people, some from as far away as Quebec and Montana. Sponsored by the Dryland Salinity Committee of Alberta Agriculture's irrigation division in Lethbridge, and carried out in co-operation with local drainage contractors and pipe sup- pliers, the fie id day featured the mole-drainage plow, used at the federal research station at Leth- bridge. It contains a two-foot long bullet-shaped object on the end of a vertical shaft and requires more than 200 horsepower to pull it. Mole drains can be quickly and inexpensively installed, but their life-span is only five to seven years, and the depth of plowing is limited to 60-75 centimetres (about 2 to 2 1/2 feet). Two machines were used in the tile drain installation demonstration. One was a wheel-trencher and the other was a Badger-plow. The wheel-trencher made a 30 centimetre (about a foot) wide, clean trench that allowed for the installation of a wide diameter pipe and a bulky filter. The wheel-trencher does not need a backhoe to get the tile started at the proper depth. The Badger- plow plows the tiles into the ground without making a trench, and, therefore does not require backfilling. This trenchless system is quick and relatively cheap. Both machines use the laser-plane equipment to maintain the proper grade and depth of tile. Although tile drainage is expensive, regardless of the method of installation used, it is long-lasting. The farmers who participated in the field day were told about government programs available to them. The irrigation division provides its farmers with a subsurface drainage package that includes a survey, a design plan and an evaluation of the proposed project. No financial assist- ance is available from the government for subsurface drainage. However, there is a 50 per cent cost- share plan through Alberta Environment for surface drainage when it involves a group of farmers. All drainage projects require a permit from Alberta Environment. -30 3hone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 8. September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AVOID WINTER Kl LLING ALFALFA Alfalfa should not be cut from now until after a killing frost, says Larry Gareau, forage crops specialist with Alberta Agriculture. He explains that alfalfa should not be cut until after the first killing frost because cutting before a killing frost encourages new growth, which, at this time of year, depletes the plants' roo:. systems of food energy. This food energy is needed for winter survival and for next spring's regrowth. After a killing frost, cutting will not induce new growth. In fact, removal of the top growth of alfalfa plants after a severe frost, while reducing the amount of winter insulation to some extent, can be beneficial in that it exposes disease organisms to the elements, thereby encouraging their destruction. -30- /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 9. September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HARVESTING CORN Corn is ready for harvesting when the ears are plump and the silk coming out of the ends of the ears has turned brown, says Alberta's horticultural specialist, Chris Campbell. At this stage, the kernels will be a dull, pale yellow. As a general rule, corn that has sustained a few degrees of frost will continue to develop, and the above description of corn that is ready to harvest still applies. However, a severe frost will stop all further development and damage ears that are already mature. Another test you can use to check the maturity of corn is to peel back the husks on two or three ears and check the kernels. If they have turned yellow and are soft and moist when you squeeze them between your forefinger and thumb, the corn is ready to pick. The kernels of corn that is overripe will be dry and fairly hard. People buying corn can use this same test. The kernels on ears that have been stored too long will have depressions or 'dimples'. Such corn will probably be tough to eat. For best results when cooking corn, do not remove the husks and silk until just before you are ready to drop the ears into boiling water. Some people recommend adding a pinch of sugar to the water. Leave the saucepan uncovered and cook young ears of corn for only four or five minutes. Seven to 10 minutes is recommended for more mature ears. Remove the corn from the water as soon as it is cooked so that it does not lose its flavor and become tough. -30- ■ 10. September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANNING TOMATOES What is the best procedure for canning tomatoes? The following methods are recommended by Joe Mazn, food scientist at the Alberta Horticultural Research Centre at Brooks, because they have a minimal detrimental effect on the quality of the finished product and because they have a maximum destructive effect on micro-organisms. "Use firm, ripe, high-acid tomatoes," Mr. Mazza says. High-acid tomatoes are recommended in the Alberta Horticultural Guide, available from all district agriculturists. Although most tomato varieties grown in Western Canada have a fairly high acid content, there may be the odd low acid variety being grown. Hence, if you plan to can a variety that is not recommended for canning in the horticultural guide, and which you have not canned before, you might be wise to use a pressure cooker rather than the boiling water method. Low acid tomatoes require a greater heat to kill bacteria than those with a high acid content. The processing time for both methods is the same. "The ideal heat treatment," Mr. Mazza says, "would sterilize the tomatoes by killing all the micro-organisms that are present. However, to achieve such complete sterilization would mean that every piece of tomato in the jar would have to reach or exceed the lethal temperature for the most heat-resistant organisms, and be held there long enough to destroy them. This sounds simple enough to do, until one realizes that heat affects the flavor, texture, appearance and nutritional value of the finished product. Since, apart from riboflavin and niacin, most vitamins break down when heated, some nutrient loss is unavoidable during the canning process. However, it is important to keep nutrient losses to a minimum, while, at the same time, ensuring a safe product. This can only be achieved by strictly adhering to the recommended processing time and temperature. Another point to remember is that riboflavin and a number of other vitamins are unstable in the presence of light. This means that significant losses can occur if cut tomatoes are exposed to light for an extended period. - (cont'd) - 11. -2- Canning Tomatoes (cont'd) In the hot- pack method of canning tomatoes, you first loosen the skin by putting the tomatoes in boiling water for about half a minute, and then dip them in cold water. Next, cut out the stems, peel the tomatoes and put them in a saucepan. Bring them to the boil, stirring continually to prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the pan. If you are using glass jars, fill them with boiling hot tomatoes to within about half an inch of the top. Add half a teaspoonful of salt per pint jar or one teaspoonful per quart jar. Put the tops on the jars, and process the tomatoes in boiling water, if you live in an area where the altitude is less than 1 ,000 feet, you should process the pint jars for 10 minutes and the quart jars for 1 2 minutes. If you live where the altitude is 1 ,000 feet or more, you should add one minute to these processing times for every 1 ,000 feet of altitude. When you remove the jars from the canner, tighten any lids that are loose. If you are using tin cans instead of jars for your tomatoes, pack them with boiling hot tomatoes to within about a quarter of an inch of the top, and add a teaspoonful of salt to No. 2 and No. 2 1/2 cans. Heat the cans of tomatoes to 77*C. and keep them at that temperature for about 10 minutes to remove the air. Then seal them, and process them in 100*C. water as you did with the glass jars. The other method of canning tomatoes is called the cold-pack. If you want to remove the skins you follow the same procedure as prescribed for the hot-pack method. Then cut the tomatoes in pieces and put them directly into the jars or cans without bringing them to the boil as you did in the hot-pack method. Follow the same canning procedure as above except that you must extend the processing time to 35 minutes for the pint jars and 45 minutes for the quart jars. In the case of tin cans follow the same procedure as recommended for the hot-pack except that you must extend the processing time to 35 and 45 minutes for the small and large cans respectively. According to Mr. Mazza, tomatoes, often referred to as the 'poor man's orange', have a high vitamin, malic acid and citric acid content. He reports that three and a - (cont'd) - -3- 12. Canning Tomatoes (cont'd) half ounces of ripe, raw tomatoes contain: 93.5 grams (g) of water; 22 calories of food energy; 1.1 g of protein; 0.2 g of fats; 4.7 milligrams (mg) of phosphorus; 0.5 mg of iron; 3 mg of sodium; 244 mg of potassium; 14 mg of magnesium; 900 international Units of vitamin A; 0.06 mg of thiamine; 0.4 mg ol riboflavin; 0.7 mg of niacin and 23 mg of Vitamin C. Mr. Mazza says tomatoes also contain significant amounts of copper, zinc, manganese and boron as well as most of the essential amino acids. One medium-sized tomato (about 5 ounces) provides 57 per cent of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C, more than 25 per cent of the vitamin A and just over 8 per cent of the iron for an adult per day. "Never use canned tomatoes, or any other canned foods for that matter, that shows any signs of spoilage, and never taste food that you think may be spoiling," says Mr. Mazza. "If in doubt, throw it away, and be sure that it is safely out of the reach of children and pets. If you want to be completely safe when using home canned products, you can boil them for 10 or 15 minutes before using them." -30- 13. September 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOM AND DAD DO NOT HAVE TO AGREE by Nadine Vester Family Living Specialist Alberta Agriculture A question that is raised repeatedly in parent training classes is "Should I expect my spouse to back up my discipline?" There has long been the idea that mothers and fathers must agree on every asDect of child rearing to show a "united front". If they do not, the kid can "work both ends against the middle". Let us look at this question in relation to a couple of goals most of us have for our children. First, we want an honest child. Second, we want a child who can cope with reality. In the real world, people do not all think alike, nor do they have the same feelings at the same time. A father who has had a bad day at work is going to have a different level of tolerance to noise than a mother who has had a good day. Is a child learning honesty when he gets a scolding about noise from a mother who, at the moment, is not bothered by his noise, but who is "doing something about that kid" for the father? A useful question to ask in any conflict of needs situation is "whose problem is it?" if dad is the one who is bugged, then the problem is his. How does this relate to coping with reality? The child learns that people have different thoughts and feelings, that being different is O.K., and even interesting, and that having feelings is O.K. too. "But," you say," tired father has a right to expect some support from mother!" Yes, he does have. He has a right to expect that she will not deny his feelings,and that she will not say "your dad is such a grouch, ignore him." She can support him by saying "dad has had a rough day and is tired; your noise bothers him, perhaps you could play elsewhere," or by minding her own business while he handles the situation. Notice though that when mother handles it in this way, she does not say anything she does not mean. She sees no need to feel the same way as father, and she respects his feelings. The child is not "working both ends" and, though not disagreeing, the parents are not having to agree. /dlberra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS OCT 1 1 1977 CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS COLLECTION DE PUBLICATIONS OFFICIELLES CANAD1ENNES NATIONAL LIBRARY/BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE CANADA THIS WEEK Drought Reflected in Nutritional Level of Cattle 1 Soil Moisture Conservation 3 Custom Rates for Harvesting Day 4 Grain Harvesting and Drying Simulation Programs 6 Tile Drainage Information 8 Hog Mange 9 Human or Inhuman Rules? 11 Irrigation Specialist Appointed 12 District Home Economist Transfer 13 September 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1. September 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DROUGHT REFLECTED IN NUTRITIONAL LEVEL OF CATTLE Alberta Agriculture's extension veterinarian, Dr. Frank Baker, says results of this summer's drought in southern Alberta are going to be reflected in the nutritional level of cattle in many areas. He points out that the problem will be to make sure these animals get enough energy, protein and vitamin A, and to do it in an economical way. Although recent rains will bring on a flush of grass, in most instances it will be a case of too little, too late. One thing that Dr. Baker recommends to remedy the situation is to cu II any cows now that are going to be culled for any reason later this fall. Another thing that can be done is to wean calves earlier than they would normally be weaned. This will reduce lactation stress on the cows. According to Dr. Baker, research carried out in the United States during the last two years has shown that when first-calf heifers in drought areas were weaned early, the heifers had a pregnancy rate of between 75 and 80 per cent compared with 45 and 50 per cent for those that were weaned at the usual time. He thinks this method of conserving protein and energy is well-worth considering for first -calf heifers. An alternative to weaning calves early is to creep feed them and to hold them off the cows for part of the day. This practice will lessen the nutrient requirements of the cows, and, when practical, is one of the better ways of releaving lactation stress. Still another thing that can be done is to group the cattle, and graze them on different grades of pasture according to their needs. This would mean putting cows with young calves on the best pasture, since their needs are much greater than those of dry cows. An alternative would be graze the cattle on good quality pasture for about three hours a day. Dr. Baker says three hours a day on good quality pasture will give them enough feed to meet their requirements. Any one, or a combination.of these measures will add up to a big savings in feed and mean healthier cows. In some areas supplementary feeding is going to be a 'must' this year. Whether or not supplementary feeding is required will have to be decided by the cattle owner in consultation with his veterinarian or a nutritionist. - (cont'd) - Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS /dlberi Drought Reflected in Nutritional Level of Cattle (cont'd) Finally, pregnancy testing, strongly recommended every year, is even more important than usual in areas of the province that suffered from drought. Dr. Baker points out that the shortage of protein, energy and vitamin A in these areas may have resulted in abnormally low con- ception rates. "In fact," he says, "many farmers and ranchers may have been fooled into thinking their cows are in calf because they have not seen them bulling. However, in reality, the reason they have not seen the cows bulling is because they have not been cycling due to a lack of adequate nutrition? - 30 - 3. September 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOIL MOISTURE CONSERVATION Soil moisture levels in south-western Alberta, which have been causing so much concern over the past year, are now almost back to normal, according to Conrad Gietz, agricultural meteorologist with Alberta Agriculture. He says above normal rainfall in the latter part of August has greatly improv- ed next year's crop and pasture prospects, even though it came too late to help this year's crops and pastures. Despite the good news for next year, agricultural officials still recommend that farmers in those areas of the province that suffered serious drought conditions earlier this year trap as much of this winter's snowfall as possible to further improve soil moisture levels and to increase next spring's surface water supplies. One way of doing this is to re- tain the standing stubble in cropped fields. Research carried out in Saskatchewan shows that about 25 per cent of West- ern Canada's total precipitation in a year accumulates on the surface of the ground in the form of snow. On the average, approximately 60 per cent of this snow is retained on stub- ble land compared with only 30 per cent on fallow land. Probably no more than 20 per cent of this 30 per cent goes into the soil. The remainder runs off into lower areas, some- times causing extensive flooding. One of the Saskatchewan soil researchers, D. A. Rennie, believes that contin- uous cropping would be a real possibility, with oetter yield than those recorded for the past 10 years, if 75 per cent of the precipitation that falls in the form of snow could be induc- ed to move into the soil through soil management. He says that he is convinced that if there is to be any major breakthrough from agronomic research in the near future, it must be based on cycling more precipitation through crops/and a considerable reduction in pre- cipitation loss through run-off, leaching and evaporation. -30- /dlberra September 12, 1977 4. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE r CUSTOM RATES FOR HARVESTING HAY The following charges for haying operations were recently released by the Agricul- tural Input Monitoring System which is sponsored by Alberta Agriculture and Unifarm. Mac Harvey of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch says only 16 operators were involved in the survey, and that charges outside this range may be justified on the basis of such things as crop yield, field size, topography of the field, etc. Swathing and Conditioning Charges $3.50 to $6 per acre. The latter figure was charged for heavy irrigated hay crops. There were a few reports of $20 per hour charges. Square Bales (including twine) 1 4 dlborra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 5. September 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW TRACTOR SALES SLIDE After displaying consistent growth through most of the 1970's, Alberta new farm machinery sales have hit a steady downward spiral during 1977. Current estimates place this year's sales down as much as 20 per cent compared to 1976 figures. These lower sales reflect the lower net income realized by Alberta farmers last year. The sales of new farm tractors increased steadily for the first five years of the decade, from 1971 to a peak in 1975, but last year the steady growth faltered and by the end of 1976 totals were lower than those for 1975. Despite overall depressed sales, the trend to purchase more high-powered trac- tors continues. In 1971 only 41 per cent of all new tractors sold were above 100 H. P. In 1975 high-powered units accounted for 58 per cent of all sales. In other areas, four-wheel-drive tractors are continuing to expand their share of the market. In 1972 these vehicles didn't even rate a separate category, but by 1975, 16 per cent of all new tractor sales in Alberta were four-wheel-drive tractors. -30- /dlbcrrc AGRICULTU Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUN ICATIO 6. September 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BREEDING SOWS Successful sow breeding is a complex operation requiring the proper integration of many factors. Increased and consistent litter size are the rewards for spending extra time and being extra careful to make sure breeding is a smoothly run process. Health is the first and most important element in breeding sows. Sows are the backbone of any hog operation and must be kept in prime condition. Injured or sick animals cost time and money as well as curtailing production. Ideally, a healthy sow should come in heat and shed a maximum number of eggs with- in five to eight days of weaning. However, if sows are mixed together after weaning the heat period could be delayed or go undetected because sows will go off their feed and begin fighting. Multi-suckling three to four litters is one method to reduce labor and stop sows from fighting at weaning time. A few days before weaning start reducing the sows'feed intake. When weaning, remove the sows from the piglets and reduce feed to 6-8 lbs. and provide normal water supply. This will help reduce the risk of mastitis and aid in drying off the sow. If possible, give sows lots of fresh bedding to reduce the chances of damaged teats, udders and leg injuries. Then begin to feed the sow at least six pounds per day for about a week. Sows to be bred should be placed in a pen next to the boar. This helps to bring the sow into heat and aids in detecting the proper stage of heat for breeding. This last suggestion applies especially if sows are to be bred artificially. The first signs of heat are easy to detect: a reddening and swelling of the vulva, rest- lessness and a tendancy to bark. The sow will then begin acting the male and attempt to ride the other sows though she will not allow herself to be ridden. The boar will also become active and will pace up and down the pen while trying to reach the sow. When signs of heat appear the herdsman should begin to check his sows twice a day. Hand breeding has become a favored technique among modern hog breeders and constant vigilance is (cont'd! ydlberra Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 7 -2- Breeding Sows (cont'd) necessary to ready sows for mating. The herdsman should start to apply forward pressure on the sow's bac^and as soon as she will take his full weight he should mate the sow the following after- noon or morning. Introducing the boar depends on when the sow enters standing heat. Sows should be double mated 24 hours apart to help ensure the maximum number of eggs are fertilized. Hand breeding a sow is a favored technique for two reasons. First, keen observance is needed to ascertain mating has been completed. Occasionally a boar will slip into the anus instead of the cervix. Hand breeding will allow the herdsman to take corrective action if this occurs. Second, hand breeding lets the herdsman conserve the boar's energy and fertility. A well-conditioned boar will be able to cover two sows per day, generally one in the morning and another in the afternoon. A boar will work this way without injuring his fertility for four or five days. A very active boar will be able to breed a third sow per day for a shorter period of time. While a boar is working hard he should be fed an extra two pounds per day. It's also wise to allow a boar to observe another boar mating since this will often increase his activity. In large herds boars should be rotated to permit a 5-day rest period from service every two weeks. When introducing a young sow or gilt into mating special care must be taken. Their vulvas can become swollen and red for a week or more, and they must be presented to the boar very carefully otherwise they will often fight him. Allow gilts to know their future mate. Even before they show the first signs of heat, open their pen to the boar everyday. It's also wise for the herdsman to condition gilts himself on their first heat period by use of back pressure, riding and showing the boar to the gilts through the gate. By the second heat period gilts will then accept the boar more readily. Finally, it's a good idea to rotate boars. They can become used to sows they are al- ways penned near or with, and eventually will not bother to check sows for heat periods. On the other hand, rotating a boar tends to spur his interest since he is with a new set of females. The same process should be used with gilts;since they will become used to a particular boar and will not stand for him when they come in heat. -30- 8. September 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RABIES CONTROL IN ALBERTA Alberta's rabies research program shows that the skunk control zone, initiated along the province's eastern border in 1 97 1 , appears to have reduced the incidence and spread of rabies. A joint project between Alberta Agriculture and the fish and wildlife division of Alberta Recreation, Parks and Wildlife, the program is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the skunk control zone and to determine the incidence of rabies in the province's wildlife population. The efficiency of the control zone, an 18-mile wide strip on the west side of Alberta's eastern border extending from Cold Lake in the north to the Montana border in the south, is measured by night light surveys. These surveys are carried out on the Saskatchewan side of the border and in the control zone. Results show that there are usually two or three times as many skunks in Saskatchewan as there are in an equal area in the control zone, except for the Prairie region south of Oyen. Here, despite efforts to eliminate the skunks, their numbers are about equal to those in Saskatchewan. In fact, most of the rabid skunks taken on the west side of the control zone are from this region. Surveys conducted by the fish and wildlife division from 1971 to 1976 on randomly collected skunks from the Saskatchewan side of the border, the control zone and west of the control zoneyShowed that about 3 per cent of the skunks from Saskatchewan were rabid, about one per cent of those in the control area were rabid and a fraction of one per cent of those taken on the west side of the zone were rabid. The biologists involved in the control program have also collected a considerable a- mount of biological data such as the weight, age, sex and reproductive history of each animal cap- tured. Two graduate student projects that were designed to study the behavior, movement and popu- lation dynamics of skunks involved the use of radio collars and eartagging. They were located near Tofield and Walsh. The main reason for the limited success in controlling skunks in the southern part of the province is that they make extensive use of natural dens during the winter and use cereal grain - (cont'd) - none (403) 427-2127 Rabies Control in Alberta (cont'd) fields for resting areas during the summer. In the parkland area they live mainly under buildings, which makes them much easier to find. Also, the depth of snow in the winter in the parkland area discourages skunks from moving around, while in the Prairie region they do a considerable amount of travelling during the winter. Documented data show that some young skunks travel up to 50 miles or more in the late summer and fall when they leave the area in which they were born. Distances like this, undertaken by individual animals, makes the permanent effectiveness of the control zone impos- sible without strong support from the people who live west of the control zone. To date the elimination of all skunks within a three-mile radius of the location of a rabid skunk has succeeded in keeping the disease confined to isolated outbreaks. Those working on skunk control research have found a steady increase in skunk numbers during the last three years. However, a hard winter would reduce the population, and the potential for the spread of the disease. Bats Since much less is known about the biology and behavior of bats than about skunks, a considerable amount of time has been spent determining such basic information as the number of species in Alberta and their distribution. Surveys indicate that about one per cent of the bat population in the province is rabid at any one time. Of those submitted by the public as suspected of having rabies, 3 to 7 per cent are rabid in a year. Surveys also show that the number of rabid bats is much higher in some species than in others. Since 1973 the number of big brown bats diagnosed as rabid in suspected cases has increased, while the number of rabid silver-haired bats has decreased marketly. A comparatively small number of little brown bats suspected of having rabies has been rabid. The incidence of rabies in these three species is, undoubtedly, linked to their biology. Because the big brown bats either spend the whole year in the same building, or in one only a few miles away during the winter, they probably have not developed immunity to rabies as quickly as - (cont'd) - -3- 10. Rabies Control in Alberta (cont'd) migrant bats. An example of these is the silver-haired bat which migrates to the southern United States, Central America and South America where they come in contact with tropical bats. The chances are that they developed some immunity during their migrations to the disease, which they may have initially introduced into Alberta. It is not known where the little brown bats, our most common species, spend the winte^except that some spend it in caves in the eastern Rocky Mountains. -30 - t 11. September 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLANTING POTTED SHRUBS Did you know that you can plant ornamental shrubs any time during the summer? The reason for the extended planting season is that many shrubs are now being sold in pots from which they can be easily transplanted to the garden. Herman Ooster- huis of Alberta Agriculture's horticultural branch recommends planting small shrubs because they are easier to transplant and, as a general rule, they adjust quicker and better to their new environment than the larger ones. Also, the smaller ones are less expensive to buy than the larger ones. Mr. Oosterhuis advises people to base their choice of a shrub on such things as its proposed location in the garden (sunny or shady) and the type, of soil and average rain- fall in the area. He points out that shrubs are available in many sizes and varieties to suit a wide range of conditions. Popular small shrubs that grow well in Alberta include potentilla, dwarf pink spirea, purple-leaved sand cherry, dogwood (red twig and silver leaf), dwarf burning bush and alpine currant. Among the medium-sized shrubs are bridal wreath spirea, shrub roses, high bush cranberry, mock orange and nine bark (green and golden). The tall shrubs include lilacs, honeysuckle, elders, Russian olive and saskatoon. Potted shrubs are available from all garden supply outlets including depart- ment stores. - 30 - Phone (403) 427-2127 Aka\a AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS September 19, 1977 12. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HELP YOUR KIDS GET GOOD MARKS by Nadine Vester Family Living Specialist Alberta Agriculture On a recent news broadcast there was a story about parents in the United States suing their children's schools and teachers because the children had not learned. The parents apparent- ly discovered at high school graduation that their children could not read. Understandably, school personnel in both Canada and the U.S. are concerned about the outcome of this lawsuit. Perhaps we should all be concerned that a lawsuit was initiated in the first place. It raises a number of questions! What is the responsibility of the learner? Did the parents just dis- cover in high school that Johnny could not read? What does that say about their family relation- ships? Dr. Oscar Christianson made a statement several years ago at the University of Alberta that children who start school expecting to learn to read have no problem. Children who go expecting to be taught to read are often waiting into the third or fourth grade. Dr. Christianson also said that nobody has ever succeeded in teaching anybody anything. The learning takes place as a result of the learner. How can parents encourage the learning inside the learner? The first thing we can do is to focus on "how many he got right" not on "how many he got wrong," even if the marks at the top of the paper read "3x". If it is an improvement from the last test, you can say something like "you must be pleased that you have five more right, especially since the questions were harder." Beware of saying "mother is pleased you have more right" (the child can infer that from your smile). You want to keep the pleasure and the sense of accomplishment inside the child. Focus on and talk about his sense of accomplishment. He has four F's, three D's and one lonely C. Say, "Hey! you got a C in English! You must have liked some of the stories". Or "Those stories you wrote must have interested the teacher." "Should I reward marks with money?" Some families give a dollar for A's, 50 no (AOD 497.9197 ydlborra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS September 26, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BEEF, HOG AND FEED GRAIN OUTLOOK For the balance of 1977 slaughter cattle prices should not change significantly. That was the outlook given by Jim Dawson, head of Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch in a speech to the provincial Feed Industry Conference in Edmonton. Said Dawson: "This lack of change is primarily due to an anticipation of increased cattle being fed, plus a seasonal increase in non-fed slaughter. The average slaughter prices current- ly anticipated for the 4th quarter of 1977 are basis Calgary: Al, A2 Steers $39-$42/cwt.; Al, A2 Heifers $37-$40/cwt.; Good Cows $22-$25/cwt." Dawson's speech to the Feed Conference was marked by guarded optimism, but his outlook for the future is promising. "With grain stocks accumulating and some decline in export opportunities there is a good possibility that the profitability in cattle production will improve from the second quarter of 1978 onward. "This will mark the beginning of another expansion phase in the cattle industry." Looking at the short term, Dawson said there should be a further 3 to 4 per cent re- duction in the 1978 calf crop. On a Canadian or North American basis reduced calf crops and re- duced cow slaughter (depending largely on grain prices and returns to cow-calf producers) should put the industry into the expansion phase starting in 1978. "It will be interesting to see how beef supply and demand balance out, as consumers have eaten record volumes of beef in the past two years; up to 40% of that volume being hamburg- er," was Dawson's comment. Turning to feeder steer prices Dawson said they will be determined by feed grain prices in Canada and the U.S. With feed grain prices declining, lightweight steers and heifers will command prices higher than slaughter cattle prices. /dlbcrra - (cont'd) - one (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Beef, Hog and Feed Grain Outlook (cont'd) He estimates steer calves will average into the high $40's per cwt.; considerably above the $38 per cwt. averaged in 1976. The heavier weight (over 700 lbs.) feeder steers will be in the same price range as slaughter steers, or in other words in the low $40's. Hogs The market analysis head expressed some hope for Alberta hog producers. Indica- tions are that Western Canadian hog production will be up 8 to 10 per cent in 1977 with Alberta production reaching about 1 .2 million head, up 1 0-12 per cent from 1976. However, these indications come after a long period of decline in the hog industry. The 1976 volume of hog gradings in Canada (7.6 million head) was the lowest since 1966, and Alberta's 1976 volume of gradings (1 .096 million) was the lowest since 1951 . According to Dawson the reason was not unprofitable hog production, but that grain prices were high and grain was moving well through the system. Looking to the future Dawson expects hog production to move up smartly in West- ern Canada in 1978, increasing as much as 10-12 per cent over 1977 levels. "With increased hog production it would be expected that prices should drop signifi- cantly. This may not be the case. As Canada has been a net importer of pork since 1975 and should continue to be in 1978, a significant decline in price will only come about with a decline in the price of imported pork." In the last quarter of 1977 U.S. hog prices are expected to be in the $37-$39 per cwt price range, or $50-$54 Canadian on a dressed basis. This would indicate a $2-$3 per cwt. down- ward price movement in Canada from the current 3rd quarter averages putting Alberta prices in the mid-$50 range. The rirst half of 1978 should bring prices in the low $50 range. "With a further expansion in hog production, all time record levels of hogs should be produced since Eastern Canada's current production level is near the large volume of 1971 already due to expansion in Quebec," said Dawson. But, he added, "With the 1978 beef supply dropping, the increased pork supply may not have a serious impact on pork prices." - (cont'd) - -3- Beef, Hog and Feed Grain Outlook (cont'd) Feed Grains Grain carryover is the basic pricing factor in the feed grain market. With that in mind, Dawson said, "The writing appears to be on the wall for this crop year. It will take a short crop in the U.S. or overseas next year to reverse the downward trend in feed grain prices." In most years the U.S. market has had more impact on Canadian grain prices than most other factors. The latest forecast from the United States Department of Agriculture antici- pates a 1977/78 corn carryover of just over 1.4 billion bushels, the highest carryover since the 1964/65 crop year. "In addition, 1977/78 U.S. wheat stocks should reach 1.26 billion bushels which would be the highest since the 1962/63 crop year, and at current price levels wheat is an effective substitute for other feed grains," said Dawson. At present it appears corn will enter the market this fall in sufficient quantities to push it below the $2.00 per bushel loan rate during harvest, and that during late winter corn will again approach the loan rate of $2.00 per bushel basis country points. Mr. Dawson said he expects U.S. corn to reach $1 .30-$1 .40 per bushel during harvest. Sucn corn can be exported to Canada, and given the federal government's corn competitive pricing formula, can probably cause Western off -board barley to reach $1 .25-$1 .30 per bushel during the U.S. harvest. However, he said, "Such price levels should be considered temporary and likely will improve by late winter." -30 - September 26, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4. PURCHASE GRAIN DRYERS WITH CARE Harvest season is so short that going through a long, long process obtaining farm machinery parts is something no farmer needs. For that reason "Alberta farmers should only pur- chase grain dryers from licensed dealers within the province," says Bob McFadyen, Administrator of the Alberta Farm Implement Act. This fall has been a tense time for most Alberta farmers. Weather conditions have been unpredictable, and in many areas grain that has been swathed or is ready to swath is being constantly exposed to excessive moisture, low temperatures, frost, wind, insects and birds. "If inclement weather persists it may be necessary to make wide use of grain dryers to assist with the harvest," says Paul Barlott, head of Alberta Agriculture's systems engineering branch. "Each time these weather conditions prevail Alberta farmers try to get the cheapest buy, importing new and used dryers from the United States. But, the cheapest dryer may not be the best buy even in the short run, much less the long," he added. Many foreign dryers are designed for drying corn, many are unsafe to operate and many lack the proper controls for drying cereal grains and oilseeds. A major problem with imported dryers is they may have no marketing or service dealers in Alberta. The result is predictable says Mr. Barlott, "They break down and there is no service or parts supply available on the short notice required." Licensed Alberta dealers are looking for your business says Mr. McFadyen, and they're willing to advise farmers on the best model for their particular requirements. Grain dryers come in many sizes and types. There are bin dryers, batch dryers and con- tinuous flow dryers. Some units are stationary, others are portable. They can run on electricity, natural gas, propane or tractor power. The choice depends on individual conditions. If fields are widespread, a portable dryer with a propane fuel supply is recommended by most experts, but for close-knit farms a central hand- ling system such as an 'in-bin' or continuous flow system might be more suited. These last two systems also lend themselves to more automatic controls which free operator time for attention to other chores. /dlbcrra -(cont'd)- AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS -2- 5 Purchase Grain Dryers with Care (cont'd) Like so many things dryer costs have also continued to rise. At present, most dryers suitable for Alberta farms require an initial outlay of $6,000-1 6,000. Operating costs also vary. For those needing to withdraw only a minor amount of moisture, such as one or two points, the costs could be as low as 3-5-e convenient, delicious and fun to eat while skim milk and fruit juices are refreshing, nutritious beverages. calorie foods. Yogurt, cheese and cackers, bran muffins or a peanut butter sandwich will fill the gap until lunch. If you must have a piece of pie or cake between meals, sa^e your dessert from meal time for a moment of weakness. Try sensible snacking. "Your body is the baggage you must carry through life. The more excess baggage, the shorter the trip! " Snacks for Kids Most children reauire a small mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack to keep them from becoming hungry as well as to provide them with additional energy. Snacks can be wraoped separately, I here is nothing wrong with snacking. t-o~ some people i+ is bett?r to have lets of I'ttle u habitual breakfast skippers shouid plan a morning snack so thev sren' t tempted by empty- • (cont'd) - AGRICULTURE (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Be a Sensible Snacker (cont'd) labelled and included in the lunch box, or given to the child in the morning and again at noon to take to school. Snacks can and should be nutritious, providing more than just calories. A few suggestions you might try are: - cubes of meat, cheese or pickle on a toothpick - celery stuffed with cheese or peanut butter - raw vegetables or fruits - fruit or vegetable juices - milk, milkshakes or eggnog - shelled sunflower seeds - peanuts - popcorn - a mixture of nuts, seeds, and raisins or other dried fruit - cookies made with peanut butter, raisins, oatmeal, wheat germ, nuts and currants - bran or fruit muffins - crackers spread with peanut butter or cheese spread - nuts and bolts - non-sugared, granola-type cereals - pickles Special snacks which can be served at home are: fruit popsicles - insert a stick into a piece of fruit such as watermelon, banana, strawberry, cantelope, honeydew, melon, etc., and dip in orange or lemon juice and sugar, and freeze. - freeze fruit juice to make a popsicle. Snack foods such as: Pop potato chips gum sugared fruit drinks candy french fries sweet cookies or cakes chocolate bars doughnuts should be used very seldom because they contain chiefly calories and few nutrients. -30- September 26, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WINTER PROTECTION FOR STRAWBERRIES Strawberry plants growing in areas of Alberta where the early winter snowfall is light, and where the snow melts early in the spring, should be protected with a straw mulch. The best straw to use is that from a wheat or oat crop that was free of weeds and properly threshed. The plants should be covered to a depth of 3 1/2 to 4 inches. This depth would take between 3 and 3 1/2 tons of straw per acre. The straw should be spread evenly over the bed, either by hand or with a straw-cutter spreader if there is a large area involved. The time to apply the mulch is when the temperature drops to about -6° C. and stays there. It should be removed in the spring after the danger of a severe frost has passed or when the plants begin to grow. Although a delay in removing the mulch will delay blossoming, it is better to sacrifice early blooming rather than to risk the results of a severe spring frost. The straw that is removed from the plants can be left in between the rows to help keep the weeds down. Information on recommended strawberry varieties, general strawberry culture, irri- gation, chemical weed control, blossom removal, harvesting, bed renovation, control of insect pests and diseases in Alberta, pick-your-own operations and growing strawberries in barrels is con- tained in a publication entitled "Strawberries in Alberta". It is available from the publications office, Alberta Agriculture, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30 - hone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 18. September 26, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION COURSE FOR GOAT BREEDERS Aloerta Agriculture and the Alberta Goat Breeders Association are plan- ning to hold an instruction course on dairy goat artificial insemination during late October or early November. To be held in Edmonton, the course will cover a number of topics in- cluding nutrition, genetics, basic anatomy, management and handling semen. There will be instructions on making home equipment, and the course will include practice sessions each day. One of the visiting instructors will be Judy Barnes of California, head of the Artificial Insemination Committee of the American Dairy Goat Association. People attending the course are asked to bring at least one doe, and more if possible. Kay Henderson of Alberta Agriculture is now searching for a suit- able building close to Edmonton for both housing the does and holding the course's practical sessions. The fee for the four to five-day course will be $50. -30 - Ahena (403) 427-2127 — — - — — ' ■ ■ CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS COLLECTION DE PUBLICATIONS OFFIC1ELLES CANADIENNES NATIONAL LIBRARY/ EIBLIOTIIEQUE NATIONALE CANADA October 3, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Government Loan Programs Warbles and Weeds 4 Beef from Cull Potatoes 7 Solar Heat Reduces Cost in Low-Temperature Grain Drying Marketing Honey 9 Crafts 11 District Agriculturist Appointments 13 Coming Agricultural Events 15 October 3, 1977 1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GOVERNMENT LOAN PROGRAMS The Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) is an agency established within Alberta Agriculture which provides financial assistance to primary producers of agricultural pro- ducts, associated businesses and agricultural industries. The function of the corporation is not to replace other lenders;but to meet the legitimate credit needs of Albertans involved in the agricultural industry who are unable to borrow from other sources under reasonable terms and conditions. Ken Friesen, supervisor of farm loans, says all other sources of credit should be investigated before applying to ADC. Following are some of the loan programs provided: Direct Loan Program » Provides long-term loans to develop and maintain viable farms. . Loans are mainly used for land and building purchase but can be used for any purpose approved by the ADC. . Loans are limited to a maximum of $150,000, with terms up to 30 years or more. % Current interest rate is 9 per cent. . For those part-time farmers who can demonstrate that they will be farming full-time within a reasonable length of time, there is a long-term loan at 1 1 per cent interest. Beginning Farmer Loan Program . Assists young, potential farmers to develop a viable farm unit. # A certain amount of experience and training is required. m There is a maximum asset restriction of $175,000. # Loans are to a maximum of $1 25,000 with an interest rate of 9 per cent. . A 2 per cent rebate is provided for borrowers co-operating with the required consulting program. Father-Son Farming Program # Enables young farmers to purchase assets within or outside the family holdings, if the family is willing to assist in a substantial way. # Maximum loan is $100,000 with the interest rate currently at 1 1 per cent. The maximum term is 20 years. ydlkDcrra hone (403) 427-2127 - (cont'd) - AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Government Loan Programs (cont 'd ) Financial Restructuring Program # Facilitates the restoration of a balance of short, intermediate and long-term financing to farm operations. „ Interest rate of 10 per cent,and maximum term of 20 years. # Among other things, the operator must have ample land and building security, and a favourable credit and management history. Disaster Assistance Program . Provides loans at a negotiable interest rate (for first 3 years) so that a farm can remain viable in the wake of a physical disaster that is not normally insured. Guaranteed Loan Program » Provides loans for any purpose approved by ADC. » May be substituted for any of the previously mentioned loan programs. „ Interest rate is the chartered bank's prime lending rate plus 1 or 1 1/2 per cent, depend- ing upon the length of the loan. % No maximum has been set on the amount of loan available except in the case of the Vegetable Production Loan Program. In addition to providing loans for any purpose approved by ADC, the Guaranteed Loan Program can be used for the following specific purposes: (a) Vegetable Production Loan Program „ To assist vegetable producers to purchase equipment specifically used for vegetable production. » The maximum loan is $50,000. % The maximum term of the loan is 1 0 years. # The interest rate is the chartered bank's prime lending rate plus 1 per cent. # There is an annual incentive rebate of 2 per cent per year. % There are certain asset and eligibility requirements. (b) Dairy Development Incentive Program % To aid in the development of viable dairy operations. m There is no limit on loans. m The maximum term of the loan is 1 5 years. - (cont'd) - Government Loan Programs (cont'd) r — " — -■ -*i ' r-r— — rr # The interest rate is prime plus 1 or 1 1/2 per cent, depending upon the length of the loan. » There is an annual incentive rebate of 7 per cent per year. To qualify for this incentive rebate, the maximum loan for an individual is $1 2,000. An additional $6,000 can be added to this for each family in a partnership or company up to a maximum of $24,000 or three families. # Incentive rebates apply for three years. # Applicants must meet certain qualifications. (c) Native Range Incen tive Program + To increase farm and ranch income by assisting range improvement production. . There is no limit on loans. . The maximum term of the loan is 1 5 years. m The interest rate is prime plus 1 or 1 1/2 per cent, depending upon the length of the loan. , There is an annual incentive rebate of 7 per cent per year. # The maximum loan eligible for the incentive rebate is $4,000. % Incentive rebates apply for five years. Rural Housing Program t Intended for bonafide farmers interested in constructing, altering or repairing a farm house, or purchasing a mobile home. # Maximum loan is $35,000 and the interest rate is determined from adjusted net income. Further information on these loan programs and application forms are available from ADC representatives, located in district agriculturist and county offices. -30 - 4. October 3, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WARBLES AND WEEDS by Hoss (Jould Livestock Supervisor for Beef Cattle Alberta Agriculture What is the connection between warbles and weeds? Every good farm manager knows what would happen if he deliberately decided not to control the weeds on his summerfallow. The next year there would be a bumper crop of weeds even if his land had been relatively clean,and his grain crop would suffer. In many ways controlling the damage caused by warble flies is like control- ling weeds. In fact, warble flies are inclined to move around even more than weed seeds. Since the flies from a farm where the cattle were not treated can infest treated cattle on a neighboring farm, warble control must be carried out on a district basis if it is to be effective. To Treat or Not to Treat There may be times when it seems that you have so few warbles in ycur herd that treating the cattle is not worth the bother and expense. However, a decision not to treat would be much like deciding not to control weeds on your summerfallow. The grubs that matured because your cattle were left untreated would grow into mature flies to infest the whole herd next year. One warble fly can lay 400 to 800 eggs! Then you would be faced with the same kinds of losses as those suffered by farmers in the late 1960's. Gadding, reduced milk production, lower weaned calf weights, lower feed lot gains and the heavy carcass and hide losses of those years would cost the average farmer several hundred dollars at today's prices. Calves produced on infested pastures have been shown to wean out at up to 40 pounds less than calves from clean pastures. Research has shown that heavily infested steers gained from 0.1 to 0.25 pounds per day less (one report suggests up to 0.4 pounds) than clean steers. Packing plants report that warble trimmed carcasses are discounted $5 per hundred pounds dressed weigh^and tan- ners report that tanned hides worth $30 to $60 will be trimmed 10 per cent when damaged with warbles. These losses can be prevented with a treatment which costs around bOt per head. The Weak Link The warble fly is susceptible to control only when it is a grub in an animal's body. Until about 20 years ago grubs were killed with the contact insecticide rotenone when they opened - (cont'd) - lone (403) 427-2127 Warbles and Weeds (cont'd) breathing holes in the hide of an animal's back in the spring. However, with the newer systemic treatments, warbles can be killed as very small grubs in the fall before they have reduced feedlot gains or caused carcass and hide damage. The systemic chemical is broken down in the animal's body with- in a few days, but, because some pesticide residue may appear in the milk during this time, lactating dairy cows and cows about to freshen should be treated only with the contact insecticide rotenone. When to Treat Fall Treatment The most effective time to control the damage from warbles is in the fall with systemic insecticides. They can be applied to all beef cattle except those that are sick, under severe stress or under 300 pounds. All dairy calves over 300 pounds, replacement stock and dry cows can also be treated in the fall unless they are due to freshen within the period specified on the label of the chem- ical. Fall systemic treatment is much less bother, and probably no more costly, than the old method of treating with a contact insecticide every three or four weeks as new grubs open holes in the hide during the spring. Fail treatment can begin shortly after the adult flies stop laying eggs, which in r.^ost years is about mid-September. Recent research suggests the highest production losses from warble grubs occur early in the fall. Early treatment will, therefore, result in greater returns to the producer. Treatment can be done at any time until the migrating grubs reach the sensitive areas of the gullet or spinal column. This occurs about October 31 in southern Alberta (south of highway # 1 ) and about November 30 further north. After that time treatment can cause a reaction with the grubs in the gullet or spinal area, which may result in breathing difficulty, bloat, stiffness, paralysis and death. Spring Treatment Any animals showing grubs between March 1 and mid-April may be treated with systemics. This will prevent the grubs from maturing into adult flies to reinfest the herd. After mid- April the spring treatment may not kill all of the full grown grubs so early spring treatment is best. Any grub-infested lactating dairy cows can be treated only with a contact insecticide such as rotenone. - (cont'd) - -3- 6. Warbles and Weeds (cont'd) Restrictions Since systemic insecticides can harm human beings and livestock if they are used care- lessly, be sure to read the product label carefully each time you use a systemic. Recommendations change as new information becomes available. Feed lot Cattle Cattle feeders have a special problem with warble control. Inspections at packing plants and markets in 1976 and 1977 showed that over twice as many fat cattle are infested with warbles as feeders sold in the same period. These surveys suggest that most cow-calf producers treat their own herds and the feeders they are over-wintering. However, it seems that many cow-calf pro- ducers do not treat feeder steers and calves offered for sale in the fall. Since the feedlot operator has no way of being sure whether the animals he purchased in the fall were treated or not, many large feedlot operators routinely treat all their fall purchases to make sure they will have grub-free cattle to offer for sale in the spring. Although systemic label warn against treating with systemics in December, January and February, for reasons mentioned earlier, some large feedlot operators continue to treat new arrivals during this period. They feel the risk of a few reactions in the cattle is more than off-set by their being able to offer grub-free cattle to their packer buyers. Treatment during this period is safe if carried out on the advice of a veterinarian. However, any losses are the full responsibility of the person treating the cattle. -30- 7. October 3, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BEEF FROM GUI I POTATOES Cull potatoes are moneymakers on the George Zee farm near Red Deer, according to Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturists, Neil Miller. He reports that the potatoes that were not good enough to sell, plus alfalfa hay, were fed to 17 steers, and that the steers gained 1.32 pounds per day on this ration. The feed cost per pound of gain was 1 3.32t , and the feed cost per steer per day was 18.2t. The result over the 190-day feeding period was a profit of $880 or $4.63 per day. Mr. Miller points out that there are many farmers who have so- called waste produce that could bring in extra dollars. Examples might be unused pasture, fail stubble, low grade grain or hay or cull potatoes. "Remember", Mr. Miller says, "beef cattle can convert wastes to profits"! -30- /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE 2(403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 8. October 3, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOLAR HEAT REDUCES COSTS IN LOW - TEMPERATURE GRAIN DRYING Research is continuing in the United States into the possibility of drying grain with solar heat. The tests, being conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), involve the use of solar energy in low-temperature drying. According to information received by Alberta Agriculture^most of the tests have been done on corn, but some have been carried out on rice, grain sorghum, soybeans and wheat. Results so far show solar drying to be promising in the more humid parts of the American corn belt,where heat is needed to lower humidity so that the grain can be stored at safe moisture levels. The ARS engineers are not sure that solar energy will furnish enough extra heat for drying grain in more northern locations. Studies to date show that solar heat and heat generated by a fan raises drying temperatures about 5° F. In Indiana tests it saved 5 <£a bushel in drying costs,and in Iowa, it saved about 2<£ a bushel compared with low temperature electrical drying costs. Studies carried out in the U.S. corn belt involved the use of long, tubular, air- inflated, plastic collectors installed on the sides of round grain bins as well as on the roofs, sidewalls, or both, of metal buildings near the grain bins. Field-test and computer-simulation study results at experimental stations in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio and South Dakota are contained in a publication entitled "Solar Grain Drying - Progress and Potential". It may be obtained from the Office of Communication, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250. 30 A\ba\a AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427 2127 COMMUNICATIONS 9. October 3, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARKETING HONEY by Dr. Ulf Soehngen Supervisor of Apiculture Alberta Agriculture Traditionally, beekeepers and other food producers have been much more interest- ed in a quick sale of their produce, preferably all at once and for the highest profit. The effort and commitment required for long-term marketing have not seemed attractive enough to make it worthwhile. However, several years of poor crops and declining honey prices have forced some honey producers to re-evaluate their outlook on life, and to broaden their horizons, part- icularly with respect to more profitable marketing practices. Some beekeepers have found export- ing bulk honey to foreign buyers to be a lucrative way of disposing of their crop, while others have turned to the home market, packing the honey under their own brand label and supplying local groceries. Other possible marketing avenues include farmers' markets which have enjoyed a tremendous upswing in popularity in recent years. Aided by Alberta Agriculture's farmers' market program, the number of these more informal retail outlets has increased from a mere 4 in 1973 to more than 50 at the present time. Although Alberta Agriculture provides expertise and other assistance upon request, the markets are entirely home owned and run and are subject only to the normal health regulations and rules of honest business. Although selling produce at a farmers' market requires commitment and extra work on the part of the producer, this method of bringing a product to the consumer has the fol- lowing advantages. , A stall at a farmers' market can be handled as a family enterprise, which often brings a considerable amount of extra cash into the "family kitty" over the summer and fall months at relatively little expense. # The hours of operation at a farmers' market are limited, usually to not more than five hours per day. This means the actual time involved in selling is small. Many markets operate during hours that are convenient to the producer who is unable to leave a regular job during the day. AGRICULTURE one (403) 427-2127 - (cont'd) - COMMUNICATIONS 10. -2- Marketing Honey (cont'd) # Selling at a farmers' market gives the producer exposure to a large number of potential customers, many of whom become regular customers and often make their purchases directly from the honey house door. The importance of honey house sales, arising from such contacts, should not be overlooked. This is clearly demonstrated by a southern Alberta beekeeper who sells all the honey he produces from over 100 colonies from his own premises. Two factors that are extremely important in developing a lasting market, whether at home or at a farmers' market,are: a) A consistently high quality product b) A quantity that is sufficient to meet a long-term demand Brochures which give more information on farmers' markets and which tell you how you can become involved are available from: Dan Ness Commodity Development Branch Agriculture Building 9718-107 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2C8 (Telephone 427-401 7) -30 - 11. October 3, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRAFTS by Norma Dowkes Alberta Agriculture's District Home Economist at Drumheller Have you thought of trying a new craft? Why not look ahead to Christmas and make personalized presents for special people on your gift list? Macrame is an art that has caught on in a big way. Having its origins in the Arab world, macrame means to fringe or braid. Plant hangers, table placemats, belts, wall hangings, and simple purses are a few possibilities. Wall hangings are a many-patterned affair. For a child's room, where some extra design is needed to bring the walls alive, a few scraps of fabric, an ingenius mind and some pleasing design can be the start of something big! Use a quick zig-zag applique stitch to attach the bits to a neutral background. Make dowelling casings for the upper and lower edges. But you ask how do I choose a design guaranteed to delight a child? Simple! Some- day when a little friend is with you, get out a colouring book and leaf through it together. Watch for designs that halt the youngster's attention. This is an excellent indication of what appeals. Now, take the design, scale it up to an approximate size on graph paper, stylize it where overly com- plicated, and away you go. If you are concerned about the proportion you should adopt, here is an easy rule of thumb. The "Golden Section" is always arranged in the 2 X 3 form, and is considered by all people most pleasing. Remember though that long narrow designs look best on long narrow hangings! Use common sense and ingenuity - they work well together! If using felt or double-knit fabrics for the design, an applique done by hand is pleasing. Think about the time you wish to spend, and the effect you want to achieve when choosing your method of workmanship. Thread and yarn arts are a challenge. Many of us have attempted knitting and crochet- ing. If your skill in these fields has been accomplished, why not branch out? Needlepoint is one possibility. Again you may do simple stylized designs that you create, or, for a first project, pur- chase a kit. Remember when trying something new, think small. The sense of accompl^hment - (cont'd) - AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- 12 Crafts (cont'd) , received when an item is completed is so worthwhile. Also, for your first designs, incorporate as many straight lines as possible,and limit the number of colors used to six or less. Huck weaving is an art that can challenge anyone. It works up quickly and with a minimum of fuss and bother. Runners for tables, dressers and entertainment units can be a work of love and art. Does your home have a small round table that is used for many functions? Does that round table pose a prepetual problem when you are searching for table cloths? Why not make your own? Simply measure the height of the table add half its diameter, and you will have discovered the needed radius for your table cloth. Fashion a circle of fabric of that diameter, and presto a cloth for the table of your dreams.' Use a trim, and special stitching to dress up the covering. Unique, custom looks are not out of your reach! -30- 13. October 3, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT AGRICULTURIST APPOINTMENTS The associate director of Alberta Agriculture's extension division, Ralph Berkan, has announced the following district agriculturist appointments. David Beckman has been appointed co-district agriculturist at Fairview. He is fill- ing the vacancy created by the resignation of Nancy Lidster. Mr. Beckman has been district agri- culturist at St. Paul and Wetaskiwin and has just returned from a two-year assignment with the Canadian International Development Agency in Lesotho, Africa. Don Christensen has been transferred to Lamont as co-district agriculturist. He comes from the Smoky Lake district office where he trained with Grant Gilland. Mr. Christensen has been with Alberta Agriculture since May, 1976, and his transfer to Lamont fills the vacancy created by the transfer of David Pilling to Warner. Prior to transferring to Warner, David Pilling was co-district agriculturist at Lamont for a year and assistant district agriculturist at Hanna for a year. Mr. Pilling replaces Walter Pierson who resigned earlier this year. Jack Hazelwood has joined Alberta Agriculture as co-district agriculturist at Atha- basca. He was previously employed as acting regional manager with the land management branch of the British Columbia Department of Agriculture. His present appointment fills the vacancy created when Ken Lopetinsky left Athabasca to attend university. John Knapp has been appointed assistant district agriculturist at Sedgewick. He will be training with district agriculturist Glen Werner. Upon completion of his training, Mr. Knapp will fill one of the vacancies that occur as part of normal staff turnover. He is a 1977 graduate of the University of Alberta and was awarded the Gold Medal by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists. Charles Pearson has transferred from the farm business management branch to Leduc as a co-district agriculturist. Prior to his appointment to Leduc, he was an agricultural economist with major responsibilities for farm record systems, including Can Farm. Mr. Pearson fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Harold Moore. ydlberra -(cont'd)- AGRICULTURE lone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS District Agriculturist Appointments (cont'd) Don Wentz has been appointed co-district agriculturist at Lethbridge, where he will be working with Murray McClelland. Before joining the extension division, Mr. Wentz served as irrigation specialist with Alberta Agriculture for four years at Lethbridge. His appointment fills the vacancy created when David LePme transferred to the position of regional farm training specialist. Mr. Wentz is a 1971 graduate of Montana State University. -30- 15. October 3, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMING AGRICULTURAL EVENTS Alberta Economic Developers Association Conference Holiday Inn Lethbridge, Alberta October 6 Canadian Poultry & Egg Processors Council Meeting Bayshore Inn Vancouver, B.C October 17 & 18 Canadian Hatchery Federation Annual Convention Bayshore Inn Vancouver, B.C October 19 - 21 AGRICULTURE WEEK October 24-28 Canada Grains Council Semi-Annual Meeting Montreal, Quebec October 25 & 26 Canadian Agricultural Extension Council (Annual Meeting) Birchwood Inn Winnipeg, Manitoba October 25 - 28 Saskatchewan Swine Symposium Sheraton-Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 1 -3 Alberta Beekeepers Assocation Annual Convention Carriage House Hotel Calgary, Alberta November 2 - 4 United Grain Growers Ltd. - Annual Meeting Edmonton, Alberta November 2 & 3 Alberta Broiler Growers' Market Board Annual Meeting Four Seasons Hotel Calgary, Alberta November 2 Women of Unifarm Annual Convention Macdonald Hotel Edmonton, Alberta November 2 & 3 Alberta Beekeepers Association Annual Convention Carriage House Hotel Calgary, Alberta November 2 - 4 Northern Alberta Hereford Club Annual Meeting Millet, Alberta November 5 hone (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 16. -2- Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) Farmfair 77 Edmonton Exhibition Grounds Edmonton, Alberta November 8-18 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair The Coliseum, Exhibition Place Toronto, Ontario November 11-19 Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth- Alberta Tour Calgary & Edmonton, Alberta November 21 - 25 Alberta Potato Growers Meeting & Annual Convention Heritage Inn Taber, Alberta November 21 - 25 Agricultural Fieldmans Inservice Training Sandman Inn Edmonton, Alberta November 21 - 25 Agribition Regina, Saskatchewan November 25 - December 2 Banff Poultry Servicemen's Workshop Banff Centre Banff, Alberta November 28 - 30 Canada Weed Committee (Western Section) Macdonald Hotel Edmonton, Alberta November 29 - December 1 Alberta Irrigation Projects Association 36th Annual Meeting Park Plaza Motor Hotel Lethbridge, Alberta November 29 & 30 Canadian Water Resources Association Seminar on Water Storage El Rancho Motor Hotel Lethbridge, Alberta November 29 The Royal Smithfield Show Earls Court, London, England December Alberta Cattle Commission Annual General Meeting Westward Inn Calgary, Alberta December 7 - 9 The Annual Agricultural Outlook Conference Government Conference Centre Ottawa, Ontario December 12 & 13 American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meeting "The Food-Energy Fix" Palmer House, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A December 13-16 - (cont'd) - Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) 1978 Pal liser Wheat Growers Association 8th Annual Convention Holiday Inn Saskatoon, Saskatchewan January 3 - 5 Unifarm Annual Convention Macdonald Hotel Edmonton, Alberta January 9-13 Alberta Branch of Canadian Seed Growers Association Annual Meeting Sandman Inn Edmonton, Alberta January 12 & 13 Alberta Pork Seminar Banff Centre Banff, Alberta January 17-20 Beef Cattlemen's Seminar Agricultural Extension Centre Brandon, Alberta January 23 - 25 Western Agricultural Conference Regina, Saskatchewan January 25 & 26 Alberta Rapeseed Growers' Association Macdonald Hotel Edmonton, Alberta January 26 & 27 Alberta Dairymen's Association Annual Convention Macdonald Hotel Edmonton, Alberta February 6 - 8 Agricultural Service Board Conference South Convention Centre South Edmonton, Alberta February 7 - 9 Canadian Hereford Association - Annual Meeting Bayshore Inn Vancouver, B.C February 1 1 Canadian Federation of Agriculture Annual Meeting Quebec City, P.Q February 13-16 Alberta Poultry Industry Conference (27th) Westward Inn Calgary, Alberta February 21 & 22 Alberta Poultry Hatchery Association Westward Inn Calgary, Alberta February 21 Alberta Commercial Egg Producers' Association Westward Inn Calgar/, Alberta February 22 - (cont'd) - -4- 18. Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) Alberta Turkey Association Westward Inn Calgary, Alberta February 22 Alberta Hatching Egg Shippers1 Association Westward Inn Calgary, Alberta February 22 Alberta Egg & Fowl Marketing Board Annual Meeting Westward Inn Calgary, Alberta February 23 Alberta Turkey Growers' Marketing Board Annual Meeting Westward Inn Calgary, Alberta February 23 Agricultural Policy Issues Conference University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan February 27 - March 3 Ag-Expo (Annual Seed Fair, Short Course & Machinery Display) Exhibition Pavilion Lethbridge, Alberta March 1 - 4 Round-Up 78 Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Grounds Calgary, Alberta March 5 - 26 Alberta Branch Canadian Seed Growers* Association Annual Meeting (Hotel to be announced) Edmonton, Alberta March 6 & 7 Canadian Charolais Association Annual Meeting Calgary, Alberta March 16-18 Canadian Western Stock Show & Rooeo Edmonton Exhibition Grounds Edmonton, Alberta March 26 - April 2 4-H Canadian Council Meeting Chateau Halifax Halifax, Nova Scotia May 29 - June 3 Fifth ^International Rapeseed Conference Mai mo, Sweden June 12-16 Canadian Plowing Championship Match Wanham, Alberta June 14-17 t - (cont'd) - -5- 19. Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) International Soil Science Congress University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta June 19 - 27 Twenty-first Annual Meeting of the Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology Edmonton Plaza Hotel Edmonton, Alberta June 25 - 28 Agricultural Institute of Canada Regina, Saskatchewan July 2 - 6 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention Regina Inn Regina, Saskatchewan July 9-12 Canadian Home Economics Association Convention Convention Centre Calgary, Alberta July 25 - 29 Alberta Polled Hereford Club Annual Meeting Alberta Hereford Centre Innisfail, Alberta August 12 Second International Green Crop Dehydration Congress - Dri-Crops 78 University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan August 20 - 25 Sixth International Cereal and Bread Congress Winnipeg, Manitoba September 16-22 World's Poultry Congress Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro, Brazil September 17-21 Feed Industry Conference Palliser Hotel Calgary, Alberta September 21 & 22 Northern Alberta Hereford Club Annual Meeting Hotel not known November 4 Farmfair '78 Edmonton Exhibition Grounds Edmonton, Alberta November 7-17 The Royal Smithfield Show Earls Court, London, England December - (cont'd) - 20. -6- Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) 1979 Agricultural Institute of Canada New Brunswick August 19-23 Seventeenth Tri-Annual Internation Conference of Agricultural Economists Banf f Centre Banff, Alberta September 5-15 -30 - NOV 31977 CANADIANS October 10, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK 1977 Cow-Calf Producers' Advance Program 1 Crop Situation in Alberta 2 Harvesting Damp Grain 3 Beware of Ice on Centre Pivot Irrigation Sprinklers 6 Grain Confetti 7 A Time To Pay Tribute 8 Overwintering Honey Bees 10 Fall Protection of Trees and Shrubs 11 We All Have Them 12 Cereal Crops Supervisor Appointed 14 A\b&\a AGRICULTURE October 10, 1977 !. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1977 COW-CALF PRODUCERS' ADVANCE PROGRAM The Cow-Calf Producers' Advance Program, which has been in force in Alberta since 1974, is to be applied to this year's calf crop. This means that cow-calf producers will be able to borrow $75 per calf on 80 per cent of the calves in their herds up to a maximum of $6,000 at an interest rate of 7 per cent. The program stipulates that the new loan must be used first to retire any outstanding debt (principal plus interest) that is owing under the 1976 advance loan program. Cattlemen who defaulted on their payments under the 1974, 1975 or 1976 programs will not be eligible for a loan under the 1977 program. To be eligible, calves must have been born in 1977 to cows that were owned by, or under the control of, the applicant prior to August 1 , I977, and they must be owned by the applicant at the time he applies for a loan. Purebred and commercial cattle breeders and dairymen are eligible for a loan under the 1 977 program, regardless of whether or not they own their own land, providing they meet all the requirement of the program. These include being a resident of Alberta and being 18 years of age or older. An applicant may not submit more than one application. In the case of share-cattle, the lessee and the lessor may each apply for a loan on 80 per cent of their respective shares of the calves. Loans made under the 1977 Cow-Calf Producers' Advance Program will bear interest at the rate of 7 per cent for one year from the date the loan is approved by a bank. The interest rate on any unpaid balance of the loan after one year or after January 31 , 1979, whichever is sooner, will be the lending institution's prime rate at that time plus 2 per cent. Application forms will be available from all d- strict agriculturists' offices on November 1 . They must be completed and approved by January 31,1 978 and submitted to the lending institution not later than February 28, 1978. -30 ione (403) 427-2127 ^Ibarra AGRICULTURE MM UN I CAT IONS October 10, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CROP SITUATION IN ALBERTA Poor weather has prevented any significant progress in Alberta's crop harvesting operations during the past two weeks. Fred Boyce, statistician with Alberta Agriculture, says that the grain that was com- bined during this period was damp,and that only farmers with dryers were able to proceed with their harvesting operations. Although most grain and oilseed crops in Alberta have been swathed, only about half have been combined. According to Mr. Boyce, harvesting is farthest advanced in the southern region of the province where about 85 per cent of the major crops are in the bin. However, harvest- ing of crops like sugar beets and potatoes has been delayed by wet weather and muddy fields. About two-thirds of the crops have been taken off in south-central Alberta, but many of the remaining crops have been lying in swaths for over a month. Sprouting, bleaching and dis- coloration of grain in swaths is widespread in this region. In fact, many of the swaths have settled to the ground and have second growth pushing through them. This situation will make the swaths even more difficult to salvage. In north-central and northern regions of the province, cool, wet weather has seriously delayed harvesting operations. Mr. Boyce reports that only about a third of the crops in these regions has been harvested to date. In a normal year most farmers would be finished harvesting or just winding up their field operations. The quality of the grain that has been harvested in these areas has also been reduced by weathering and sprouting. Mr. Boyce says windy, dry weather is urgently needed to prevent further deterioration of the crops. In the Peace River region, rain followed by up to 35 centimetres (14 inches) of snow at the beginning of October brought a sudden halt to harvesting operations. Mr. Boyce says about half of the crops in this region have been combined and that a large proportion of the grain had to be dried. He also says that several warm, dry days will be needed before field operations can be re- sumed in this part of Alberta. About three weeks of good weather will be needed before harvesting operations can be completed throughout the province. -30- AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS A\bex\a October 10, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HARVESTING DAMP GRAIN Farmers who are faced with harvesting damp grain this fall have three alternatives they can use to get their crop off. They can dry their grain, they can store it damp in a silo or they can preserve it with an organic acid. Alberta Agriculture's supervisor of cereal crops, Bob Nelson, believes that farmers who intend to use their grain only as feed will be further ahead and financially better off to store it in a silo or to preserve it with an acid than to dry it. Silo Storage Grain can be stored in any type of horizontal silo when the moisture content is be- tween 25 and 40 per cent. If the moisture content is below 25 per cent, the grain will not pack properly, and if the moisture content is above 40 per cent, the grain will be too "mushy" to pack. In the case of a tower-type silo, grain can be stored with a moisture content as low as 18 per cent. "Grain that is stored in a silo," says Mr. Nelson, "should be treated like silage from the point of view of packing." This means that it must be packed to exclude the air as rapidly as possible, and then covered with plastic sheeting to keep out the air and moisture. According to Mr. Nelson, grain packs best and keeps best when it is rolled or ground with a hammer or burr mill before it is put into a horizontal silo. However, the dust collectors on a hammer or burr mill will have to be removed to prevent them from clogging up. In the case of a roller mill, it will be necessary to install scrapers at a sixth of an inch from the rollers to prevent the grain from "gumming" them up. Although pit and bunker silos should ideally be lined with concrete to keep the soil moisture out, heavy plastic sheeting can be used in an emergency. To keep spoilage to a minimum, the silo should be designed in such a way that at least three inches of feed will be taken off across the face of the pit every day. Once the pit has been uncovered, it cannot be resealed. There is no set amount of material that must be removed each day from a tower or glass-lined silo. Among the advantages of harvesting high moisture grain, cited by Mr. Nelson, are that it can be inexpensively stored unless sealed storage is used, it can be quickly handled at harvest time /flcerra - (cont'd) - (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 4. -2- Harvesting Damp Grain (cont'd) and it makes excellent feed. Two disadvantages are that it takes more power to harvest damp grain than dry grain and that damp grain reduces the capacity of both the combine and the auger. Other disadvantages include storage losses which run about 5 per cent,and more if the grain is not properly handled, and marketing is iimited to feeder cattle on a daily basis. Acid Preservation Probably the main advantage of preserving damp grain in an emergency situation with an organic acid is that the grain does not have to be stored in the absence of air. It can be stored in a wooden, steel or concrete bin, on a barn floor, in a shed, in a silo,etc. However, wooden bins and bins with dirt floors should be lined with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture from seeping into the grain. Steel bins should be either lined with plastic or painted with an epoxy paint, available from International Paints Canada Ltd., to prevent corrosion. Concrete structures should also be lined or painted with an epoxy paint to prevent them from breaking down. Acid treated grain can even be stored in piles in the field, providing the piles are pro- tected on the top and bottom with plastic sheeting. However, grain stored in this manner must be t • ■.3d before April of the following year. After this date condensation and heating will take place under the plastic. Mr. Nelson recommends applying organic acids with a special applicator. These appli- cators have a metered acid flow, and many have an automatic auger shut-off mechanism in case the acid stops flowing for some reason. To ensure a uniform application, they mix the acid with the grain as the grain is being augered into the bin. They run on 12-volt batteries and cost $400. One of these applicators will treat up to 25 tons of grain per hour. Mr. Nelson says the cost of treating a bushel of grain at 1 8 per cent moisture is about 1 2 £ . At 30 per cent moisture, the cost would be about 22 1/2 ne (403) 427-2127 /dlberra R I CULTURE COMMUNICATIONS October 10, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A TIME TO PAY TRIBUTE October 24 to 28 is Agriculture Week -- a time to pay tribute to Alberta's farming population. Organized by personnel from agri-business, farm organizations, the University of Alberta and Alberta Agriculture, Agriculture Week is held each fall to focus attention on this basic industry and to help consumers of farm products to understand the important role agriculture plays in our economy and in our every-day lives. Do you realize that there is no where in the world that people work fewer hours for their daily food requirements than on the North American continent? In England, for example, a person must work one and a half hours to buy a pound of sirloin steak, while in Alberta he has to work less than half an hour. In Japan, which is noted for its efficiency, a man has to work more than 10 hours to buy the same amount of meat. Neither is the price we pay for our food high compared with the price we pay for other things we buy. Have you compared the increase in the price of food over the past few years with the increase in the costs of such things as a haircut, gas, a new house, a new car, the interest you pay on borrowed money and the increase in taxes? Statistics show that the portion of our in- come that we spend on food has actually decreased from about a quarter 25 years ago to less than a fifth today. We should all remember that it is the bargain prices that we pay for our food, com- pared with food prices in other countries and the prices of almost everything else we buy, that has enabled many of us to have a colored television, a second car, a family vacation and all the other things associated with the so called "good life". Our farmers also contribute in many ways to our overall economic well-being. For example, they provide a market for a tremendous amount of city-produced products. Canadian farmers buy about a third of a billion dollars worth of farm machinery and parts every year. Think of the jobs such a market provides for the non-farming population of Alberta. Have you ever thought of the number of jobs that are directly related to farm products? These include jobs /dltorra - (cont'd) - (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- 9 A Time to Pay Tribute (cont'd) associated with the transportation, processing and marketing of these products. It is possible to get some indication of the importance to a city's prosperity of a viabie farming community when one realizes that Canadian meat packing plants employ the fourth largest number of workers of any manufacturing industry in the country. In Edmonton, which is famous as the centre of the country's oil industry, food and beverage processing ranks first as an employer in the manufacturing industries — ahead of all the petroleum-related industries com- bined. Although the petroleum industry contributes more than twice as many dollars as agricul- ture to the Alberta economy, agriculture provides more than twice as many jobs. Since the costs of almost everything a farmer has to use to produce our food has escalated rapidly over the last few years, it is only his ingenuity, hard work and efficiency that has kept the cost of our food so low in relation to most people's income. Hence, it is important to all of us that our farmers be paid enough to keep them in business. If Alberta farmers cannot make a go of their businesses, who will produce the food we eat and how much will it cost? A booklet entitled "Alberta - Because of its Farms a Good Place to Live" is an excellent source of information for people who would like to know why agriculture is Alberta's most important industry. The publication can be obtained from district agriculturists and the publications office, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30 - 10. October 10, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OVERWINTERING HONEY BEES If you are planning to winter your bees in British Columbia or are moving to another province and planning to take your bees, you must first obtain a permit from the provincial apiarist in that province. Failure to obtain this permit may result in your being asked to move your bees back to Alberta at your own expense. Before issuing you a permit, the provincial apiarist in British Columbia or any other province will request a report on the current state of health of your bees from the supervisor of api- culture in Alberta. Since the report must be based on a past history of American Foul Brood, if there is one, and on a recent inspection of the colonies involved, you must have your bees inspected by a member of Alberta's apiculture section before you can get a permit. You should request such an inspection as soon as possible. Alberta beekeepers who plan to overwinter their bees in this province may be interest- ed in the following pamphlets that are available free of charge. "Research Highlights" by D.L. Nelson and G.D. Henn of the Beaverlodge Research Station, 1977. This publication deals with indoor wintering of bees and is intended to familiarize beekeepers with some of the results obtained from wintering studies carried out at Beaverlodge. It outlines a method which the authors feel will help beekeepers in wintering their colonies. Another publication, entitled "Nosema in Honey Bees", prepared by Abbott Labora- tories,which manufacture Fumidil B,gives some basic information on this disease. Although it is not usually a problem in Alberta, it can cause serious difficulties, especially in overwintered colonies. The publication outlines the ways that a beekeeper can protect his bees against Nosema. "A Wintering Package", prepared by Alberta Agriculture's apiculture section, contains copies of a number of publications and reports on wintering bees in Western Canada. The above publications can all be obtained from the Apiculture Section, Alberta Agri- culture, O.S. Longman Regional Laboratory, 6905 - 1 16 Street, Edmonton, T6H 4P2. »hnnp (403) 4?7-?1?7 -30- /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 11 October 10, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FALL PROTECTION OF TREES AND SHRUBS Are you wondering whether you need to give your ornamental trees and shrubs a good soaking this year before freeze-up? The answer is yes. Herman Oosterhuis, in charge of Alberta Agriculture's tree planting programs, says that soil moisture reserves are still depleted in northern and central parts of the province (partic- ularly western areas), despite the above normal precipitation that has fallen since May. The reason for the low soil moisture level in these areas is the small amount of snow that has fallen during the last three years. The melting snow in the spring is one of the main sources of subsoil moisture in Alberta. "Watering ornamental trees and shrubs before freeze-up is even more important in the south-eastern part of the province where the abnormally low subsoil problem has been com- pounded by the very low rate of precipitation received last summer," Mr. Oosterhuis says. He explains that a plentiful supply of water in the fall is needed to enable trees and shrubs in this province to withstand the drying winds and variations in temperature that occur dur- ing the winter months. Since trees and shrubs have only limited ability to take up and transport moisture when the ground is frozen and they are relatively dormant.they must have an abundant supply of moisture to prevent desiccation. Evergreens like pines, spruce and junipers are even more vulnerable to winter desiccation than trees which lose their leaves in the fall because ever- greens lose moisture through their needles. Birch trees are another species that should be well watered just before freeze-up. Their shallow root system prevents them from having access to the deep subsoil moisture. Mr. Oosterhuis also points out that regardless of the rain that falls during the sum- mer, the soil near the south and east sides of a house in Alberta is always very dry because it is in the rain shadow. Also, the soil on the south side of houses give up its moisture rapidly because of the heat of the sun. This means that all plants, including climbing vines like clematis, should be thoroughly watered, no matter how much rain has fallen, before they go into the winter. Ahexia AGRICULTURE •hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 12. October 10, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WE ALL HAVE THEM by Nadine Vester Family Living Specialist, Alberta Agriculture Catastrophic expectations — we all have them — what does this blockbuster phrase mean? A catastrophe is a grea" calamity or disaster and expectations are things you expect to happen in the future. Yes, we all have them! Just consider what goes through your mind when your best friend does something you do not like. Do you tell her or him how you feel? Why not? A middle-aged woman is sitting at her kitchen table complaining to a friend. She has good reasons for being depressed. Her alcoholic, second husband has been belligerently drunk on several occasions recently, and her mother-in-law is interfering and bossy. However, in addition to these rational concerns, she is worrying about her husband not liking the men her daughters may meet, and may marry five years or more from now. She smokes a cigarette and forbids her friend to mention to anyone that she smokes. Her parents might find out, and she is afraid that their disap- proval would "destroy her". She really does not believe the resulting scene would be simply unpleas- ant. She is positive that she could not survive the furor. Albert Ellis, who originated Rational Emotive Therapy, believes that our society is steeped in a number of senseless and impossible notions that really complicate our lives. His theory sets out eleven "irrational ideas". It might be useful to look at the ones which are most closely allied with our catastrophic expectations. The first idea is that we should be loved by everybody. This is obviously impossible. Further, we can certainly survive a little disapproval, and even dislike, as long as the other guy is not armed! The second idea is that we should always be perfect and be able to solve all our problems. If we cannot, we are total bunglers. How would you like to live with a per- fect person? Not too human is he? One idea that the previously mentioned complaining lady obviously has is that it is a terrible catastrophe when things are not as one would like them to be. We all like things to go well, but we can, and do, survive even when they go badly. Another idea that lady has is that one should have someone stronger than oneself to lean on. Why? Another idea she has is that she has a responsi- bility to get very upset over other peoples' problems. Basically, if her husband does not like his sons- in-law, that is his problem. No one can make a relationship for two other people. We our spouses from our mothers, we try to protect our kids from our spouse and we \x4 f la 'hone (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE - (cont'd) - COMMUNICATIONS 13. -2- We all Have Them (cont'd) Aunt Susie from our kids. What we actually do is keep these people apart. When we try to predict and avoid these hassles, all we do is borrow trouble. Catastrophic expectations no longer need to hobble or handicap us if we take our cour- age in hands and give ourselves credit for our abilities. -30- October 10, 1977 14. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CEREAL CROPS SUPERVISOR APPOINTED Dave Jantzie, head of Alberta Agriculture's field crops branch, has announced the appointment of Bob Nelson to the position of supervisor of cereal crops. He replaces Sherman Yelland who retired early because of poor health. Mr. Nelson will be located at the regional agricultural office in Red Deer until the Lacombe office is completed next spring. His work will involve promotion, production, marketing and the utilization of cereal crops through policies and programs as well as supervising the govern- ment's seed cleaning plant program. The position also involves liaison work with research and in- dustry personnel connected with cereal crops and the promotion and production of pedigreed seed. Mr. Nelson was born and raised on a mixed farm in the Bashaw area. He obtained his B.Sc. (agriculture) from the University of Alberta in 1962, having specialized in soils. Two years later he obtained his M.Sc. (agriculture) from the same university. His field of specialization was soil fertility. From 1964 to 1965, Mr. Nelson worked as a technical representative for the agricul- tural department of Federated Co-op. The following year he was an instructor at Fairview College. From 1966 to 1970 he was Alberta Agriculture's regional plant industry supervisor in the Peace River region. From 1970 until his present appointment, he has been regional plant supervisor for central Alberta. With headquarters in Red Deer, his work involved crop production, seed cleaning plants and farmstead landscaping. -30- r /dlberra ne (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Canadian ^^ubucations DE publ:cat:oxs ofpicielles CANADJENXES NATIONAL UHIIAHY/BIBL'OTUEQUE N CA.W.DA ^TIONALE THIS WEEK Simple Nylon Device May Make Heifers Equal to Steers in the Feedlot Straw in Feedlot Cattle Diets 3 Cash Advances on Board and Non-Board Grains 4 Grain Aeration 6 Lousy Cows Wanted 8 Tree Application Deadline 9 South American Tour 10 Storing and Using Carrots 12 Metric Day for Construction Industry 14 1. October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SIMPLE NYLON -DEVICE MAY MAKE HEIFERS EQUAL TO STEERS IN THE FEEDLOT A simple nylon, Christmas-tree-shaped vaginal device appears to have the ability to make heifers nearly as economical as steers in the feedlot. Dr. John Taylor, supervisor of Alberta Agriculture's artificial insemination pro- grams, reports that Wade Dickinson, president of Agrophysics, Inc. San Francisco, and a guest speaker at a feedlot workshop in Phoenix, Arizona, which was sponsored by the National Feed Ingredients Association, said his Hei-Gro device has increased daily gains and feed conversion rates in feedlot heifers during his two years of testing. He also said results indicate that the de- vice tends to increase the number of heifers in the choice grade. However, he stressed that it is still too early to make any real claim on this point. Mr. Dickinson has concentrated his efforts over the past six years on developing animal vaginal devices which do not involve drugs to stimulate growth and/or prevent conception. Apparently, his firm's contraceptive device for dogs is now being marketed on a world-wide basis and has proved 99 per cent effective. Work involving the use of the device for hogs is claimed to have increased the growth of gilts by about 12 per cent. Mr. Dickinson reported that the work that has been done with the vaginal device for heifers on grass is still only preliminary, but that indications suggest that gains may be im- proved by as much as 25 per cent. "Our first objective has been the feedlot heifer," he said. "The device can be in- stalled at the time the heifer comes into the feedyard when other innoculations and hormone im- plants are given. "It takes about 40 seconds to install the device in the vagina with a unit that looks like a speculum used for examining the vagina, except that it has a plunger like a balling gun. No special skill is required to insert the device,and it can be done by any feedlot crew." Mr. Dickinson said only reasonable sanitary practices need to be followed. They include washing the speculum between animals with an antiseptic and the use of water to wash any feces off the vulva. When the temperature is below freezing, the devices are ke water to wash >4lB0rfa -(cont'd) - AGRICULTURE one (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 2. - 2 - Simple Nylon Device May Make Heifers Equal (cont'd) 4.5° C. After they have been inserted, the devices take on a butterfly-shape in the vagina. Indi- cations point to a tendancy for vaginal tissue to grow around them. Mr. Dickinson explained that "The device is designed to be retained safely in the heifer tract for long periods. Retention approached 100 per cent in large feedlot trials for feed- ing periods of up to 197 days, and retention has been demonstrated for longer periods on the range. The device is not removed from slaughter animals and is disposed of with the reproductive tract at slaughter." There have apparently been no problems in getting heifers to breed after the device has been removed. Also, heifers have been bred with the device still in the vagina with no injury to them or to the bull. A pregnant heifer with one of these devices will eject it before dropping her calf, according to Mr. Dickinson. Feedlot tests involving the device have been done at the University of California and in commercial feedlots in California and Nevada. Results of the tests carried out in California on 350-pound heifers during a 197-day feeding period showed that heifers that were implanted and fitted with a device had a feed conversion rate of 7.199 and an average daily gain of 2.414. The feed conversion rate for heifers which had been implanted only was 7.545 and their daily gain was 2.322 pounds. Heifers with the device alone had a feed conversion rate of 7.555 and a daily gain of 2.198. The controls had a feed conversion rate of 7.595and an average daily gain of 2.263 pounds. In the Nevada trials the heifers weighed about 500 pounds at the beginning of the trial and were fed for 141 days. Here the heifers with the device plus the implant had a 3 $ lower cost of gain per pound than the group which had received only an implant. The total production cost was $8.67 per animal lower than the control group. This figure represents an average net gain of 300 pounds and takes into account 4 per cent shrink and death losses. Mr. Dickinson pointed out that "The device-plus-implant group had a 4 per cent better average daily gain than the implant-alone group, and a 6 per cent better conversion ratio. The conversion ratio for the device-alone group was about 2.6 per cent poorer than that for the implant alone group." Further testing of the device is currently underway in both Nebraska and Arizona. 3. October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STRAW IN FEEDLOT CATTLE DIETS The inclusion of 20 per cent low-quality roughage in a feedlot cattle diet aopears to have little effect on feed intake, daily gains or feed conversion rates. Ron Weisenburger, Alberta Agriculture's regional livestock specialist, points out that when higher levels of low-quality roughage are fed, the total daily feed intake tends to drop, digestibility of the feed decreases, daily gains decrease and the feed required per unit of gain increases. Since cattle will eat more forage in the pelleted than in the long form, a trial was car- ried out at the University of Alberta to compare the results obtained from pelleted straw diets con- taining 40, 55 and 70 per cent barley straw and similar amounts of crude protein. Results showed that average daily gains tended to decrease as the level of straw increased, and that more feed, but less grain and protein supplement, was required per unit of gain. Mr. Weisenburger reports that feed conversion rates varied from 10.9 pounds of feed per pound of gain for the group receiving the 40 per cent straw group to 14.1 pounds for the group on the 70 per cent straw diet. Average daily gains ranged from a little less than 1 .5 pounds per day for the 70 per cent straw diet to over 1 .75 pounds per day for the group on the 40 per cent straw diet. Carcass weights and fat cover on the carcasses decreased as the level of straw in the diet increased. Mr. Weisenburger points out that processing costs involved in preparing a complete pelleted straw diet are high. Also, when straw was fed at high levels it caused what were consider- ed to be lower daily gains relative to those expected from conventional diets. The above data suggest that although reasonable daily gains can be achieved from pelleted straw diets, the cost of pelleting are too high in relation to the gains obtained. Hence, 20 per cent low quality roughage in a finishing diet seems a practical limit, according to Mr. Weisen- burger. He says somewhat higher levels can be used in growing rations, but it is doubtful whether the level should ever exceed 50 per cent. 30 ^IUv> 4. October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CASH ADVANCES ON BOARD AND NON-BOARD GRAINS Cash advances are now available to Alberta grain producers on board grains (wheat, barley and oats) through the Prairie Advance Payments Program, administered by the Canadian Wheat Board,and on non-board grains (rye, flax and rapeseed) from the grain companies that buy non-board grains. The purpose of the Prairie Grain Advance Payments Program, which has worked successfully for the past 19 years, is to give farmers a cash advance on board grains when delivery quotas are low. Participation in the program has varied in relation to the size of harvests and quotas. With prospects for an above-average crop and current low quotas, participation is expect- ed to be higher this year than it was in 1976. To be eligible for an advance, an applicant's 1977-78 permit book must be in good order; which means that all previous advances must have been repaid. Also, the applicant must sign an affidavit declaring that he has enough grain on his farm to pay back the advance and that he in- tends to deliver the grain when new quotas open up. Lloyd Andruchow of Alberta Agriculture says the size of an advance for any one grain is based upon the prescribed quota, the fixed rate of advance per bushel and the number of quota acres allocated to that grain. Prescribed quotas and advance rates for 1977-78 are as follows: Wheat 9 bushels per quota acre $2.00 per bushel Barley 15 bushels per quota acre $1 .10 per bushel Oats 12 bushels per quota acre $0.75 per bushel The maximum advance for an individual is $15,000. The maximum for a corpora- tion, partnership or co-operative that involves two people is $30,000. If the co-operative involves three or more people, the maximum advance is $45,000. Half the advance is issued by the country elevator at the time of application and the other half is paid after the application has been approved by the Canadian Wheat Board. If the cash advance is paid back in the form of a cash refund which exceeds $500 instead of in grain, the total cash advance will be subject to an interest charge. ydlbcrra - (cont'd) - hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Cash Advances on Board and Non-Board Grains (cont'd) To receive a cash advance under the program offered by non-board grain companies, the grain or oilseeds must be delivered to the company where it will be stored at no charge until the owner decides to sell. The size of the cash advance will be governed by the allocation of quota acres as indicated in the 1977-78 permit book and the size of the quota. The owner can take a cash advance up to a specific iimit of the price on the day ihat he delivers his non-board grain. Some companies have an interest charge on cash advances. It must be paid when the grain or oilseed is sold. More information on the above programs can be obtained from your elevator agent and from your nearest non-board grain company representative. - 30 - October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRAIN AERATION If you have had to resort to using low-temperature aeration to get your crop off this fall, you should be sure to check the grain at least once a day until you are able to do something more permanent with it. This advice comes from Paul Barlott, who has been working on harvesting damp grain, and who is head of Alberta Agriculture's systems engineering branch. He points out that aeration should be considered basically as a stop-gap measure until grain can be commercially dried or pre- served with an organic acid. "If grain is kept cool," says Mr. Barlott, "it can be stored at a few percentage points of moisture above that which is recommended without any damage to its quality. However, if the temperature of the grain rises while it is in storage, the grain can deteriorate very rapidly." Aeration is a method of lowering the temperature of grain by blowing or drawing small quantities of cool air (1/10 to one cubic foot per minute per bushel) through the grain. To use this method necessitates installing a perforated floor of a perforated duct along the bin floor. The air is forced or drawn through the grain by an electric motor. The equipment, including the motor, can be purchased for $300 to $1 ,000,depending upon the type of system. Mr. Barlott says farmers should start cooling their grain when the air temperature is 5°C. lower than the grain temperature. He stresses that air should not be moved through the grain when the relative humidity is higher than 70 per cent because the moisture content of the grain will probably be increased. A humidistat-controlled fan is useful for shutting off the system when the humidity is too high for aerating. If grain is aerated when the outside temperature is less than 0° C, very wet grain kernels may freeze together and cause handling problems. Mr. Barlott advises farmers who have been unable to get a grain dryer to see if they can arrange to have their grain dried on a custom basis by a neighbor who has one. Because of the four-week delivery delay, in many cases dryers that are ordered now wi II arrive too late to be of use this season. con, d, Alberta hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 7. -2- Grain Aeration (cont'd) Anyone who is fortunate enough to have a dryer may find the information contained in the publication "Grain Harvesting Machinery and Equipment" helpful in operating it efficiently. "Grain Harvesting Machinery and Equipment" can be obtained from the publications office, Agri- culture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- 8. October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOUSY COWS WANTED If you have a chronically lousy cow, and she is a Hereford, there is a good chance you have a sale for her. Scientists at the federal research station at Lethbridge want as many louse-infested Hereford cows as they can get to determine the effectiveness of some new insecticides. To be of use to the scientists, the cows must be so heavily infested with lice that you can see the eggs and the lice on the hair and the blood from the squashed lice when the animals scratch. The scientists would prefer to get the cows from herds not any further north than Red Deer because of transportation costs. However, if they are unable to get enough in the south- ern part of the province, they may be interested in animals in the more northerly areas. So, if you have a chronically lousy cow — most herds have one or two hanging around — here is your chance to get rid of her. A staff member from the research station will come out to your farm and look her over to see if she has enough lice on her for their experiments. If she has, he will negotiate a price with you. The person to contact on this subject is Marvin Qually, Veterinary Medical Ento- mology Section, Agriculture Canada Research Station, Lethbridge, T1J 4B1 (telephone 327-4561 ). -30- 403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 9. October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TREE APPLICATION DEADLINE October 31 is the deadline for ordering shelterbelt trees from Alberta Agriculture. The trees are free and are available to farmers, ranchers, acreage holders and towns and villages. To be eligible for government shelterbelt trees for next year's planting, applicants must have summerfallowed their proposed planting site this year. The number of tree varieties available to acreage holders has been reduced in the last two years and the same restriction applies this year because the demand for trees has outstripped the supply. The demand has been increas- ing because more people are aware of the shelterbelt program and because the number of acreage holders in the province has increased. The government's policy concerning tree distribution states that farmers have first priority in the distribution of available supplies. Because the demand for trees is greater than the supply, Mr. Oosterhuis urges appli- cants to plan their proposed planting site before ordering trees so that they will not order more than they require. He reports that tree survival surveys carried out by the horticultural branch through- out the province have shown that a large percentage of trees are lost each year because people order more than they need, and then plant them too closely together. Information on recommended spacings for the various tree varieties available under the shelterbelt program and application forms can be obtained from district agriculturists. -30 - /dlberra AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 10. October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR Alberta farmers and anybody else who is interested in agriculture is invited to par- ticipate in a 23-day tour of South America. It is being co-ordinated by the Professional Associa- tion of Alberta Agriculture (PADA) and organized by Hans Kristensen, international co-ordinator for the International Agricultural Exchange Association. The tour departs from Calgary on February 1 7, 1978. and returns March 11. If there are a sufficient number of people wishing to leave from Edmonton, arrangements will be made for them to depart from Edmonton and to join the group at Calgary, which will fly to Lima, Peru, via Vancouver. In Peru tour members will spend three days visiting agricultural establishments and department of agriculture officials. The group will then go to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and spend the day visiting Liniers Cattle Market and the Santa Rosa Breeding Plant. Next day they will fly to Parana where they will visit a sorghum farm. There will be an overnight stay in Santa Fe and then on to Venado Tuerto where the group will spend the day visiting an experimental farm, a beef cattle ranch and a maize farm. Their next stop will be Pergamino where they will see a wheat farm, and an artificial insemination station with a modern intensive pasture cultivation system. Next on the agenda will be a visit to the famous waterfalls near Iquassu in Brazil. From here the group will go to Guarapuava via Cascavel, an important agricultural area, and then to Ponta Grossa, the "Soybean Capital" of Brazil where they will visit a dairy and meat packing plant and a wheat and soybean processing plant. The next stop will be Castrolanda.an important farm co-operative in Castro. From here tour participants will go to Curitiba4passing Vila Velha where there are impressive rock formations resembling an old village. Next day the group will leave for Campinas, passing Registro (specializes in tea production) and the Cachoeira-Capivari Dam. They will visit the Instituto Agronomico, Brazil's main research centre, and farms in the surrounding area. /dlbcrra - (cont'd) - (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- 11. South American Tour (cont'd) From Campinas the group will go to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In Sao Paulo they will visit Ceasa, the biggest wholesalers' food storage market in the country (it feeds about 10 million people). In Rio de Janeiro tour participants will visit the well-known beaches and the hipoie market at Ipanema. The last stop on the agenda will be Brasilia where the group will see the Cerrado Center, an experimental station which specializes in agricultural techniques for farming the savanas. In the evening they will meet representatives of the Canadian Embassy. And how much will all this cost? The basic price is $2,250 per person. If you are interested you should make sure your passport is up to date and contact your local health office immediately to find out what immunization injections you will need. And send a deposit of $200 to the tour co-ordinator. If you change your mind about the trip, you can get a full refund on your money up to December 1 5, when the balance of payment is due. After that date a full refund will be made only on the basis of a medical certificate. A minimum of 25 people is required for the South American tour. If less than this number have submitted applications by December 1 5, the tour will be cancelled. Those who have already paid their fares will have their money refunded. Further information on the tour and application forms can be obtained from Walter Dietz, PADA Co-ordinator, South American Tour, Box 330, Vermilion, Alberta, T0B 4M0 (telephone 853-281 1). -30- October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12. STORING AND USING CARROTS Are you wondering what to do with all those carrots you have harvested from your garden? If you have room in your refrigerator, you can store some of them in a plastic bag or crisper, but never put carrots and fruit in the same crisper. The ethylene gas given off by the fruit will give the carrots a bitter taste. Carrots should be stored at a low temperature and a high humidity. The ideal temperature is 1° to 3°C. and the recommended humidity is 95 to 98 per cent. A cold room in the basement will give you the temperature you need, and you can maintain a high humidity by storing the carrots in plastic bags. Helen Raynard, home economist at Alberta Agriculture's home economics labora- tory, recommends cutting off the crowns and root tips of the carrots, washing and drying them and placing them into plastic bags before putting them in the refrigerator or cold room. She also recommends checking the carrots in a few days to see if moisture has collected inside the plastic bags. If it has, you should remove the carrots, dry them and put them into dry bags. Ms. Raynard says that you should plan to use your carrots within three to four months. After that time their flavor is likely to change even though they often remain crisp and fresh looking for much longer. This is a good time of year to make carrot pie or cake. All you have to do to make carrot pie is cook the carrots, put them through a sieve and substitute them for pumpkin in your favorite pumpkin pie recipe. The following recipe for carrot cake is a favorite at the home economics laboratory. Carrot Cake 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon allspice 2 cups sugar 1 cup rapeseed oil 2 teaspoons baking powder 4 eggs 1 12 teaspoon salt 3 cups finely chopped carrots 2 teaspoons cinnamon Sift dry ingredients. Add oil and stir well (mixture will be very thick), Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add carrots and blend well. Pour batter into greased 9 x 13-inch pan and spread evenly. Bake 40 to 50 minutes at 350° F. When cool, frost with Crea Cheese Icing. dberra (cont'd) - Phone (403) 427 2127 COMMUNICATIONS 13, - 2 Storing and Using Carrots (cont'd) Cream Cheese Icing 4 ounces cream cheese 1 1/2 cups sifted icing sugar 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Cream cheese and butter. Blend in icing sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth. -30 - 14. October 17, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE METRIC DAY FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY January 1 , 1978, will be Metric Day for Canada's construction in- dustry. The manufacturers concerned have confirmed that they will sup- ply such things as plywood, sheet metal, glass etc. in metric measurements after that date. The standard lineal measurements will be factors of 100 millimetres (mm). This standardization of lengths on the manufacturer's premises and on the job site will eliminate a lot of cutting for specific jobs. After January 1, 1978,the typical plywood sheet will come in measurements of 1200 x 2400 mm. Standard panel sizes for bricks, blocks, tiles and rigid sheet materials will be 600 x 600 mm. Standard house doors will be 800 x 2000 mm. New lumber sizes have not yet been established. Standard truss spacings will be 600 mm or 1 200 mm and standard joist spacings will be 400 mm. A building which most closely approaches a 40' x 60' structure will measure 12000 x 18000 mm in the new measurements. At the present time the Canada Plan Service has only one set of sample plans in metric measurements, but the people responsible for drawing up the plans hope to have those that are most commonly used available in metric measure- ments in 1978. -30 - ydlberra AGRICULTURE October 24, 1977 >4 CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS . CCLLECriON DE FUBLTCAIIONS Ol FJCLLLE^Qy 2 4 CANAUjEN*>Lj NATIONAL LIBBARY/B'.BUOTHEQUE NATIONALE CANADA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK First-Year University Student Wins Top 4-H Award 1 Free Rural Study Program 2 First Boar Bought for Provincial Al Unit 4 Low Bushel-Weight Grain 5 Beware of Travelling Lumber Dealers 6 Waterfowl Damage to Alberta Crops 7 Hallowe'en 8 Agricultural Home Study Courses in Alberta 10 Phone (403)427-2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 1. October 24, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRST -YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDENT WINS TOP 4-H AWARD A first-year commerce student at Red Deer College has won the top 4-H award of the year. She is Noreen Onofryzyn of Eckville, and the award is the much coveted Premier's Award for 1977-78. This award was initiated about 15 years ago by the then Premier, Ernest Manning, and is given each year to the 4-H'er who is considered to be most capable of representing 4-H in Alberta and abroad. The criteria on which a candidate is judged includes his or her knowledge of 4-H and current events, ability to communicate in a meaningful manner, leadership skills and willingness to make public appearances on behalf of 4-H. Miss Onofryzyn was presented with her award by Premier Lougheed, and was intro- duced to the Legislative Assembly by Agriculture Minister Marvin Moore. She was accompanied by her sister, Karen, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis Onofryzyn who have a 640-acre grain and cattle farm near Eckville. As a member of the Gilby 4-H multi-club (beef and light horse), Miss Onofryzyn has h. J most executive positions and has been active in the Eckville district council. She has won the 4-H club efficiency award and a number of public speaking awards and is an active participant in sports, youth organizations and the student union at her college. Miss Onofryzyn was chosen to receive the Premier's Award out of 130 candidates, many of whom won exchange trips. The selection committee was made up of representatives from the Alberta Wheat Pool and the United Grain Growers, both of which sponsor the 4-H move- ment, and the head of Alberta Agriculture's 4-H branch. - 30 - A\hex\a AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 2. October 24, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FREE RURAL STUDY PROGRAM Have you thought of joining the thousands of rural Albertans who participate in the free continuing education procram that is offered each winter by the Rural Education and Develop- ment Association? The deadline for registering is December 9. The purpose of the program is to provide participants with information on current economic and social development trends and problems as they affect today's town and rural life. It is also designed to improve the knowledge and skills of those who take part in it so that they are better able to improve their situation,whether it be in the context of the community or in the management of an agricultural business. There is no enrollment charge for the program because it is assisted by a grant from Alberta Agriculture. If you would like to participate, you have two options. You can register as an in- dividual, which includes the family, or you can register as a member of a group. The second option (group study) is open to people who would like to form a winter study group in their community and to groups who are already established. The program is divided into four series of topics. Whether you are participating as an individual or as a group member, you are entitled to have papers sent to you on all the topics in a series (five topics) or the papers on any five topics chosen from any of the series. Following is a list of the series. Series A - For Discussion and Debate • Family Farm - The Dilemma . Competition Act (Bill C42) • National Food Strategy - Today and Tomorrow • Foreign Investment - New Developments and Implications • The Effects of Acreage Development on the Farming Community Series B - For Information • Planning for Retirement 0 Tax Planning for Farmers • Canadian Transport Commission (functions and activities) m Energy on the Farm m Democracy and Democratic Control in Co-operatives ° d ydlbcrfa AGR ICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Free Rural Study Program (cont'd) Series C - For Farm Management % Bookkeeping Systems that Work » Farm Liability t # Planning Farm Machinery Costs # Environmental Constraints and Land Management (compatability) » Selecting a Farm Loan Series D - For People Power # A Guide to Effective Problem Solving . Coping with Personal Crises » Personal Communication . Value Clarification , You Can Contribute to More Effective Meetings Brochures on the program can be obtained from district agriculturists, district home economists, any agent of the United Grain Growers Ltd., the United Farmers' of Alberta Co-opera- tive Ltd., the Alberta Wheat Pool and the Rural Education and Development Association, 9934 - 106 Street, Edmonton, T5K 1C4. -30- 4 October 24, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRST BOAR BOUGHT FOR PROVINCIAL Al UNIT Alberta Agriculture has purchased its first boar for the provincial artificial insemination (Al) unit at Leduc. The animal is a Lacombe boar and was purchased at the monthly record of perfor- mance (ROP) sale at the new ROP test station near Nisku from Jurgen Preugschas of Mayer- thorpe for $825. The boar has an index of 133 and a backfat depth of 19.9 mm. His average daily gain while on test was 1 .13 kg and his feed conversion rate was 2.4 kg feed per kg of gain. Alfred Wahl, assistant supervisor of swine breeding with Alberta Agriculture, says the boar has excellent conformation, good depth and exceptionally strong legs. It is expected that the Al centre, which is almost completed, will have 20 boars, representing the Yorkshire, Lacombe, Duroc, Landrace and Hampshire breeds, when it is in full operation in late 1978. -30- /dlberra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427 2127 COMMUNICATIONS 5. October 24, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOW BUSHEL-WEIGHT GRAIN If you suspect that some of your grain has a low bushel-weight, you would be wise to have it checked at Alberta Agriculture's soil and feed testing laboratory in Edmonton. Dr J. Martin, animal nutritionist at the laboratory, says that in some areas of the province most of the grain is light this year, while in others it is normal. Since the digestible energy content of low bushel-weight grain is often about 10 per cent lower than that of normal grain, Dr. Martin recommends feeding normal grain to animals on high-energy production rations if this is possible. Animals on high-energy production rations include feedlot cattle, market hogs and broilers. If the low bushel- weight grain is fed to animals on a low-grain ration, the decreased energy can be compen- sated for by feeding about 10 per cent more grain than you would normally feed. If you send in a completed information sheet with your feed samples, the aff at the soil and feed testing laboratory will advise you on the best use of your grain after they have tested it for bushel-weight and analyzed it for moisture, protein, calcium and phosphorous content. When they have a completed information sheet and feed sam- ples, they can tell you which grain you should feed to which group of animals and whether you need to feed a protein supplement. The cost for this service is $2 per sample. Sampling kits and the information sheets can be obtained from all district agriculturists. -30- ydlbcrra 6. October 24, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BEWARE OF TRAVELLING LUMBER DEALERS This is the time of year when lumber dealers that travel from place to place set up their stalls in Alberta. If you buy from them, you may get a good deal, but chances are you will not. According to the Better Business Bureau of Edmonton and North- ern Alberta, you may find that the lumber is not graded, or that it is not suitable for the purpose you have in mind. It may even contain dry rot. If you are not an expert on lumber, and if you are not sure of the difference between a "board-foot" and a "linear-foot", the bureau suggests that you deal with an established lumber dealer who has a permanent location in your area. He will be available for advice and after-sale service. -30 - Ahex\ ione (403) 427 2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 7 October 24, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WATERFOWL DAMAGE TO ALBERTA CROPS Hunters can obtain names from local fish and wildlife offices of farmers who need help in protecting their crops from waterfowl damage; and farmers can request the assist- ance of hunters from the same offices. Because of the abnormally late harvest and the large number of ducks and geese eating grain still lying in swaths, the waterfowl crop damage prevention and compen- sation program has been extended. It normally ends in early October. To date $400,000 has been paid out under the program to control damage this season. Under it farmers can claim a maximum compensation for waterfowl damage of $25 per acre. The program is mainly supported and funded by hunters and is carried out by Alberta Recreation Parks and Wildlife in co-operation with the Canadian Wildlife Ser- vice. It includes lakeshore bait stations, lure crops and personnel to frighten the birds off farmers' fields. According to an official of Alberta Recreation Parks and Wildlife, the num- ber of complaints about waterfowl trampling and eating swathed grain has been much high- er this year than in previous years. The area worst hit to date has been that north of Hanna, but damage is expected to be extensive in the Peace River region as well. Since early August damage control practices have been in operation in 25 areas of Alberta. -30- wne (403) 427-2127 /dlberra 8. October 24, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HALLOWE'EN by Jan Warren Alberta Agriculture's district home economist at Stettler All of us are becoming aware of the effect the food we eat has on us - nutritionally and from the point of view of dental bills. So when you are trying to decide what to "shell out" this Hallowe'en, consider the nutrients those little goblins need for growth and the amount of calories they can burn off! The energy a child gets from a treat need not always be from highly refined sugar sources! I am sure that with a little thought, you can create interesting treats that will make your house one that is not soon forgotten! Dried apricot and peach halves, tied together with a green ribbon which can be curled on top, make delightful little pumpkins which are edible. Cashews and almonds in a plastic bag make a real treat; and without the recipients knowing that you have met their energy requirements as well as given a good boost to their low iron levels! Dark green and yellow vegetables have a good reputation for keeping skin clear and smooth, aiding growth and vision and resisting infection. Why not sneak in a few raw carrots, celery stalks, cauliflowerets, etc. If you care to take the trouble, you could make some "vegetable super-spooks" to eat! Apples and oranges are always a treat, and a can of juice will provide a sur- prise! Cheese chunks and grapes cannot be resisted. If preparation time is a problem, why not buy up a lot of beef jerky. When given out one or two at a time, they will go a long way. The bread group can contribute to treats too, as long as they are not unnecessarily "sweet" baked goods. A bran muffin, for example, or a little packet of granola will stave off a ravenous appetite for any ghoulish creature. - (cont'd) one (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Hallowe'en (cont'd) Here is a quick recipe for granola: 3 cups oatmeal 1/4 cup sesame seeds 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup mixed, chopped nuts 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup oil 1/4 cup shredded cocoanut Mix aJJ these ingredients and bake the mixture on a cookie sheet in a hot oven (400 F.) for 10 to 1 5 minutes. If you desire, you can add half a cup of raisins when the cereal is cool. This recipe makes four cups. - 30 - 10, October 24, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRICULTURAL HOME STUDY COURSES IN ALBERTA by Thorn Shaw, Alberta Agriculture C.V. Smyth, Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta Over the past three years Alberta Agriculture, in co-operation with the University of Alberta's Faculty of Extension, has offered a number of home study programs designed to help the farmer increase his knowledge and effectiveness in a number of areas. To date the programs have been widely accepted and have prompted the two or- ganizations involved to increase the number of programs in the home study area. The purpose of this article is to explain how the programs developed, what the organizers hoped to achieve, what has been achieved, and what is planned for the future. During the winter of 1973-74, Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch held an extensive series of farmer meetings across the province on wild oats and wild oat control. In order to draw sufficient numbers to make efficient use of speakers' time, personal travel and other resources, a large advertising expenditure was necessary. Where advertising was not heavy, meetings were poorly attended. Large sums for advertising were not available, and dissatisfaction beyan to emerge with the low attendance when the meeting approach was used. In the summer of 1974 an in-depth farm survey was conducted as a further part of the wild oat program. Questions were asked regarding farmers' knowledge of certain basic princi- ples of plant biology, use of various weed control practices and ownership of selected pieces of equipment. An attempt was also made to discover farmers' attitudes toward wild oat control. Although the survey was concerned primarily with wild oats and their control, many questions related to general weed control were included. A series of questions designed to solicit feedback on current extension programs was also included. It was discovered that the agricultural meeting, which has been the primary exten- sion tool over the years, was rated exceptionally low as a valued information source. Booklets and brochures also rated low. Informal word-of-mouth, face-to-face contact with extension (con;'d! Akena Phone (403) 427 2127 JNICATIONS -2- 11. Agricultural Home Study Courses (cont'd) personnel and mass media were rated as more important information sources. The results of the survey left the weed control branch with a twofold problem: (a) a program was needed to provide information to as many farmers as possible at a minimum cost and (b) to try to stimulate farmers to take action as a result of the information received. A new extension approach was developed co-operatively by the weed control branch and the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta. The approach was founded on two basic assumptions. First, that the farmer is eager to obtain in-depth information on all farm- ing factors that directly and indirectly affect him. He is intelligent and resourceful but does not take more technical training because of isolation from educational institutions.both spacially and academically. He cannot afford to take the time away from his "business" to attend daily class- es, and often cannot meet the academic entrance requirements of our formalized educational in- stitutions. Also, meetings and seminars generally do not provide in-depth information. Second, that the farmer, as with most other individuals, wants to know why as well as what. In the case of weed control, this meant gaining at least a rudimentary understanding of biological principles, and a thorough knowledge of control techniques, and integrating them into a systematic control program by coupling them with personal practical experience and management skills. The pur- pose of this new approach was to go beyond mere information dissemination, and provide not only a learning experience, but also a stimulus to take action. The solution that was proposed was the Alberta Weed Control Home Study Pro- gram. This program comprised home study lessons and was supplemented by regional sem- inars, local study sessions, newspaper articles, and TV programs. The Faculty of Extension agreed to provide the administrative facilities for an intensified co-operative effort with industry. Inputs from all levels of the agricultural weed control industry were integrated into this new farmer-education program. Tried and proven extension, advertising, and educational techniques were combin- ed in a program which was not only directed at the student, but also taken to the student. Course material was at a substantial level, presented in simple language, and delivered to the stu- dent in his own home. This necessitated the use of mass media techniques in addition to mailing - (cont'd) - -3- 12. Agricultural Home Study Courses (cont'd) lesson material directly to the student. An area in central Alberta surrounding Red Deer, and co- inciding with the CKRD radio and TV broadcast area, was selected as the pilot region. Regional and local newspapers plus the television and radio were used in a co-ordinated manner to pro- mote the course and provide educational material. In addition, and of the utmost importance, extension personnel expressed keen interest in tre project. Their participation was considered to be critical to the program as the more diverse the spectrum of people assisting with the program, the greater was the likelihood of its success. The primary target area contained about 11,500 farms. In addition to farmers from this area, students were recruited from chemical dealers, elevator agents, marketing repre- sentatives, etc. A greater number of recognized educational principles and techniques could be used in such a course than would be possible in a regular farmer-style meeting. It was anticipated that this approach would facilitate greater retention of the material presented, and as a conse- quence, a greater likelihood of the actual implementation of recommended practices. The educa- tional factors used were as follows: * # Active participation by the student through assigned projects, a programmed work- book, weekly quizzes and an optional final exam; , Repetition to aid retention of lesson material within the printed lessons,plus supple- mentary material on TV, combined with a review and discussion at the seminars and the use of the low-rated farmer meetings to increase the awareness of the farming community in adopting changing technology; « Feedback to the student by self-check quizzes, seminars, personal letters, newspaper articles answering the best questions each week and a final exam; % Provision for adjusting the course to the needs of the individual via supplementary reading and added lists of references; % Establishment of a logical starting point with information built on it in a logical sequence, thet^by enhancing retention; # Material presented in a manner designed to appeal to the greatest number of the senses. - (cont'd) - 13. .4- Agricultural Home Study Courses (cont'd) A co-operative approach with industry was utilized with central organization and administration provided by government and inputs of information and materials from the private sector. A budget was set up with the Faculty of Extension. In the development year, revenue came from the registration fees, a government grant, and the sale of advertising on the television programs. The major contribution of cash funds came via a $10 registration fee. This fee was also used to screen out individuals not genuinely interested in the course. Diffusion research has determined that people usually go through five stages in adopting new ideas and practices: awareness, interest, evaluation, trial and adoption. These five stages were used as a guide in developing and promoting this course. Initially, leaders in the farming community, extension service and industry were made aware of the course and their ideas incorporated. A wider group was then made aware that the course would be held, and word.-of-mouth relied on to further spread the information. Interest was obtained by circulating press releases and brochures indicating a few of the more ex- citing points to be covered. Benefits of taking the course were stressed. For the evaluation stage, students were expected to check with district agricultur- ists, agricultural fieldmen, chemical dealers, agricultural societies, etc., to enquire about the value of the course. Many of them did, since a high proportion of the registration forms received were of the type provided to these agents. It is considered that this personal reinforcement was most important in obtaining a positive decision to take the course. Receiving the lessons and working through the first few could be considered a trial on the part of the student. Adoption: Whether the student considered the course a success was probably best indicated by his response to other similar courses. Another measure of the level of success would be to determine whether the techniques described were incorporated into the farming operation. A total of 750 students participated in the eight-week Alberta Weed Control Course. Lesson plans, reference material and hardware were mailed weekly. After the first lesson had been mailed, a seminar involving students and extension staff was held to review course ob- jectives, study habits, procedures, etc. A technical session was included. Television shows were - (cont'd) - -5- 14. Agricultural Home Study Courses (cont'd) broadcast weekly to reinforce the written lessons. Speedi-memos with self -ad dressed envelopes provided individual communication. General interest questions were answered via the local news- paper. A mid-session seminar enabled the organizers to provide supplementary information, and most importantly, to gain feedback from students. As a result of this feedback, the third seminar was cancelled and a Trade Fair, "Weed Control 75," substituted. A complete range of herbicide application equipment and accessories was on display. It ranged from tractor and truck-mounted sprayers to large custom application units. Tillage machinery and herbicide companies were well represented. Education- al displays and information distribution were handled by government personnel. The fair provid- ed a vehicle for farmer-industry contact and enabled farmers to procure goods and services necessary to initiate their action plans. Over $50,000 worth of business was conducted on the floor of the fair. The fair was attended by approximately 3,000 people and provided exposure to a new group of prospective students for a future section of the course or for other similarly presented courses in the area. Students attained the basis for understanding the implications and benefits of the proper use of all weed control practices. Discussions on the influence of weed control on wildlife habitat added to an all-round understanding of the consequences of weed control. The Alberta Weed Control Course became Alberta Agriculture's primary tool for upgrading farmer knowledge of the principles and practices of systematic, comprehensive weed control. It proved conclusively that farmers are indeed hungry for detailed, in-depth informa- tion, and that they are willing to pay for it. The use of conventional principles of selling and ed- ucation are obviously effective in getting programs across if they are applied without com- promises or short-cuts. The success of the pilot course in the Red Deer region indicated that the extension program was indeed heading in the right direction. The eight-week course was then repeated in - (cont'd) - 15. -6- Agricultural Home Study Courses (cont'd ) the pilot area in January and February of 1976 and expanded to include about half the agricul- tural area of the province. The enrollment reached 1 ,750 students drawn from the Calgary, Ver- milion, Barrhead and Red Deer regions. The highly successful fair was repeated in two locations that year, justifying the philosophy of taking the course to the students. A further expansion took place this past winter. Three new courses were develop ed to fill the gap left by moving the Alberta Weed Control Course to the Peace River region. The Alberta Forage Course was presented in the Barrhead region, the Alberta Acre- age Course ran in Metropolitan Edmonton, and the Alberta Soils Course in the Red Deer region. The format remained fundamentally the same: mass media presentation of in-depth technical material to a very large number of students who paid for the opportunity to participate. The teamwork of Alberta Agriculture, the University of Alberta, the agricultural industry, and the media again produced success with a total enrollment for the four courses of 3,430 students. It is likely that the current courses will be rotated in new regions of the province in 1978, and a new course, the Alberta Rapeseed Course, will be added. All are expected to attract between 700 and 1 ,000 students. In terms of government, university, industry, and farmer part- icipation, this has been one of the most successful extension programs in Alberta. -30- October 31, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Farming for the Future 1 Alfalfa-Orchardgrass Versus Alfalfa-Brome 3 Alberta Agriculture's Pig Breeding Section to Move to Nisku 4 Knapweed Seminar A Warning for Alberta 6 Frozen Embryo Transplants 8 Animal Disease and Protection Act 10 High Demand for Canadian Draught Horses 11 Potato Promotion and Trade Fair 12 Taking Your Child to the Doctor 13 Forage and New Crops Specialist Appointed for Southern Alberta 15 Regional Home Economists Appointed 16 District Home Economists Transferred and Appointed 17 October 31, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1. FARMING FOR THE FUTURE A new program, called Farming for the Future, has been announced by Alberta's agricultural minister, Marvin Moore. In making the announcement Mr. Moore said "In view of the substantial benefit that research can provide to the long-term viability of agriculture in the province, and to the improve- ment of net farm incomes, I would like to announce today a new investment for tomorrow's farmer." It is proposed that $10 million will be provided from the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund over a five-year period to the Farming for the Future program, and that these funds will be used to augment and complement existing agricultural research programs being carried out by universities, federal and private agencies and the government of Alberta. According to Mr. Moore, the funds will be administered by a new agricultural research committee which will be chaired by the minister of agriculture. It will include representatives from Alberta's farm groups, agri-business, the University of Alberta's faculty of agriculture and forestry, the Alberta Research Council, Alberta Agriculture and other government departments. "This co- ordinated approach," said Mr. Moore, "will result in a strong research program working in close co-operation with the industry it serves. Involvement of producers on the committee will ensure a practical approach to research and an effective transfer of new information to the farming com- munity." Initially, a substantial contribution will be made under the program to the Alberta Agricultural Research Trust, which has had strong support from the agricultural industry. Approx- imately 50 companies and farm organizations have, on a matching grant basis with government, financed in the order of $3 million of research. "We anticipate," said Mr. Moore, "that this support will continue and grow with our commitment." Although research priorities will include all areas of agriculture, a major portion of the funds will initially be directed to crop and livestock research. /dibcrra - (cont'd) - (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- 2. Farming for the Future (cont'd) In conclusion, Mr. Moore said "This announcement is another visible example of how funds from the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund can be invested today for long-term benefits tomorrow." -30- October 31, 1977 3. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALFALFA-QRCHARDGRASS VERSUS ALFALFA-BROME An alfalfa-orchardgrass mixture outyielded by 50 per cent an alfalfa-brome mixture in a trial carried out last summer by Alberta Agriculture. Forage crops specialist, Larry Gareau, reports that the yield obtained from the first cutting. of a five-acre plot of alfalfa-orchardgrass on June 22 was 3,122 pounds per acre. The second cutting on September 2 produced 2,81 6 pounds per acre for a total of 5,938 pounds per acre. Thirteen days after the second cutting, the orchardgrass had regrown to such an extent that it appear- ed to be going to severely compete with the alfalfa portion of the mixture. The yield obtained from the first cutting on the same date of an adjacent five-acre plot of alfalfa-bromegrass was 2,185 pounds per acre. The second cutting produced 1,964 pounds per acre for a total of 4,149 pounds per acre. The plots were located at Fort Saskatchewan, 20 miles east of Edmonton, on clay loam soil. Before the plots were seeded in the middle of June, 1976, 200 pounds of 1 1 -48-0 were applied to the area because a soil test had shown that the soil was short of phosphorous. The forages used were Beaver alfalfa, Carlton brome and Kay orchardgrass. The seeding rate was five pound to the acre for each. According to Mr. Gareau, the land was so heavily infested with weeds, that it had to be cultivated twice before it was fertilized and seeded. Observation of the trial indicated that alfalfa- orchardgrass is much better able to compete with weeds, particularly Canada thistle, than alfalfa- bromegrass. "In spite of the results obtained from the orchardgrass trial, we hesitate," says Mr. Gareau, "to recommend its use in northern Alberta because of its poor winterhardiness. However, with the advent of more hardy varieties like Kay, we feel that orchardgrass merits farm trials." -30 - A\ba\a AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS October 31, 1977 4. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA AGRICULTURE'S PIG BREEDING SECTION TO MOVE TO NISKU The director of Alberta Agriculture's animal industry division, W.C. Gordon, expects that the pig breeding section of the pork industry branch will be moving about December 1 to a new barn-laboratory building for pig artificial insemination (Al) near Nisku. Its location is one mile east of the northbound lane of Highway 2 where traffic from the Edmonton International Airport enters Highway 2. Present plans call for the installation of 20 boars representing the Yorkshire, Lacombe, Duroc and Hampshire breeds to be available for service to Alberta pig producers by late 1978. Initially, a pilot project will be undertaken.in which only a limited number of herds will be serviced, to establish and test the Al program. Mr. Gordon says the Al centre will complement the pig record of performance (ROP) program which has served the Alberta pig industry for a number of years. Last summer a new ROP station was built by Agriculture Canada on the same property as the Al centre is located. All the boars used for Al service will be drawn from the top 2 or 3 per cent in performance tests carried out at Alberta's two ROP stations or from ROP test stations across Canada. According to Mr. Gordon, the head of the pork industry branch and the pig nutrition and management section will remain in Edmonton for the present. However, they will be located at Nisku if future plans materialize. The ultimate objective of these plans is to provide the Alberta pig industry with a centralized location for obtaining information on pig production. Over the last 20 years the livestock sector of Alberta Agriculture has undergone con- siderable structural changes in response to the growth in the province's livestock industry and the increasing demand for government services. In 1966 the livestock branch, (as the sector dealing with all livestock matters was known) was given divisional status, and renamed the animal industry division. It consisted of the dairy, livestock (beef, sheep, pigs, horses) and poultry sections. (cont'd) - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE me (403) 427 2127 COMMUNICATIONS - 2 - 5. Alberta Agriculture's Pig Breeding (cont'd) In 1 974 the dairy branch was made into a separate division and moved to Wetaski- win where all services to the dairy industry were centralized. At this time the pig section of the animal industry division was given branch status and a horse industry branch was formed. During the same period, the terminology, livestock commissioner was discontinued. The individual responsible for each branch in the division is now called a branch head. Following is an outline of the present structure of the animal industry division and the locations of the branches and sections. Division director -- W.C. Gordon (Edmonton) Beef and sheep branch head - Sid Lore (Edmonton) Beef Cattle Section (Edmonton) Beef Record of Performance Section (Edmonton) Artificial Insemination and Semen Quality Section (Edmonton) Sheep Section (Edmonton) Feed Testing Laboratory (Edmonton) Beef and Sheep Specialists located at Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer, Barrhead, Vermilion and Fairview Regulatory services and feeder association branch head - Ken Spi Her (Edmonton) Feeder Associations (Edmonton) Brand Inspection (Stettler) Pork industry branch head --Art Reddon (Edmonton) Pig Breeding Section - Record of Performance and Hog Artificial Insemination (Nisku) Pig Nutrition and Management Section (Edmonton) Regional Swine Specialists located at Lethbridge and Red Deer Poultry branch head -- George Milne (Edmonton) Poultry Plant Section (Oliver) Poultry Health Section (Edmonton) Poultry Economics Section (Edmonton) Poultry Extension Section (Edmonton) Horse industry branch head -- Doug Milligan (Calgary) Horse Improvement Programs (Calgary) -30 - October 31, 1977 6. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KNAPWEED SEMINAR A WARNING FOR ALBERTA A seminar on knapweed that was held fn British Columbia recently should serve as an early warning of the serious problem 'hat this weed could cause if it became established on rangeland in Alberta. This is the opinion of Keith Price of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch who attended the two-day seminar along with observers from Oregon, Washington and California. The seminar was concerned with the ecology and the control of knapweed in British Columbia. In Alberta knapweed infestations are known to exist in the Special Areas,at Grassy Lake and in the Crowsnest Pass area west of Pincher Creek. In addition there are small patches scattered around Monarch and Claresholm and very likely in other locations as well. There are three species of knapweed commonly found in Alberta. Diffuse knapweed is an annual that grows up to 24 inches high. It may have a fine web-like covering on the stem, and the flowers are usually white, but can be yellow, pink or mauve. Russian knapweed is an extremely persistent perennial that grows from coarse, woody, runni, roots to a height of up to three feet. Its stems are grooved and ridged. When young, they are covered with whitish, wooly hairs. This weed has numerous flower heads at the end of its branches with hardy, globular surrounding bracts. The flowers are pale pink or purple. Spotted knapweed grows from eight inches to six feet tall. It has slender stems and numerous branches, each of which bears a single flower head. The flowers are purple or pinkish-purple. This species of knapweed is a biennial, but sometimes acts as a perennial. The above species of knapweed all secrete a toxic material which kills other plants, thereby enabling the weeds to establish a dense stand. In fact, under dry conditions, knapweed is capable of taking over from all grass species including crested wheatgrass. "B. C. officials", says Mr. Price, "feel that the weed will eventually take over about a million acres of rangeland in that province unless some control measures can be found. In Alberta the figure could go as high as five or six million acres if the weed becomes established in the rangland of southern and eastern Alberta." - (cont'd) ne (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGR ICULTURE -2- 7. Knapweed Seminar A Warning for Alberta (cont'd) When the knapweed problem was first recognized in B. C. in 1952, it is estimated that only 550 acres were involved. However, by 1974 this area had increased to 75,000 acres. At the present time knapweed infestations range all the way from the north-western United States to northern B. C. According to Mr. Price, the B. C. government is now spending $200,000 a year in an effort to contain knapweed, but success has been limited to slowing its spread. At the present time knapweed is being controlled for about three years with Tordcn applied at a rate of 8 ounces per acre, which is expensive when the value of rangeland is considered. Another control method, which appears to have merit, is biological control through the use of several insect species. However, this method is still not practical, and will probably remain impractical for at least 10 years and perhaps forever. "It is evident from the B. C. experience", says Mr. Price, "that we are at about the same stage that they were in 1952 in terms of infestation. If all patches can be identified and eradicated now, it may be possible to prevent the problem developing in Alberta." Further information on the identification and control of knapweed can be obtained from district agriculturists. -30- October 31, 1977 8, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSPLANTS A calf born at Macdonald College, near Montreal, Quebec, is an example of what can be achieved with the frozen embryo technique. As an embryo, it was kept at-196° C. for 98 days. First used in Cambridge, England, on mice, the technique is a further development of the embryo transfer technique in which fertilized eggs are removed from a donor cow and transplanted into foster-mother cows. The latter technique was developed to increase the off- spring of high-quality cows to many times their normal numbers. Mississauga, Ontario, which has developed a program for exporting frozen embryos, says the frozen embryo technique is a valuable tool for major cattle exporting countries. This is mainly because of the high costs involved in shipping live cattle. Frozen embryos can be shipped to another country, and implanted into cows of any breed, which can then give birth to calves that would have been too expensive to ship by air or sea. According to Dr. Baker, the new technique has boosted the interest of foreign buyers in Canadian livestock. thinks that the frozen embryo technique is exciting from a technological point of view, but he points out that frozen semen is just as easy to ship and should produce animals with better resistance to local diseases. This is because a frozen embryo has its total genetic formula estab- lished before it is transferred to a recipient animal, whereas an embryo resulting from the insem- ination of frozen semen has half its genetic formula determined by the recipient cow. In a foreign country, a calf with a "mixed" genetic formula should have better resistance to local diseases than one whose genetic formula was determined in its country of origin. revisions to the federal Animal Disease Protection Act, they are subject to similar import-export regulations as animals. They are included in the new regulations because their use is expected to be considerable in the future. Under the new regulations embryos brought into Canada must be Dr. R. D. Baker, technical director of Auld Croft Farms, a company in The director of Alberta Agriculture's veterinary services division, Dr. H. N. Vance, Because animal embryos are included in the definition of an animal under recent - (cont'd) - AGRICULTURE i (403) 427-2127 -2- 9. Frozen Embryo Transplants (cont'd) accompanied by a certificate stating that both parents meet the health standards set for live animal imports. The terms of export for Canadian-produced embryos must be negotiated with the country concerned. Dr. R.Y. Bonin, chief of the federal health of animals export branch, believes that Canadian frozen embryos should have no problem meeting the requirements of other countries because Canada has such high animal health standards. -30- October 31, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10. ANIMAL DISEASE AND PROTECTION ACT The Animal Disease and Protection Act, which replaced the Animal Contagious Diseases Act earlier this year, contains a number of changes and additional regulations. They include the following: # Maximum compensation rates for cattle ordered to be slaughtered for brucellosis, tuberculosis and Johne's disease is $500 for grade cattle and $900 for purebred animals minus the market value that the owner receives from a packing plant. The old compensation rates were $200 plus market value and $600 plus market value respectively. . Cattle must have a negative brucellosis test within 60 days of being sold at a farm auction market. . Cattle that are classified as official vaccinates must be vaccinated for brucellosis be- tween two and six months of age. It used to be between three and nine months of age. . Cattle entering Canada will be given vaccination status for brucellosis only if they were vaccinated between the ages of two and six months. . Swine must be tested for pseudorabies before entering Canada. . Sheep must have a double negative test for bluetongue before entering Canada. # Animals imported into Canada for slaugnter must be slaughtered within four days of their arrival. This period used to range up to 10 days. , An animal embryo is subject to similar import/export regulations as an animal. # Cats entering Canada from the United States must have a rabies vaccination certificate as is the case with dogs. A rabies vaccination certificate for a cat or dog entering Canada is valid for three years. The act also contains new provisions regulating animal embryo transplant operations and detailed regulations governing artificial insemination units producing semen from cattle, goats and swine. The transportation of animals is another area that is strictly controlled under the new act. In addition to making transportation more humane than it was in the past, the act is intended to reduce the incidence and spread of disease among animals being transported from one place to another. .30- AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS October 31, 1977 11. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HIGH DEMAND FOR CANADIAN DRAUGHT HORSES The demand for Canadian draught horses and the resultant increase in prices in the last five years is the best ever seen in the history of the breeds, according to Jack R. Hughes, newly appointed chairman of the breeding horse division at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. He says weanling fillies are now selling for $2,000 and higher, and that teams of geldings and mares are selling for $3,000 and $5,000 respectively. In addition to a strong market for these Canadian-bred draught horses in the United States, buyers go to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair from all parts of Canada, and from England and Scotland. -30 - ie (403) 427-2127 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS October 31, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12. POTATO PROMOTION AND TRADE FAIR November 7 to 26 has been designated potato promotion time in Alberta. The promotion campaign, organized by the Alberta Potato Commission in conjunction with the Fresh for Flavor Foundation and the food marketing branch of Alberto1 Agriculture, is intended to help consumers enjoy their potatoes by providing them with storage and handling information through posters and bag-stuffers. Retail stores that are participating in the campaign are being supplied with posters and two million bag-stuffers. The latter will be distributed to consumers at the check-out counter. The campaign also includes a potato display competition for the clerks in participating stores. According to the Alberta Potato commission, interest at the retail level in the campaign is most encouraging, and it is hoped that it will move a good volume of potaotes. Alberta potato growers have harvested one of the highest-yielding crops on record, and despite some slight frost damage, due to a delayed harvest, the quality of the potatoes in storage is very good this year. The reason for the good quality is that most of the crop had been harvested before the frost came. Trade Fair The potato commission is also organizing a trade fair in connection with the annual meetings of the Alberta Potato Seed Growers, the Alberta Potato Growers Association and the Alberta Potato Commission. It is scheduled to take place from November 23 to 25 inclusive in the Taber arena, and will consist of displays of farm equipment, fertilizers, other agricultural chemicals, farm trucks, etc. All farmers in the area are invited to attend the fair. Admission is free, and there will be some nice cash and gift prizes given away. -30- 'hono (403) 4?7 ?177 Ah October 31. 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 13. TAKING YOUR CHILD TO THE DOCTOR by Nadine Vester family living specialist, Alberta Agriculture Is a visit to the doctor or the dentist a major family trauma in your family? Is it an event your child has not yet experienced, and one which you are dreading? How do you feel about going to the doctor or dentist yourself? Your kids are very likely to pick up the fear and apprehension you feel. They are also likely to be sensitive to any feelings of pity or guilt you may feel about inflicting discomfort or pain on them, even though you know it is for their own good. How can you avoid some of these pitfalls? First, you can have faith that your child- ren can cope with pain and discomfort; that they will not destroy them. Having faith will make it easier for you to be calm and matter of fact about the visit. Secondly, you can avoid a lot of fear about the unknown by preparing the children for the visit and by letting them know what to expect. Tell them the truth; you want your kids to trust you. If it is going to hurt some, tell them, but also tell them that it will get better. Do not overdo the description of the pain. One mother told her child a gamma globulin shot would hurt. It hurt very little, but the mother passed out in the pedia- trician's office! Let us look at an example of beforehand preparation. You want to take your child to the dentist for the first time. What do you do? Are you relatively calm when you go for a routine check up? If so, take the child along with you. Chances are your dentist will jump at the opportunity to use your visit to prepare your child for its first visit. Some hospitals believe so strongly in preparing children for admission that they con- duct regular guided tours before the children are admitted. If your local hospital does not have this service, and it is tonsillectomy time, all is not lost! You can play "pretend your doll is going to the hospital" with the child. It is useful for him to go through all the routine of the doll being admitted, going to bed, having shots, and being wheeled to the operating room. You can have the doll going to sleep, but do not dwell on the operation. Just say "The doll will wake up in a couple of hours with a sore throat. The sore throat will go away in a couple of days, but meanwhile your doll gets to eat ice cream (or mention whatever other juices or jello the child particularly I will be going home soon." la (403) 427-2127 (cont'd) - Taking Your Child to the Doctor (cont'd) Do not lie to a child. Say he will be uncomfortable for a time, but will get better soon. Stress the positive! It is upsetting for you to see your child in pain, but, remember, you cannot suffer for him. However, you can make it easier for him by doing as much as possible to remove the fear which he does not need to suffer; the fear of the unknown! -30 - October 31, 1977 15. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORAGE AND NEW CROPS SPECIALIST APPOINTED FOR SOUTHERN ALBERTA Dave Jantzie, head of Alberta Agriculture's field crops branch, has announced the appointment of Jamie Williamson to the position of forage and new crops specialist for southern Alberta. He is located in the Lethbridge regional office. Mr. Williamson's duties include conducting applied research and management projects on forage and new crops. Special emphasis will be placed on areas of intensive agriculture such as irrigation. However, as crops specialist, Mr. Williamson's duties will cover all crops in the Leth- bridge region. He is a 1971 graduate in agriculture from the University of Alberta. Following grad- uation, he was employed by Alberta Agriculture for four years as district agriculturist at Taber and Foremost. He then entered the private sector as a farmer and as an employee of industry. -30 - Ab&ta AGRICULTURE Dne (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS October 31, 1977 16. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REGIONAL HOME ECONOMISTS APPOINTED Irene Leavitt, director of Alberta Agriculture's home economics and 4-H division, has announced the appointments of Faye Douglas and Louise Broderson to the positions of regional home economist at Barrhead and Lethbridge respectively. As regional home economists, they will be responsible for supervising the district home economists in their respective regions. They will also serve as resource persons and provide direction to district staff on special projects and programs. In addition to representing the home economics branch in their regions, they will provide a liaison with various groups, agencies and departments as well as with 4-H clubs and councils in their regions. Faye Douglas Faye Douglas was born and raised in Edmonton. She obtained her B.Sc. (home economics) from the University of Alberta in 1970, having specialized in clothing and textiles and family studies. Four years later she graduated from the same university with a B.Ed. She joined Alberta Agriculture in 1971 and after training as a district home economist in Calgary transferred to Westlock. In 1975 she left the department and taught in the county of Strathmore until 1977 when she rejoined the department. Miss Douglas is particularly interested in developing home economics as a profession and in developing new programs to expand the home economics field. Louise Broderson Miss Broderson was born and raised on a mixed farm near Halkirk. She took her first year of home economics at the Red Deer Collegefand then transferred to the University of Alberta. She graduated with a B.Sc. (home economics) in 1972, having specialized in clothing and textiles. She joined Alberta Agriculture in 1973 as a district home economist in training at Valleyview, and later became district home economist at that office. In 1975 she transferred to Cardston where she remained until her present appointment. Miss Broderson's hobbies are flying, riding, photography, skiing, mountain climbing and hiking. ydlbcrra - 30 - 10ne (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS October 31, 1977 17. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT HOME ECONOMISTS TRANSFERRED AND APPOINTED The head of Alberta Agriculture's home economics branch, Vera Macdonald has announced the transfer of three district home economists and the appointments of three new home economists. The district home economists who have been transferred to other areas are Judy Ann Lloyd (formerly district home economist at Strathmore) who is now district home economist for the Calgary area; Mary Hancock (formerly district home economist at Foremost) who is now district home economist at Strathmore,and Sue McCormack (formerly district home economist at Manning) who is now district home economist at Grande Prairie. The three new district home economists are Mary Ann Gielen, Brenda Jane Powell and Karen Hoover. Mary Ann Gielen Mary Ann Gielen has been in training at Grande Prairie and has now been appointed district home economist at Spirit River. She comes from Ontario where she grew up on a farm and is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario. She received her B.Sc. (home economics) in 1976. Brenda Jane Powell Brenda Jane Powell took her training at Strathmore and has been appointed district home economist at Oyen. She grew up in a rural Manitoban town and obtained her B.Sc. (home economics) from the University of Manitoba in 1976. Karen Hoover Karen Hoover has trained at the Peace River district office and has now been appoint- ed district home economist at Manning. She grew up on a mixed farm near Delia, Alberta, and attended the University of Alberta. She obtained her B.Sc. (home economics) this year. -30- ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE >hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS ftL. \.{0q\ yuSi November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Cattle Price Outlook 1 Hog Price Outlook 3 Feed lot Cattle Growth Promotants 4 Hog Grading Changes Coming Soon 6 USDA Issues Metric Conversion Regulations. Livestock Market Information Service 9 District Home Economist Appointed 9 China As a Grain Importer 10 Winter Protection for Roses 11 Windows to the World 12 Two New Marketing Officers Appointed 14 Irrigation Specialist Appointed 16 /dlberra . AGRICULTURE mrv/irv/>i imip atiomc November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CATTLE PRICE OUTLOOK Since the volume of non-fed slaughter cattle is unlikely to increase significantly in the fourth quarter of this year, grain fed slaughter cattle prices are expected to remain strong for the remainder of 1977. According to Maurice Kraut, market analyst with Alberta Agriculture, A1 and A2 slaughter steers at Calgary are expected to average between $38 and $42 per hundredweight dur- ing the last quarter of 1977. He says that prices could climb at times to the mid-$40 level, which would be the highest level recorded this year. Prices of feeder cattle weighing 800 pounds and over are expected to average out in the $38 to $42 per hundredweight range. This is considerably above the $38 per hundredweight average recorded in 1976. Good cow prices should average in the $23 to $26 per hundredweight range,as they did in the third quarter of this year. The United States Dept. of Agriculture outlook and other American publications indicate that verage prices for choice steers in Omaha for the fourth quarter of this year are likely to be in the high $30 to low $40 per hundredweight range. The present devalued Canadian dollar allows Canadian finished cattle prices to stay at a good premium relative to those in the U.S.A. Mr. Kraut expects North American cattle marketings to increase seasonally, but not to very high levels. Current expectations are that fourth quarter U.S. cattle slaughter will be 2 to 3 per cent below the 1976 level. This situation implies that cattle prices in the U.S. will be higher than they were in the fourth quarter of 1976. Mr. Kraut says there are two factors to consider in this connection : i) Under 'normal' seasonal cattle marketings in Canada and the United States, there is a price decline in the fourth quarter relative to third quarter prices, but this year such a decline is not expected. - (cont'd) - /dlberra Phone (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Cattle Price Outlook (cont'd) ii) U.S. hog production, anticipated to be unchanged to 3 per cent below the 1976 level, will still be high enough to fill some of the shortfall created by reduced cattle marketings. Even though cattle prices will be higher than in the fourth quarter of last year, pork supplies will put a ceiling on price increases. Since Canadian cattle and pork prices are greatly influenced by factors in the U.S. market place, it is likely that Canadian livestock production decisions will be similar to those in the U.S. Current indications for the first quarter of 1978 in both Canada and the U.S. are for marginally higher prices. The second quarter of 1978 could see prices decline as increasing volumes of fat cattle will be marketed during that period. However as conditions can, and often do, change up-to-date information on the above outlook will be carried in the 'Weekly', available from: Maurice Kraut Market Analysis Branch Agriculture Building 9718-107 Street Edmonton Phone: (403)427-5376 -30- November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOG PRICE OUTLOOK Since Canada will be a net importer of hogs again this year and is expected to be a net importer again in 1978, although to a lesser degree, hog prices in this country will be deter- mined by the U.S. price. Maurice Kraut, market analyst with Alberta Agriculture, says U.S. prospects for the fourth quarter of 1977 are for lower prices, quite possibly dropping to the high $30-level ($50 dressed equivalent in U.S. dollars). Although prices could go as high as the low $40-level, this pos- sibility is contingent on a fairly large decrease in fourth quarter marketings, which is not likely to happen. The first half of 1978 should see a further decline in hog prices, reflecting the anticipated increase in U.S. marketings. "Canadian prices," says Mr. Kraut, "will follow this downward trend, with the de- gree of price decline being mainly determined by the value of the Canadian dollar." Alberta price prospects for the fourth quarter are for an average in the $54 to $57 per hundredweight range, while Ontario prices are expected to be in the $58 to $62 per hundredweight range. According to Mr. Kraut, the first half of 1978 will see a further decline in prices. "They may even go as low as the high $40-level in Alberta," he says. The extent of the price de- cline will be determined by the extent and degree of hog production expansion that is now taking place in North America and upon the size of the North American beef production decline in 1978. It is anticipated that Canadian hog marketings in the fourth quarter will be up 2-4 per cent from 1976. Western Canada will be up 2-3 per cent, Eastern Canada up 3-5 per cent, and Alberta will be up 3-4 per cent. The first half of 1978 could see a further increase of 8-10 per cent in Canadian hog production. Current anticipation is that U.S. fourth quarter hog marketings could be down as much as 3-5 per cent from year earlier levels. The indications for the first half of 1978 are for an 8-10 per cent increase in marketings. -30- /dlterrc AGRICULTURI Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATION: 4. November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEEDLOT CATTLE GROWTH PROMOTANTS The new feed additive, Rumensin, recently cleared for use in Canada by the federal health protection branch, impi oves feed efficiency in beef animals by over 10 per cent through improving the efficiency of the rumen. According to Ross Gould of Alberta Agriculture's animal industry division, Rumen- sin achieves this improved feed efficiency through changing the microbe population in the rumen, which, in turn, changes the proportion of fatty acids. The billions of microbes in a beef animal's rumen break down plant fibres into sugars and then into acetic, butyric and propionic volatile fatty acids. However, since some of the carbon and hydrogen atoms are wasted in the form of carbon dioxide and methane gases during the process of converting sugars to acetic and butyric acids, but not when they are converted to propionic acid, the aim is to change as many of the sugars as possible into propionic acid. And this is exactly what Rumensin does. In a typical beef cattle feeding situation, the rumen bacteria convert about 60 per cent of the sugars into acetic acid, 10 per cent into butyric acid and 30 per cent into propionic acid. When Rumensin is included in the diet, the proportion of acetic acid produced drops to 52 per cent, the proportion of butyric acid drops to about 8 per cent and the proportion of propionic acid increased to about 40 per cent. The result is that the animals get more energy from each kilo- gram (2.2 pounds) of feed processed through the rumen. Since cattle will eat only enough feed to satisfy their energy requirements, feed consumption will fall. This means that they will gain at the same rate as cattle not being fed an additive, but they will do it on less feed. Research carried out in Europe, the United States and Canada shows tnat Rumensin works equally well in high roughage and high grain rations and with steers and heifers. The recommended feeding rate for Rumensin is 11 grams (about 0.4 ounces) per tonne (2,204 pounds) during the first 28 days of the feeding period and 33 grams (about 1 .2 ounces) per tonne for the remainder of the feeding period. - (cont'd) - lone (403) 427-2127 Feedlot Cattle Growth Promotants (cont'd) Other growth promotants include hormone implants and antibiotic feed additives. Hormone Implants The hormone implants Synovex S for steers and Synovex H for heifers are an estro- genic compound that improves feed efficiency by 8 to 10 per cent. Ralgro, also a hormone implant, is registered for use on steers, heifers and suckling calves. Response to this product is more variable than to Synovex, but it usually improves feed efficiency by 6 to 7 per cent. Both Synovex and Ralgro should be re-implanted after 100 days, but not within 60 to 65 days before the animals are to be slaughtered. Antibiotics Antibiotics are used in swine and poultry rations to improve rate of gain and feed efficiency as well as to reduce mortality. When fed to cattle,their greatest benefit is said to be a reduction in liver abcesses in animals being fed high grain rations. However, there is considerable concern at the present time about the transfer to human beings of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. -30- 6. November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOG GRADING CHANGES COMING SOON When Canada's arended hog grading regulations come into effect on January 2, 1978, the location at which the back-fat depth is measured will not change. It was previously stated that the back-fat measurement would be taken at the mid- back and loin areas. However, this change has been withdrawn. The back-fat measurement will continue to be taken at the shoulder and loin. The Meat Packers Council and the Canadian Pork Council have agreed that further re- search should be carried out before the location of back-fat measurements are changed. The areas that will be affected by the amended regulations are weight ranges and fat levels. Hogs that weigh between 180-199 pounds will now be eligible to index up to 114. Under the present grading regulations carcasses weighing more than 180 pounds cannot index high- er than 91 . Hog carcasses which weigh 200 pounds or more will now index 80 or 90, depending on total fat, compared with85 or 82 under the present regulations. However, to avoid a substantial increase in the number of heavy hogs marketed, the Pork Council, the Meat Packers Council and Agriculture Canada have agreed to revise the indexing schedule during the initial year if the proportion of heavy hogs (180 pounds and over) exceeds 15 per cent of the national slaughter. If, at the end of the first year, the proportion of heavy hogs, which are contracted for export, exceeds more than 15 per cent, the index values will be reduced by five index points to a minimum of 80. This reduction will remain in effect for the following year or until such prior time as is jointly agreed upon by the participating parties. The new regulations include a revised table of differentials which lists fat and weight classes and index values. The revised table has three additional fat classes. Following is the differential table that will become effective on January 2, 1978. - (cont'd) - /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE ie (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 7 -2- Hog Grading Changes Coming Soon (cont'd) Weight Class (pounds) FAT 90 125 130 ■140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210* CLASS 124 129 139 149 159 169 179 189 199 209 1 1.9 87 105 107 108 110 112 113 114 114 90 80 2. 2.0 - 2.1 87 103 105 107 108 110 112 113 113 90 80 3. 2.2 - 2.3 87 102 103 105 107 108 110 112 112 90 80 4. 2.4 - 2.5 87 100 102 103 105 107 108 110 110 90 80 5. 2.6 - 2.7 87 98 100 102 103 105 107 108 108 90 80 6. 2.8 - 2.9 87 97 98 100 102 103 105 107 107 90 80 7 3.0 - 3.1 87 95 97 98 100 102 103 105 105 90 " 80 8. 3.2 - 3.3 87 93 95 97 98 100 102 103 103 90 80 5. 3.4 - 3.5 87 92 93 95 97 98 100 102 102 90 80 10. 3.6 - 3.7 87 90 92 93 95 97 98 100 100 90 80 1 1 . 3.8 • 3.9 87 88 90 92 93 95 97 98 98 90 80 12, 4.0 - 4.1 87 67 88 90 92 93 95 97 97 80 80 13. 4.2 - 4.3 85 85 87 88 90 92 93 95 95 80 80 14. 4.4 - 4.5 83 83 85 87 88 90 90 90 90 80 80 15. 4.6 - 4.7 82 82 83 85 87 88 88 88 88 80 80 16. 4.8 - 4.9 80 80 82 83 85 87 87 87 87 80 80 17. 5.0 - 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 Further information on the amended hog grading regulations can be obtained from the Livestock Division, Agriculture Canada, 831 Federal Building, Edmonton, T5J 1G2, (Telephone 425-5007). -30- 8 November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USDA ISSUES METRIC CONVERSION REGULATIONS The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced regulations for its agencies to follow when converting to the International System of Units (SI), more commonly know as the modernized metric system. According to a press release received by Alberta Agriculture,these regulations emphasize that conversion to the metric system is to be carried out at a minimum cost, while simultaneously placing restraints on agency actions that might compel the agri-business sector and the general public to convert before they are ready. For example, material components, parts, sub-assemblies and semi-fabricated materials are to be specified in metric units when they are economically available and technically adequate. The regulations also state that the metric system shall be used where industry has made significant progress in metric conversion and production facilities are available. In general, the regulations list the circumstances under which USDA agencies will convert to the metric system and specify how to assess and incomorate conversion cost factors. They also define the USDA's role in helping the public with the conversion process and provide for establishing an internal training program in metric practices. -30- (403) 427-2127 /dberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIVESTOCK MARKET INFORMATION SERVICE The federal Livestock Market Information Service, which became operational on November 1 , is designed to give everyone involved in the Canadian livestock industry, including consumer, a complete up-to-date picture of the North American livestock market. This free service is available 24 hours a day on Zenith telephone lines, and includes livestock receipts, prices and trends at public stockyards across Canada. The information is col- lected and prepared by Agriculture Canada personnel. If you would like this information in English, you dial 1-800-267-8360. If you would like it in French, you dial 1-800-267-8370. -30 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT HOME ECONOMIST APPOINTED Vera Macdonald, head of Alberta Agriculture's home economics branch, has announced the appointment of Kathleen Veale to the position of district home economist at Cardston. Ms. Veale grew up on a mixed farm near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She was an active member of 4-H, holding the positions of treasurer, secretary, vice-president and president of 4-H clubs. Later she worked for the 4-H extension office in Saskatoon. Ms. Veale attended the University of Saskatchewan where she held the position of vice-president of the Student Council. She graduated this year with a B.Sc. (home economics). -30- ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 10. November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHINA AS A GRAIN IMPORTER Although Western-style industrialization of China is a long way off, and will be a slow process, every step forward should be applauded by Western Canadian farmers because of the vast potential grain market represented by that country. China, with the largest population of all the countries in the world, has managed in past years to keep her food production increasing as fast as her population has grown, even though we would consider the national diet to be almost Spartan. However, both last year and this year, China's food production fell behind her population growth, and this situation, undoubtedly, had something to do with this year's large grain imports. These large imports were a Wg factor in reducing the world wheat surplus, which had been building up over the past three years. According to Alberta Agriculture's market analyst, Lynn Malmberg, China could use considerably more grain than she is using at present. "Rough calculations," he says, "show that if each Chinese citizen were to be given one more chicken, the raising of those chickens would require 60 to 70 million bushels of grain per year. The mind boggles at the prospect of the Chinese adopting eating habits similar to those in Japan, let alone those in North America." However, to even approach such dietary levels would require large grain imports and enormous sums of foreign exchange, which. in turn.would require greater industrialization and huge industrial exports. Mr. Malmberg says the "New China News Agency" recently quoted China's vice- premier as saying that this year's industrial output has increased after a two-year period of stag- nation. He stated that overall, indications are that the tide is now turning on the economic front. -30 - Ahexia AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 11. November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WINTER PROTECTION FOR ROSES All species of roses, except shrub roses, need some form of protection to survive our Alberta winters. You can use soil, peat moss, straw or live sphaghum moss to insulate them against fluctuating temperatures and dessication, both of which can injure or kill the plants. You should put the insulating material that you choose around the plants to a height of eight to 12 inches above the ground as soon as the ground freezes. Providing the insulating material you have used is dry, it is a good idea to put one mil plastic or fiberglass batting around these mounds. Either will keep the insulating material dry, which is important because moisture reduces the insulating value of the materials and increases the susceptibility of the roses to rot. Next you should put chicken wire around or boxes over the mounds to keep them in place. If you want to make doubly sure that your roses are protected against severe winter weather, you can cover the mounds which you have protected with chicken wire or boxes with evergreen boughs to trap the snow. Snow is one of the best types of insulation there is for any plants. Trenching is recommended for climbing roses. You should detach the roses from the wall and lay them in a three foot deep trench just before the ground freezes. Then fill the trench with loose soil and put straw or evergreen boughs on top to trap the snow. If you live in an area where you can count on quite a heavy snowfall, you need make only a shallow trench.and then pile the soil up to about 18 inches above the ground surface. You can then cover the mounds with straw or evergreen boughs for added protection. If you would like further information on winter protection for your roses, you should contact Chris Campbell, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- Dne (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE CO MM UN I CAT I DNS 12. November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WINDOWS TO THE WORLD by Norma J. Dowkes, Alberta Agriculture's District Home Economist at Drumheller We find great contentment within the sanctity of our homes. Windows bring the world closer to us. We open drapes or blinds to let in the morning sun. Yet.on a cold or stormy night, we close them tightly to exclude the elements. Because of the constantly changing character of the outdoors, it is important that we cloak a window in such a way that we do not minimize the elegance of nature. Yet remember - a window treatment can be as important to a room's decor as a piece of furniture or a floor covering. Windows are basically useful, and so are window treatments. Window coverings cut heat losses, reduce the need for air-conditioning and provide privacy. Beauty is a function of windows. People design windows as they feel the need for harmony in house design. Large windows, arched windows, bay windows and bow windows all express individual needs in relation to covering. Remember, no window is "just average". Each is unique to a room and to its sur- roundings. There are two secrets when planning window treatments. First, do not regard your window as a piece of architecture. It is a feature of the room with mood and dramatic qualities. The second is treat a window from the point of view of "how you want it to be"; not "how it is'.' If width is desirable, go ahead and treat the wall as window space. A small window need not be clothed to fit its size. Windows wear disguises well! Although there are shades, awnings and shutters, draperies made of fabric are by far the most popular. What are the basic considerations when thinking about window covering fabrics? Fibre content is of prime importance. Fiberglass durability is excellent in terms of sunlight resist- ance. But,due to its low abrasion resistence, it must be handled gently. Polyester. even when sheer, is strong — resistant to sunlight and fumes. Polyester blended with other fibres combine the good from a number of generic families to produce a top-notch product. Cotton, linen, rayon and acetate are not especially resistant to light and fumes. Their advantage of relatively cheap prices, (cont'd) ydlberra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- 13 Windows to the World (cont'd) when combined with a more sturdy man-made fibre, gives them an enduring usefulness. "Hand" describes how a fabric drapes. Gather your prospective fabric into folds. If a fabric falls naturally and does not stand out stiffly, it will make good draperies. The question of whether to line or not to line lumes large. Lining a drapery prevents the sunlight from rotting the fibres. Over a period of time direct sunlight will destroy draperies, car- pets and upholstery as well. Be sure the lining you use will last as long as the drapery itself. A deteriorated lining under a good drapery is not acceptable. The other alternative is to use a sun re- sistant sheer at the window. This fabric cuts the power of the sunlight and adds to the life of the over drapery. Plan to take good care of your draperies. Dry clean or launder them once a year even if they look clean ! Dust, fumes and sunlight damage may not be evident until the material is clean- ed. Avoid having draw draperies fall against floors, baseboards or furniture. Rubbing, however slight or insignificant it may seem, can cause problems and frustrations in the long run. Be certain that rods are in good condition. This will eliminate snagging and catching. Blinds are a form of fabric window treatment that have been given the cold shoulder. Many of us remember the days when oil cloth blinds often deteriorated in our hands, after a summer's use, as we went to pull them. Blinds can very effectively be placed with sheers, cafe curtains and draw drapes. Blinds, as a term, has been replaced by shades in many instances. The traditional spring-loaded top-mounted roller can be given a different look. Shades may have the roller at the bottom, be top-mounted and roll up from the bottom. Roman shades are an easily made alternative. These pull up and stack in pleats that fall one over the other. When planning draperies accuracy is a "must". Measuring from floor to ceiling, floor to window sill and the depth and width of a window may not sound exciting, but it pays off in the long run. Plan your draperies on a budget. Let the purpose and mood of your room influence cost as well as style. Think out needs and wants, then go shopping.' -30 - 14, November 7, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TWO NEW MARKETING OFFICERS APPOINTED The commissioner for Alberta Agriculture's food marketing branch, Frances Cullen, has announced the appointments of two new marketing officers. They are Rudy J. Chernecki and Bette-Anne Carey. They will both be located in Edmonton and will be responsible for developing and expanding domestic marketing opportunities for Alberta's food products through marketing assist- ance, information, research and promotion. In other words, they will act as a link between con- sumers and the various sectors of the food chain to encourage the increased consumption of the province's food products. The new marketing officers will also help retailers, wholesalers, processors, marketing boards and commission and other producer groups to develop promotional materials, market plans, product quality assessments and recommendations for change. Another responsibility will be to help the province's food marketing cnain with mat- ters of concern to consumers. These include such things as the quality, availability and nutritional value of products as well as their pricing, packaging and labelling. In addition the marketing officers will develop media messages for the public to create an awareness of Alberta's food products and their uses. Rudy Chernecki Mr. Chernecki was raised in Toronto, Ontario. He obtained his B.A. from Waterloo University College in 1965. He subsequently attended the University of Toronto, graduating in 1972 with an M.A. He is presently working on his Ph.D. From 1965 to 1968, Mr. Chernecki worked for Dominion Stores' head office in Toronto as advertising staff assistant and research analyst. Between 1972 and 1975, he was employ- ed by York University's English department as a teaching assistant. From 1975 to the present, he has been assistant professor of English at the University of Maine in Maine, U.S.A. Here he taught courses in Canadian and Amei ican literature and gave writing courses to pre-professional majors in engineer- ing, business administration, life sciences, agriculture, etc. /flbcrra - (cont'd) - e (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- 15. Two New Marketing Officers Appointed (cont'd) Bette Anne Carey Ms. Carey was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. She obtained her B.Sc. (dietetics) from the University of Ottawa in 1974. Following graduation she was employed by the New Bruns- wick Department of Agriculture as a district home economist. From January 1976 until her present appointment, she worked with the consumer service department of the Best Foods Division of Canada Starch Company Ltd. -30- November 7, 1977 16. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IRRIGATION SPECIALIST APPOINTED The head of Alberta Agriculture's conservation and development branch, A. E. Pungor, has announced the appointment of Ross H. McKenzie to the position of irrigation specialist in the irrigation division at Lethbridge. In co-operation with other irrigation division staff members at Lethbridge, Mr. McKenzie will provide irrigation farmers with a number of services which include earthwork designs and construction plans, sprinkler irrigation information and specific soil and water studies. He comes from Lethbridge and obtained his B. Sc. A. (soil science) from the University of Alberta in 1975. Prior to his present appointment, he was employed by Alberta Energy and Natural Resources and by Alberta Agriculture's irrigation division as a soil specialist. -30- hone (403) 427-2127 ydlkDerra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Wheat Outlook Feed Grains Outlook Oilseed Outlook Preliminary 1977 Statement of Income Alberta's Meat Inspection Program "Agricultural Statistics Yearbook - 1976" Biological Control of Grasshoppers Does Not Affect Bees Artificial Insemination for Swine Order Breeder Seed Now Alberta Pork Production Course A Place for Paper Work Phone (403) 427-2127 1. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHEAT OUTLOOK Although wheat prices are well below the highs of recent years, the situation looks relatively good for the balanct of the 1977-78 season. Lynn Malmberg of Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch reports that current indications point to an end to the build-up in world wheat stocks that occurred during the 1976-77 crop year. In its world wheat supply and demand situation breakdown in October, the United States Department of Agriculture predicted that the world wheat carryover will have fallen to 88.2 million tonnes by the end of the 1977-78 season compared with 96.3 million tonnes at the end of 1976-77. "This figure," says Mr. Malmberg, "may be revised downward in the future as a result of recent indications that the Soviet grain crop will reach only 194 million tonnes, compared with an earlier estimate of 215 million tonnes. In addition, it appears that much of the Soviet crop was har- vested under adverse weather conditions and may be of relatively poor quality." In terms of global supply, this downward revision in the Soviet crop estimate offsets the forecast increase for Canada's grain crop which is now expected to be 18.4 million tonnes;co:n pared with a September forecast of 17.3 million tonnes. However, it is almost certain that much of the crop will grade relatively poorly. Australia and Argentina have also had production problems this year in the form of lack of moisture^and the final outcome of their crops, as well as the final outcome of Soviet imports, will have a bearing on this crop year's prices. China has also suffered from drought conditions in one of her major wheat producing areas, but Mr. Malmberg doubts whether these production prob- lems were totally responsible for that country's sharply increased wheat purchases this year. "That country's new leadership," he says,"is reportedly more outward looking than the previous admin- istration." Both China's and the Soviet Union's wheat purchases were higher than had been ex- pected. To date the Soviet has purchased 122 million bushels of hard spring wheat from Canada and has yet to fulfill her obligations to purchase a minimum of 1 10 million bushels from the U.S. under its five-year agreement with that country. hone (403) 427-2127 " (COnt " COMMUNICATIONS Abena -2- 2. Wheat Outlook (cont'd) "Canada," says Mr. Malmberg, "has benefited greatly from the Chinese and Soviet grain purchases." The Canadian Wheat Board has committed nearly 130 million bushels of hard spring wheat to China and 142 million bushels of hard spring wheat and durum to the Soviet Union. These figures compare with 76.2 million bushels shipped to China last year and 16.4 million bushels of durum shipped to the Soviet Union. These sales, plus those expected to Canada's traditioncJ customers, indicate total exports for the 1977-78 crop year in the vicinity of 585 million bushels of spring wheat and durum. A preliminary estimate of Canada's wheat carryover at the end of the present crop year is set at 396 million bushels. One of the main factors that could change this esti- mate is the volume that is exported, which is very much dependent on shipping and handling capaci- ties. "Several major labor contracts come up for renewal at the end of this year, and protracted labor problems could hinder grain movement severely," Mr. Malmberg says. - 30 - CORRECTION: The second sentence of the fifth paragraph of the article "Hog Grading Changes Coming Soon" (November 7 issue of "Agri-News") should read "If, at the end of the first year, the proportion of heavy hogs, less those (NOT which are) contracted for export, exceeds more than 15 per cent, the index values will be reduced by five index points to a minimum of 80. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEED GRAINS OUTLOOK It seems likely that lower barley prices are in store for Alberta farmers. Lynn Malmberg, market analyst with Alberta Agriculture, expects the Canadian bar- ley carryover for the 1977-78 crop year to increase to around 150 million bushels^compared with a carryover of 126.9 million bushels at the end of the 1976-77 crop year. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts a world carryover of feed grains of 89.8 million tonnes, up by 27 per cent from last year's 70.7 million tonnes. Mr. Malmberg says a substantial portion of this increased carryover can be attributed to U.S. corn. Based on the USDA October forecast, this year's production is expected to reach a record of 6,303 million bushels;compared with 6,21 6 million bushels last year. With last year's carryover of 876 million bushels, this year's total supplies will reach 7,180 million bushels^compared with 6,616 mil- lion bushels in 1976-77. Domestic comsumption in the U.S. is expected to increase to 4,280 million bushels or by 5 per cent. However, exports will probably decline to 1 ,550 million bushels from last year's 1 ,675 million bushels because of tough competition. "The net result of the current U.S. corn situation," says Mr. Malmberg, "is that the corn carryover should reach 1 ,350 million bushels by the end of the 1977-78 crop year; compared with 876 million bushels at the end of the 1976-77 crop year. Assuming that harvesting proceeds normally, Chicago corn futures can be expected to average around the U.S. loan rate of $2 per bushel. However, prices may be somewhat lower during harvesting, depending upon the rate at which corn can be placed under loan." Given the relatively heavy world feed grain supplies, and the priority to be put on wheat shipments, Canadian barley exports are expected to decline to 1 55 million bushels (or less), which is somewhat lower than last year's exports. Although domestic disappearance will increase slightly, it is likely to be only around 320 million bushels because of anticipated competition from the lower grades of wheat. ydlberra Idmi 497.9197 4 November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OILSEED OUTLOOK Current rapeseed prices should be viewed as a selling opportunity. This is the opin jn of Lynn Malmberg, Alberta Agriculture's market analyst, who points out that vegetable oil and oilseed meal prices must drop to allow the increases in consump- tion required to prevent stock build-ups, and that oilseed prices will decline with them. He says that vegetable oil prices will fall more than meal prices, thereby causing rapeseed prices to fall relative to soybeans. In general, world protein meal consumption will probably approach 77 million tonnes;compared with 73 million tonnes last year and the previous record 74 million tonnes set in 1975-76. "It is important to recognize that these relatively high consumption levels must be elicited by relatively low prices for oil meals," Mr. Malmberg says. Hence, it seems probable that once the American soybean harvest begins to move to market, and meal production begins in earnest, soymeal prices will have to come down, probably to the $ 1 25 $ 1 35 per ton level and possibly lower for short periods. Mr. Malmberg says vegetable oil prices will also fall, perhaps even more dramatical! v' than oilseed meal prices. Vegetable oil consumption does not respond as well to low prices in most countries as does oilseed meal consumption. A major oilseed publication, "Oil World", predicts that world food oil stocks will have increased to 5.67 million tonnes by the end of the 1977-78 season from 5.13 million tonnes at the end of the 1976-77 season. The United States Department of Agriculture forecasts that over 535,000 tonnes of soyoil will be carried over in the U.S.,compared with last year's 398,000 tonnes. All this adds up to the likelihood of vegetable oil prices falling to between 15tfand 17 t per pound basis Chicago soyoil futures. There are, however, a couple of factors that could reduce or check the decline in oil- seed prices. One would be a sharp decline in South American soybean production, and the other would be a sharp increase in v getable oil imports by India. It is still too early to judge the South American soybean crop, because it is being seeded now,- but it is believed that India's new 'hone (403) 427-2127 lUi AGRICULTURE (cont d) - -2 - 5. Oilseed Outlook (cont'd) administration has made a commitment to provide cheap cooking oils to its population. This will mean their imports by the end of the year will have to reach 600,000 tonnes, which represents a large increase over the amount imported in previous years. Mr. Malmberg reports that there are some indications that India's imports in 1978 may go as high as 750,000 tonnes, but given the premise that world food oil stocks are expected to increase by about 640,000 tonnes, the expected increase in India's imports mentioned above would still not be enough to prevent a major stock increase. -30- 6. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRELIMINARY 1977 STATEMENT OF INCOME To prepare for any planning procedures they may wish to undertake, farmers should have basically determined their income or loss position for this year by the beginning of December. This statement was made by Gordon Brown a partner of Dunwoody and Company in Edmonton. He explains that this interim operational statement should be a compilation of in- come and expenses for the year, and that it does not have to be a sophisticated document. "It will," he says "give you an idea whether you need to make arrangements to shelter some of your income." He also advises reviewing your ret jrns over the past four years to determine whether you can block average on a five-year period, and if so whether this method of calculating your tax is more advantageous than other possible methods. When determining your approximate income, you should keep in mind that govern- ment receipts for certain subsidies and grants such as money received for crop damage by wildlife and cow-calf operational grants are income that is subject to tax. Purchase Farm Machinery And Equipment Before The End of 1977 If you are planning to purchase a piece of farm equipment early in 1978, you may wish to make that purchase this year so that you can take advantage of the capital cost allowance for 1977. To be able to deduct the appropriate cost allowance against your purchase, you must contract for the full cost of the machine this year. For example, if you purchase a new truck in December, instead of in February or March of next year when you will need it, you can deduct 30 per cent of the purchase price against your 1977 income. Mr. Brown says certain new machin- ery and equipment can also be used as a deduction against federal taxes that are owing if you use the investment tax credit that is available. Basically, this tax credit allows you to deduct 5 per cent of the cost of a piece or new equipment, other than a truck or a car, from the tax you owe the :ederal government. This tax credit cannot, however, be used to reduce provincial taxes that are owning. Any portion of the tax credit that is not used in 1977 can be used in 1978 or subsequent years. alberta 'hone (403) 497-91 97 CO MM UN I CAT IONS Preliminary 1977 Statement of Income (cont'd) The Purchase of Supplies in 1977 Farmers who report their incomes on a cash basis are permitted to deduct as expens- es purchases that are made during the Calendar year. It may be to your advantage to purchase such things as fertilizers and feed, which you will need next year, before the end of this year, especially if your 1977 income is fairly substantial. However, to take advantage of this strategy, you mu„: pay for the supplies before the end of this year. Salaries Paid to Children Although farmers can pay their children wages for work done, the amount that a child can receive in a year in the form of income before his parent's personal exemption is affected is $1 ,510 if he or she is under 16 and $1 ,590 if the child is over 16. The salaries must have been paid in the year for which they are claimed. Mr. Brown says there is nothing to prevent parents from charging for board and room when their children are receiving a salary. A farm wife cannot receive a tax deductible salary from her husband. However, if two brothers are operating a farm as a partnership, half of the salaries that are paid by the partner- ship to the wives can be claimed as an expense against the farm operation. The rational behind this regulation is that the brothers are each paying half the salary received by the other's wife. Hence, if two brothers operate a farm on an equal basis and pay their wives a salary, an amount equal to one wife's salary can be deducted from the net income. A wife can earn up to $380 this year before her salary will affect the amount of exemption that her husband can claim. However, the salary must have been paid in the year for which it is being claimed for it to be allowed as a deduction. Mr. Brown says salaries pgid to family members is an area that is often overlooked by farmers when determining their operational expenses, even though these expenses are a legitimate claim. - 30 - 8 November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA'S MEAT INSPECTION PROGRAM It is anticipated that between 60 and 70 rural abattoirs.and the same number of poultry killing plants, will be operating under the Alberta Meat Inspection Program by 1978, the deadline for its implementation. At the present time approximately 40 abattoirs are un- der the program, which came into force in 1973. The Alberta Meat Inspection Act, passed in 1972, states that only meat or meat products obtained from livestock which have been inspected under the Canada Meat Inspec- tion Act or the Alberta act can be sold within the boundaries of the province. However, the Alberta act allows an abattoir which has not qualified for federal meat inspection to be in- spected under the provincial program if it meets certain minimum standards of construction and sanitation. The act also states that all abattoirs in Alberta must be under the inspection program by April 1 of next year. Dr. G.W. Summers, meat hygienist with Alberta Agriculture's veterinary services division, says animals slaughtered in an abattoir that is under the inspection program are checked by a government inspector and, when satisfactory, marked with the "Alberta Approved" inspection legend. Operators of abattoirs that are under the program can sell meat and meat products from the animals slaughtered on their premises, but operators whose abattoirs are not under the program can do only custom slaughter for farmers. The meat has to be return- ed to the farmer and each package labelled "Not for Sale". If the operator wants to engage in retail trade, he must obtain carcasses from an inspected source. Dr. Summers reports that a considerable number of Hutterite colonies are now having their poultry inspected so that they can sell them on the general market. Positive results from the Alberta Meat Inspection Program are already being felt in the province. They include a safer and more wholesome product reaching the consumer; a considerably increased volume of meat being sold by many operators under the program; an increase in rural employment in the meat industry; fewer unfair complaints about meat quality and - (cont'd) - 9. Alberta's Meat Inspection Program (cont'd) quantity on the part of consumers, because of the presence of an inspector in the abattoir; and more construction of rural abattoirs both as replacements for unsatisfactory facilities and as additional facilities in new areas. "In some areas of Alberta the meat inspection program has also put another buyer in the market place and helped the price level for livestock," says Dr. Summers. -30- 10. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS YEARBOOK -1976" Although Alberta farmers harvested excellent crops last year, the total net farm in- come for 1976 dropped to $723 million from $893 million in 1975, or by just over 19 per cent. This information is contained in "The Agricultural Statistics Yearbook - 1976", just released by Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch. It also shows that farm cash receipts slipped to $1 ,848 million in 1976 from $1 ,876 million the previous year. Total receipts from livestock in- creased by 4.7 per cent to $946 million from $903 million in 1975, but crop receipts dropped to $902 million from $973 million in 1975, or by 7.3 per cent. Even though total grain marketings were up by 6 per cent in 1976/combined cash receipts from grain and oilseed crops decreased because of lower grain prices and smaller Canadian Wheat Board payments. According to the yearbook, farm operating expenses and depreciation charges were $1 ,350 million in 1976, representing an 1 1 .5 per cent increase over the 1975 figure of $1 ,210 million. The largest relative increase ($36 million) occurred in interest on indebtedness. Compar- ed with 1975, an additional $34 million was spent in 1976 on fuel, oil, lubricants, machinery re- pairs, tires and antifreeze, and an additional $33 million was recorded for depreciation charges against buildings and machinery. The yearbook also shows that average feed grain prices for off -quota grain sold at provincial markets declined throughout 1976. Barley prices around Calgary averaged $2.20 per bushel in January, but had dropped to $1 .77 by the end of the year. Prices for most classes of cattle were down substantially in 1976 compared with 1975 prices. Slaughter steer prices average $4.61 per hundredweight lower in Calgary, compared with 1975, and $8.97 per hundredweight lower than in 1974. Hog prices (Index 100) averaged $60.64 per hundredweight in Edmonton in 1976, representing a decrease of $4.32 per hundred- weight from 1975. - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE '116(403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- 11. "Agricultural Statistics Yearbook - 1976" (cont'd) "The Agricultural Statistics Yearbook - 1976" contains numerous tables showing such things as the production and farm value of agricultural products; average farm input prices; farm wages; farm capital; the acreage, yield and production of principal field crops; wheat board payments; off -quota grain prices; forage seed production; commercial vegetable production and price statistics relative to the livestock, dairy, poultry, honey and fur farm industries,- the per capita consumption of meats in Canada and the Edmonton Food Price Index for 1975-76. Copies of "The Agricultural Statistics Yearbook - 1976" can be obtained from the publications office, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- 12. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF GRASSHOPPERS DOES NOT AFFECT BEES Recent publicity about a protozoan (single -eel led organism) called Nosema locustae being studied in Canada and the United States as a possible biological approach to grasshopper control may have some beekeepers worried because of the similarity between its name and Nosema apis, a serious bee disease. Michael Dolinski, pest control specialist and entomologist with Alberta Agriculture, reports that Nosema locustae does not pose any threat to bees. He explains that this protozoan is specific to grasshoppers and a few species of crickets. "There is no danger," he says, "of Nosema locustae affecting bees because it cannot be transferred to this insect, and there is absolutely no connection between the disease caused by Nosema locustae and that caused by Nosema apis." As far as controlling grasshoppers is concerned, Nosema locustae looks promising. It has successfully controlled grasshoppers in a research project carried out in the United States on 65,000 acres of rangeland. The advantages of using this biological approach to controlling grasshoppers, com- pared with presently used insecticides, are that it is a cheaper form of control and that is poses less of a threat to the environment. "If this disease-causing organism is eventually licensed for use in the United States and Canada," says Mr. Dolinski, "farmers will have to spray grasshoppers as soon as they hatch because it takes up to three weeks for it to kill the grasshoppers." He also says that it is not yet known whether the disease will survive in the eggs from one season to another, thereby making annual spraying unnecessary. In Canada research on the use of Nosema locustae to control grasshoppers is being carried out at the federal research station in Saskatoon. However, it will probably be several years before its value for this purpose has been thoroughly investigated. -30- ydlbcrra I4nm 497-9197 COMMUNICATIONS 13. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION FOR SWINE A major challenge facing the development of a successful artificial insemina- tion (Al) service for swine, which is anticipated for Alberta next year, will be training hogmen to detect the correct stage of heat at which to inseminate the sows in their herds. Sam Harbison, Alberta Agriculture's supervisor of swine breeding and record of performance, says the actual insemination technique for sows is simple and can be learn- ed by hogmen in a one-day course. However, considerable practice is required for them to become competent in detecting the time of peak fertility of their sows. On the other hand, since a hogman knows his sow herd better than anyone else, he is obviously the best person to do the inseminating. According to Mr. Harbison, insemination should take place during the period of maximum fertility, which is between 12 and 30 hours into a sow's heat period. Two in- seminations, 12 hours apart, are recommended for maximum conception rates and litter size. When the Alberta Al program gets under way, it will include a training session to teach hogmen how to inseminate their sows, and a semen delivery service to the community nearest each farm where the Al service is being used. -30- ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE )ne (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 14. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORDER BREEDER SEED NOW Applications for obtaining cereal and oilseed breeder seed through the Canadian Seed Growers Association's (CSGA) Select Plot Growing Program must be received by Alberta Agriculture before December 31 . Seed growers who want to participate in the Select Plot Growing Program must have successfully produced the same pedigreed crop for the last three years, or have successfully pro- duced it for three out of the last five years. They will then be eligible to apply for a variety of breeder seed of the kind of crop they have had experience in growing. The maximum plot size allowed for a beginner (probationary) select seed grower is half a hectare (about one acre) and the minimum is a quarter of a hectare (about half an acre). For an established select seed grower,the maximum plot size is one hectare (about 2 acres). An established select seed grower who wants to change from one variety to another in the same type of crop can request permission from CSGA in Ottawa to grow a select plot of both varieties for one season. However, the combined area of the two plots cannot exceed one hectare. Application forms for ordering breeder seed and additional information on the Select Plot Growing Program can be obtained from Lydia Erickson, Secretary, Alberta Stock Seed Distribution Committee, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8, (Telephone 427-5348). -30 - ydbc 15. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA PORK PRODUCTION COURSE The Alberta Pork Production Course, scheduled to begin in the Red Deer region on January 16, 1978, is an eight-week home-study course designed to provide participants with the latest information on management techniques and hog facilities that can optimize production efficiency. If you like practical information presented in a straight-forward way, this is the course for you ! The topics that will be covered are: Principles of Profitable Pork Production Breeding Basics The Application of Breeding Basics Nutritional Requirements Feeding Management Facilities and Equipment Herd Health Marketing Environmental Control The Alberta Pork Production course is one of two new courses that have been added to the home-study courses that are presented each year in various regions of the province by Alberta Agriculture. The Alberta Rapeseed Course is the other new course. It will be held in the Peace River region. The three courses that will be repeated this year are the Alberta Soils Course (Barrhead), the Alberta Forage Course (Vermilion) and the Alberta Acreage Course (Calgary). All the courses start on January 16, 1978. Course in 1975, is said to be one of the most successful extension programs in terms of govern- ment, university, industry and farmer participation that have ever been held in Alberta. The p^st season's enrollment in the four courses that were held was almost 3,500 students. This series of home-study courses, which started with the Alberta Weed Control - (cont'd) - AGRICULTURE i (403) 427-2127 QHiMUNICATIONS 16. Alberta Pork Production Course (cont'd) Each course consists of weekly home-study lessons, television and radio programs, newspaper articles, local study groups and regional seminars. In addition to providing home-study lessons, the weekly lesson packages that are mailed out to participants tell which stations and newspapers are carrying information relative to the course and where and when the study groups and seminars will be held. The deadline for registering for the Alberta Pork Production Course is January 9, 1978, and the cost of the course is only $20! Further information and registration forms can be obtained from your local district agriculturist. -30 - 17. November 14, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A PLACE FOR PAPER WORK by Jean Wilson Alberta Agriculture's regional home management specialist at Airdrie Can you imagine a business with assets worth half a million dollars, and a yearly cash flow of $70,000, operating without an office, a filing cabinet and a secretary or bookkeeper? Your initial reaction might be that the owner cannot be much of a businessman or that perhaps he is a farmer. Often we fail to think of a farm as a business, and business procedures are often a bit slack. There are several reasons for this: farmers are often not inclined towards bookwork; they are not always trained in bookwork and they do not always realize the usefulness of records. A farm office is not just a frill ! It is as important to the farm as the workshop. Where is your office? Is it the kitchen table, the top of the refrigerator or a dresser drawer? If you do not have a place for your important papers or a place to prepare and keep your farm records, perhaps it is time that you took a look around and thought about possibilities. Costs incurred in setting up a farm office are a deductible farm expense. If you are building or remodel- ling, plan to include a business centre. If this is not possible, make use of the space you have. The important thing is to get started on some kind of organized system so that it can eventually evolve into something that meets the needs of your individual situation. A publication entitled "Your Home Business Centre" will help you plan a business centre for your farm. It discusses what is needed in a home business centre and gives ideas on de- signing and arranging it. Copies of "Your Home Business Centre" can be obtained from your local district home economist and from the publications office, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE November 21, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Lacombe Feed Mill Assisted Under Nutritive Processing Program Mirror Abattoir Expansion Gets Federal-Provincial Assistance 2 The Western Canadian Grain Farmers and World Trade Policies 3 Egg and Poultry Outlook 5 Dairy Outlook Using Straw for Winter Feeding Beef Cows 10 Roundworms in Hogs 12 New Rapeseed Grading Standards 15 Field Bindweed Control Program for Medicine Hat area 16 "Whys of the Bee World" 17 "The Canadian Consumers Survival Book" 18 Phone (403) 427-2127 /dberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 1. November 21, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LACOMBE FEED MILL ASSISTED UNDER NUTRITIVE PROCESSING PROGRAM Federal Minister of the Department of Regional Economic Expansion (DREE), Marcel Lessard and Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Marvin Moore, have announced a $179,457 incentive grant to Quality Feeds (Alberta) Ltd. in Lacombe under the Canada-Alberta Nutritive Processing Program. The new $1 ,1 57,785 feed mill, which replaces an operation at nearby Morningside, will manufacture a complete line of hog, cattle and dairy feeds and range cubes. Construction is under- way at the site,and production is projected to begin in May of next year. Commenting on the new plant at the time of the announcement, Lacombe's mayor during the development of this project, Don McFadden, termed it "an urgently needed service for farmers of the Lacombe area. "What we're interested in is industry to service our agricultural community," he said. "This is an example of an enterprise which is doing just that." Six jobs are expected to be created at the feed mill, which will include warehouse space loadout bins, truck scales, and office and scale house and a dump pit. The $179,457 Nutritive Processing Agreement grant is cost -shared equally by DREE and Alberta Agriculture. The agreement provides funding to eligible food processors who locate or expand their facilities outside Alberta's major metropolitan areas. - 30 - hone (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 2. November 21, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MIRROR ABATTOIR EXPANSION GETS FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCE Mirror Packers Ltd. of Mirror, Alberta, has received an $18,649 grant under the Canada-Alberta Nutritive Processing Program. The assistance was announced by Marcel Lessard, federal minister of the Department of Regional Economic Expansion (DREE) and Marvin Moore, Alberta's minister of Agriculture. The owner of Mirror Packers Ltd ., David Hopkins, has been in the meat business for many years and is undertaking a major expansion of his meat market and abattoir, which he pur- chased in 1975. The total capital cost of remodelling and expanding the facilities is estimated at $93,246, and the federal-provincial grant is based on 20 per cent of this total. The expanded opera- tion will require a staff of nine and is expected to create four new jobs, one of which will be part- time. The Nutritive Processing agreement, which is cost -shared equally by DREE and Alberta Agriculture, offers assistance to food processing firms which expand or locate their plants in rural Alberta centres. -30- □ne (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 3. November 21, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE WESTERN CANADIAN GRAIN FARMER AND WORLD TRADE POLICIES by Lynn Malmberg, Market Analyst, Alberta Agriculture The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), negotiations, now taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, can be viewed as a high stake chess game where the participating countries negotiate and "trade-off" concessions that are, hopefully, in the best interest of their respective economies. It is probably not co-incidental that the International Grains Agreement talks are being held at the same time as the GATT negotiations. The United States has a problem. They employ a very expensive domestic agricultural stabilization program, which results in placing a floor on domestic grain prices through the use of what is known as the "loan rate". If, for example, wheat prices fall to the loan rate of $2.25 per bushel, farmers can place the wheat in ap- proved storage and use it as collateral to receive a loan of $2.25 per bushel. When the loan matures, the farmer can either sell the wheat and repay the loan or he can default on the loan and give up ownership of the wheat to the government. The effect of such a program is that (a) U.S. domestic wheat prices and, to a lesser extent, world prices are held arti- ficially high; (b) that domestic U.S. wheat stocks increase and (c) that the U.S.'s export competi- tors can undercut U.S. prices, and thereby penetrate U.S. wheat markets. Hence, U.S. officials are putting considerable pressure on other wheat exporters and importers to stabilize the world wheat market. In this context, stabilization means that all export- ers should play the same game as the U.S. In other words, when prices go too low, they should place their grain in reserve stocks in an attempt to raise grain prices. If the reserve stocks do not have the desired effect, they should undertake production cutbacks. When brices rise again, they should release their stocks onto the market, thereby controlling the price increase. There are several cautions that should be advanced concerning this scheme. One is that when the concept of production cutbacks was put forth, Canada's minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, Otto Lang, was quoted as saying that cjtbacks are unnecessary for Canada ydlbcrfa 4. - 2- The Western Canadian Grain Farmer (cont'd) because the flow of Canadian grain into international markets can be controlled through the use of delivery quotas. Under such a scheme, Canadian farmers would be forced to sell smaller amounts of grain when prices were lowest, which would aggravate an already bad situation. It seems almost certain that during the GATT negotiations, Canada will be asked to do something to reduce the sale of grain during periods of surplus. Historically any scheme which has to build reserve stocks has tended to depress prices. Even though there is administered pricing involved, no buyer is likely to panic and pay the high prices recorded in the mid-1 970's as long as reserve stocks are available. The situation is simi- lar to the oil market versus the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Although administered pricing is involved, no one pays more than the OPEC price because the product is cer- tain to be available at the administered price. It seems possible that the days of the protracted wheat glut may be disappearing. Three major population centres — the U.S.S.R., China and India — have given strong indications this year that their policies have changed from those of importing grain as a result of internal crop fail- s to purchasing when prices are low as a means of guarding against future crop failures. Such policies are to the advantage of exporting countries because they tend to reduce surpluses. The fastest way to cause a reversal in the policies of these major importing countries is to employ an administered pricing scheme, such as that proposed under the new International Wheat Agreement. The question remains "Will long-term returns be affected positively or negatively in an effort to minimize short-term price fluctuations in the world grain market?" -30- 5. November 21, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EGG AND POULTRY OUTLOOK Alberta egg prices at the farm level will continue to move downward over the next few months in line with the reduced feed costs anticipated in the current crop year. How much of this price decline will be reflected at the consumer level remains to be seen. Gordon Grosh, market analyst with Alberta Agriculture, points out that anticipated increases in laying flocks, plus higher laying rates from flocks that came into production this fall suggest that high production can be expected throughout Canada in the first part of 1978, the time when seasonal demand drops off. "It would not be surprising," he says, "to see further quota cuts in the new year to avoid a repeat of the high surplus levels experienced in the second and third quarters of 1977. In fact, a 5 per cent quota cut is being considered at the present time." In Alberta producer prices between June and October dropped by 6dlberra AGRICULTURE »hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 2. November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BEAVERLODGE PACKERS RECEIVE FUNDING A new abattoir in Beaverlodge is to receive a $53,813 incentive grant under the Canada- Alberta Nutritive Processing Assistance Agreement. The grant to Beaverlodge Packers Ltd. was announced by Marcel Lessard, minister of the federal Department of Regional Economic Expansion (DREE) and Marvin Moore, Alberta's minister of agriculture. Shared equally by DREE and Alberta Agriculture, the grant is based on 28 per cent of the total capital requirements of the plant. These are estimated to be $192,191 . Beaverlodge Packers' staff of six process approximately 100 head of wild game on a custom basis annually, and they will be slaughtering, chilling, cutting and wrapping beef and pork on a custom basis. Live beef and pork will be purchased for resale on a retail basis to hotels, cafes and hospitals and to fill freezer orders. The manager of Beaverlodge Packers is Allan Willis. The nutritive processing agreement is designed to provide assistance to firms which locate or expand their food processing operations in rural Alberta. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEEDING HIGH MOISTURE BARLEY by Walter Dietz Alberta Agriculture's Regional Livestock Supervisor at Vermilion What results can be expected from feeding high moisture grain stored with an acid preservative or as silage to cattle, pigs or lambs? Cattle Steer feeding trials have shown some significant improvements in performance with high moisture grain compared with dry grain. The most dramatic results were obtained when volatile fatty acids (VFA) were used as a preservative. Steers fed a barley- based diet with 5 per cent VFA and 5 per cent water added to the dry barley at the University of Alberta gained 20.5 per cent faster, ate 9.7 per cent more feed per day and required 9 per cent less feed per unit of gain than steers fed dry barley. When 10 per cent water was added to the dry barley, steers on this diet gained 5 per cent faster, ate 3.1 per cent more feed per day and required 1 .1 per cent less feed per unit of gain than steers fed dry barley. A number of Western Canadian feeding trial results show that steers fed barley pre- served with VFA gained from 3.6 to 20.7 per cent faster and required from 3.1 to 10 per cent less feed per unit of gain than steers fed dry barley. Results from feeding trials carried out in the United States show that steers fed direct-cut high moisture barley gained 5 per cent faster (with equal feed efficiency) than steers fed dry barley. Also, there were fewer feeding problems with high moisture barley than with dry barley. When dry barley was reconstituted to over 30 per cent moisture, and ensiled before being fed, no real difference in results were observed between it and dry barley. Steers at the Univer- sity of Alberta that were fed barley with 15 and 30 per cent moisture added prior to feeding gain- ed faster by 2 and 4 per cent respectively than steers fed dry barley, but ate slightly more dry matter per unit of gain. Although feeding high moisture barley without having to mill it would have certain advantages, cattle do not, unfortunately, utilize whole grain as efficiently as milled grain. Three- A\uZX\ - (cont d) - AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-21 Feeding High Moisture Barley (cont'd) year-old Holstein steers were used in a New Brunswick feeding trial to compare the feeding value of barley with 23 per cent moisture when it was fed as whole grain and when it was fed as milled grain after having been ensiled with one per cent propionic acid as a preservative. Results showed that whole barley had a digestibility rating 20 per cent lower than milled barley when the bar- ley was the only feed, and 15 per cent lower when a limited amount of hay was fed with the bar- ley. The proportion of undigested whole barley that passed through the animals was negligible for the milled barley, but it was 24 per cent when whole barley was fed alone and 30 per cent when whole barley was fed with a limited amount of hay. In a second experiment, results showed that yearling heifers chewed whole grain more thoroughly than three-year-old steers. The yearlings used in the experiment had only a 5 per cent lower digestibility rating when they were fed whole barley than when they were fed mill- ed barley. Fifteen per cent of the barley consumed was excreted when it was the only feed. Pigs Pigs fed high moisture grain preserved with VFA at the University of Alberta per- formed on a per unit dry matter basis in a manner similar to pigs fed on low moisture (dry) grain. One pound of VFA had a digestible energy value equivalent to 2 1/3 pounds of barley. Results of experiments carried out at the University of British Columbia with pigs fed from 50 pounds to market weight showed that the younger pigs digested 72.3 per cent of the dry matter of reconstituted high moisture whole barley that had been preserved with VFA compared with 62.3 per cent for the older pigs. The digestibility for dry ground grain, which was not affected by the age of the pigs, was 77.6 per cent. The dry matter of whole dry grain was digested at a rate of 71.1 per cent by the younger pigs and at a rate of 63 per cent by the older pigs. Lambs Lambs fed high moisture grain preserved with VFA at the University of Alberta had gains and feed efficiencies equal to, or better than, the lambs fed control diets. -30- November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE YEAR-END TAX MANAGEMENT With 1977 drawing to a close, it is time to plan your tax strategy. This should be done before the end of the year. George Geldart, Alberta Agriculture's tax specialist, says that tax management necess- itates assessing the needs of the entire farming operation. He also warns against going out and nur- chasing a piece of new machinery before the end of the year because you think you are going to be in a high tax bracket in 1977. "Unless you really need the new machine and had planned to pur- chase it before next year's work begins, you could easily find that with interest charges and excess depreciation, you have spent an extra $500 to save $50 in tax," he says. If your objective is to maximize your after-tax profit, he suggests that you consider the following approach. . Be aware of what your potential tax liability is going to be before December 31 so that you can take the appropriate action. You will need an up-to-date set of records to predict your tax- able income. If you do not have a formal record system like the Canfarm Record System, which p yides a statement of income and expenses for tax purposes with its October reports, you can use bank statements, bills and receipts to estimate your position. # Minimize your tax payable within the provisions of the income tax laws. To do this you should be aware of the general provisions of the Income Tax Act and the strategies available for tax planning. If you do not have a specific course of action in mind, or if problems arise, you should acquire the information you need regarding tax implications from a tax consultant and/or Revenue Canada. When determining your potential taxable income and the tax strategies that would be useful for your operation, you should follow these steps: 1 ) Determine wh;ch method of reporting your income for tax purposes you are using. The Department of National Revenue allows farmers to report their income by the cash method or by the accrual method. "Most farmers," says Mr. Geldart, "report their taxable income by the cash /dlberfa hone (403) 427-2127 COMMIT -2- 6. Year-end Tax Management (cont'd) method because it allows them greater flexibility in adjusting taxable income levels." With this method, income is reported when it is received and expenses are reported when they are paid. With the accrual method, income is reported when it is earned and expenses are reported when they are incurred. 2) Ensure that your calculated potential taxable income is correct. Double check your cal- culations to be sure that: a) only interest has been deducted as a cash expense on loan payments. Payments on principal are not deductible. b) government subsidies on rebates that were rece'ved are reported as income for this year, even if they were designed to reduce expenses or to compensate for losses in previous years. c) loans received are not included as income d) tools and equipment purchased for more than $200 are reported as capital assets e) all small expense items are included f ) the business portion of expenses is included. Remember that a quarter of house maintenance and utility expenses and up to two-thirds of car expenses can usuall / be de- ducted as business costs. According to Mr. Geldart, the Financial Management Package, available from district agriculturists or the farm business management branch (Box 200, Olds, TOM 1 P0) contains a work- sheet (# 7) which is designed to help farmers calculate projected farm income and expenses for in- come tax planning. Now that you have determined your projected taxable income, the question to look at is: do you want to adjust it, and if so, in which direction? Since most people are usually interested in reducing their taxable income, the follow- ing tax management strategies are designed to help reduce taxable income. i) Make payments on accounts payable (i.e. pay off fertilizer, fuel and feed company bills). ii) Buy fertilizers and chemicals tnat you intend to use next year. To be eligible as a tax de- ductible expense,fertilizers and other chemicals must be delivered and paid for before the end of this year. - (cont'd) - -3- 7. Year-End Tax Management (cont'd) iii) Buy and take delivery of prepared feed, fuel and other supply items that will be required next year. They too must be paid for before December 31 to be eligible as expenses. iv) Pay wages to your children if they worked on the farm. The wages should be reasonabl1 1 for the children's ages and the work they carried out. v) Postpone some sales or income until 1978. This is relatively easy to do with grain, by using deferred delivery tickets. In the case cf livestock, you could sell on an account receivable, which means that you dispose of the livestock, but do not receive the money until next year. How- ever, since the person buying the livestock probably wants to use the deduction, it may not be easy to sell the animals this way. vi) Buy machinery if you are going to need it next year. You may as well use the capital cost allowance deduction on your 1977 income as wait until 1978. If your purchase is eligible, you could also use the 5 per cent investment tax credit to reduce your 1977 tax payable. vii) You could increase your charitable donations or political contributions within the regulated limits to reduce your personal income. The following strategies can be used to increase net and taxable income if you want to claim previous business losses/jr to ensure that you use your personal exemptions. i) Purchase farm supplies on supplier credit. ii) Sell livestock or feeds before the year-end. iii) Use the livestock inventory adjustment provision. Farmers who have livestock, and who file their income on the cash basis, can add to their year's income any amount up to the fair market value of livestock (except the basic herd) on hand at the end of the taxation year. However, the value added to this year's income must be deducted as an expense next year. Mr. Geldart points out that such strategies as the purchase of a registered retirement savings plan or a registered home owner's savings plan can be used to reduce taxable income in the long-run. However, they require planning ahead. Still another strategy is five-year block averaging. It can be used to level out earnings over a period of years and to reduce the total tax burden. -30- 8. November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SHELTERBELTTREE DEMAND INCREASES The number of applications for shelterbelt trees received by Alberta Agriculture at the beginning of November is up by at least 25 per cent compared with last year. The beginning of November is the cut-off date for applications for trees that will be planted the following year. Herman Oosterhuis, in charge of the government's tree planting programs, reports that approximately 7,000 applications have been received this year compared with 5,300 last year. He says from 80 to 90 per cent of these applications will be filled in part or in total. The reason that some applicants will not get trees is that the supply of the particular variety thav they order had run out when their application was received. The supr V of poplar, Manitoba maple, green ash and caragana is expected to be ade- quate to meet the demand, but there is a shortage of Colorado spruce, lilac and honeysuckle. According to Mr. Oosterhuis, these varieties will be rationed by allocating a sufficient number of trees to those applicants who get them to plant half a mile of shelterbelt at the recommended spacings. The following table shows the recommended spacings for the main varieties that are in short supply. Variety Recommended Maximum Spacing Trees Colorado Spruce 10 feet 250 Lilac 5 feet 500 Honeysuckle 5 feet 500 -30- November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA RAPESEED BREEDING PROGRAMS Although the new low erucicacid, low glucosino late (double-zero) Argentine-type rapeseed, Tower, is expected to considerably increase domestic and international markets for Canadian rapeseed, it has not done much for Alberta producers. In this province only 25 to 30 per cent of the total acreage devoted to this crop is Argentine-type rape because it takes too long to mature for this climate. Last year only 16 per cent of Alberta's rapeseed acreage was planted to Argentine-type rape, and less than half this acre- age was planted to Tower. Because the Peace River region and a good portion of the central part of the province are completely unsuited to Argentine-type rape, Alberta rapeseed producers grow mainly the conventional Polish-type rape which matures from 10-14 days earlier than the Argentine-type. However, with the development of Tower, Alberta-grown Polish-type rape is likely to be at a disadvantage in the market place. What is the solution? There are two alternatives. One is to develop double-zero Polish-type cultivars,and the other is to develop earlier maturing Argentine-type cultivars. Scientists at the University of Alberta's plant science department are working on both problems. Double-Zero Polish-Type Cultivars The main objective in this section of the breeding program is to develop cultivars that are higher yielding than present Polish-type rapeseed, that are low in erucicacid and glucosin- olates and that have yellow seed. One such cultivar, Candle, was licensed this spring and is being grown on about 40,000 acres in Western Canada. It is similar to Torch, Span and Echo but has greater resistance to staghead disease and white rust. It is the first Polish variety to produce seed that is low in both erucic acid and glucosinolates and the first to have yellow seed instead of the usual brown or black seed. Yellow seed is associated with a thin seed coat, which means less fibre in the meal. Conventional rapeseed meal has a fibre content that is almost double that of soybean meal, while pure yellow.seeded rape produces a meal with a fibre content approaching that of soybean meal. - (cont'd) - /dlberra Phone (403) 427-2127 -2- 10. Alberta Rapeseed Breeding Programs (cont'd) Early Maturing Argentine-Type Cultivars Work is proceeding to develop cultivars which mature considerably earlier than Midas and Tower and that have a similar or higher yield than these varieties. Development of a yellow-seeded, double zero Argentine-type rape is unpredictable because a pure yellow seed type has not been isolated in Argentine rapeseed. An interesting characteristic that has been identified by the university scientists is a determinate flowering type of rape. This plant flowers very early and has a much shorter flower- ing period than that of conventional Argentine rapeseed. In fact, it matures half way between Torch and Midas and has a yield potential similar to Midas. According to Dr. Z. P. Kondra, in charge of the rapeseed breeding programs, further changes in quality characteristics can be expected to improve the desirability of rapeseed and rapeseed products in the market place. "The majority of these changes will come through changes in the fatty acid composition of the oil, increased total oil content and increased total pro- tein content," he says. "Changes in the agronomic characteristics of rapeseed are expected to im- prove farmer acceptance of this crop. They will take the form of disease resistance, higher yields and lodging resistance through the breeding of semi-dwarf types." -30- November 28, 1977 11. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARKET GARDEN AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION COURSES FOR EDMONTON AND LETHBRIDGE Alberta Agriculture's horticultural branch is sponsoring three consecutive short courses for market gardeners in Edmonton and Lethbridge. They will be held in the Youth Building at the Edmonton Exhibition Grounds from January 16 to 19 and in the Cafeteria Conference Room in the new Agriculture Center at the Lethbridge research station from February 6 to 8. The first course (Course A), entitled Introduction to Market Gardening, is a one-day course for new market gardeners and for people who intend to start a market garden. Although no previous experience is required for this course, it is not intended for home gardeners. It will cover planning a market garden; vegetable production, management and marketing and government ser- vices available to market gardeners. It will also include talks by established market gardeners on how to start a market garden. The second course (Course B), entitled Small Fruit Production, is also a one-day course. It is designed for people growing, or interested in growing, small fruit on a commercial basis. Al- though not mandatory, prior experience in growing small fruit is desirable. The course will cover the production of strawberries, raspberries and saskatoons; weed and pest control and pick-your- own marketing. Established growers will share their experiences in this area. The third course (Course C), entitled Advanced Vegetable Production, is a two-day course designed for people who have had prior market garden experience. In addition to new pro- duction techniques and marketing alternatives, it will cover the production of specific crops, green- house design and management and direct -to -consumer and wholesale marketing. Another feature of the course will be group discussions and talks by established vegetable growers. The greenhouse design and management section of the Advanced Vegetable Production course can be taken alone for a fee of $5. The registration fee for each of the courses will be $10. Anyone interested in taking one or more of the above courses should contact one of the following people for an application form or for more information. Ralph Trimmer 601 Agriculture Building 9718-107 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2C8 Phone: 427-5337 Lloyd Hausher Alberta Horticulture Research Center Brooks, Alberta TOJ 0J0 Phone; 362-3391 -30- hone (403) 427-2127 12. November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ANOTHER BEEKEEPING SEASON NEARLY FINISHED by Dr. Ulf Soehngen Alberta Agriculture's Supervisor of Apiculture As fall merges into winter, beekeeping activities in this province slowly grind to a halt, and Alberta beekeepers are starting to catch up on such long neglected activities as their social life, beekeepers' meetings and, hopefully, some reading. Now is also the time to complete chores, which were left until last, partly because of the nature of the work, and partly by inclination (or disin- clination?). With most of the honey crop extracted, many beekeepers are completing the job of making up brood chambers in preparation for next year's hiving. This is your golden opportunity to carefully inspect all brood frames and to cull out and destroy (through burning or rendering) all combs showing traces of an American fculbrood. Winter feeding of all colonies that are to be taken into the coming year should be completed by now, or as soon as possible because bees take up liquid refreshments extremely slow- ly at low temperatures. Emergency rations may still be provided for that highly valuable colony that was rob- bed during the last warm spell by providing warm syrup (as warm as the feeder can be comfortably handled) in an inverted pail feeder. The feeder should be placed directly above the cluster and insulated to hold the heat for as long as possible. It is also to be hoped that you have not forgotten at least one feeding of Terramycin, applied, as recommended, on the top bars along the front (or back) of each super containing some late brood. Proper fall medication is especially important when colonies are being wintered be- cause combs that are in use all year are much less subject to an annual inspection. American Foul- brood is listed as an important factor in cases where colonies fail to survive the winter. -30- 13. November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1978 ALBERTA PORK CONGRESS DATES SET The dates for the 1978 Alberta Pork Congress, which will be held in Red Deer, are Jur e 20, 21 and 22. These dates were set by the Alberta Pork Congress Steering Committee at their recent annual meeting. Ron Tolton of the Canadian Meat Packers Council was re-elected president of the congress, and George Matejka of Sylvan Lake was elected vice-president. Fred Schuld of Red Deer was re-elected secretary-treasurer. Mr. Schuld says indications to date point to considerable interest on the part of in- dustry in the 1978 congress. Most of the display space has already been requested and 22 com- mercial firms have indicated a desire to participate. Representatives of other companies who would like to participate should contact Mr. Schuld. He reminds swine breeders who plan to participate in the 1978 congress to select their breeding class entries now and to select their barrow entries before January. That date has been set as the deadline for entering barrows so that their rate of gain can be measured. More information on the congress and entry forms can be obtained from Fred Schuld, Secretary, Alberta Pork Congress, P.O. Box 5002, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 5Y5, (Telephone (403) 343-5334). -30- hone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra COMMUNICATIONS November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14. FACTORS INVOLVED IN SELECTING TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS by Nadine Vester Alberta Agriculture's Family Living Specialist Christmas! What should I buy for Jason? Television abounds with toy commer- cials, but which ones should I buy? Should I get the one Jason is continuously asking for? Will it still be in once piece by Boxing Day? Will Jason be tired of it by Christmas night? Decisions! Decisions! Let us look at some factors that affect our decisions. First, anything a person plays with can be called a toy. Tom Sawyer defines work and play as: "Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do . . . play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do." Yes, adults have toys too — skis, model airplanes, fishing equipment, guns, books and snowmobiles. The list could go on and on. Second, we should examine our own motives in wanting to buy a certain gift. Some- times, we are responding to our own memories. Think of the mother who, after yearning for years for an elaborate doll, buys one for her two year-old daughter. The child musses the doll,and the mother scolds. Would it not have been less confusing for the child, and less frustrating for mother and daughter, if mother had simply asked Santa for a doll for herself? Some adults collect them. Does Dad want to buy his toddler an electric train? For whom? There is no law against adults satisfying the "little kid" that still lives inside them when they write their own letters to Santa! Third, toys can aid physical development and provide sensory experience — taste, smell, sight, feeling and hearing. Fourth, toys can teach a child about the world,and they can help him learn about location, number, size relationships, color and more. Fifth, toys can stim- ulate the imagination, and encourage a child to imitate and practise adult roles. Let us not forget the most important function of toys — they should be fun I Here are some questions we should be asking before we select a toy: • Is it safe? Any sharp corners? Are the pieces so small they can be swallowed? Any buttons or eyes to come off? Will it require adult supervision? • Is it appropriate for the child's age? Can he operate it on his own? (You will get pretty tired of wind-'ng up that mouse for your toddler!) Will he find it interesting? Can - (cont'd) - ie (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 15. -2- Issues Involved in Selecting Toys for Christmas (cont'd) variety of ways? Will it disintegrate under normal use? It is probably important to buy one totally impractical item, if the child years for it, and if you can afford it. He needs to know that Santa does read his letters.and that his wishes count. It is also important for you to know that your child can live with disappointment, and that you do not have to feel guilty about not getting all the items on his list. Most people are too sensi- ble, and too poor, to buy an electric train, a steam engine, a full set of Lego, skis, skates, a mini bike, a piece of real estate, a Corvette and Farrah Fawcett Majors!! The Canadian Toy Testing Council (P.O. Box 6014, Station 5, Ottawa, Ontario, K1 P 5Z7) is a voluntary organization which will provide recommendations on gifts and toys if you send them a self -addressed, stamped envelope. -30- 16. November 28, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT BRANCH APPOINTMENTS The head of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch, Wilson Loree, has announced the appointments of Paul Snead, Ronald Cuthbert, George MaDicher and George Geldart. They will replace staff members who, for one reason or another, did not move to Olds when the farm management branch was transferred there earlier this year. Paul Snead Mr. Snead has been appointed supervisor of farm records and analysis. He will be responsible for developing and implementing a system of farm records and accounts on a province-wide basis that will be acceptable to the average farmer, and that will enable him to run his business in the most profitable manner. The system will also provide Alberta Agriculture with data that is necessary for planning and policy decisions. Developing and expanding the use of the present CAN FARM Computerized Record System is an important part of Mr. Snead 's respon- bilities. Mr. Snead comes from Birmingham in Great Britain and took up farming in 1959. He obtained hisB.Sc.Hon. (agriculture and agricultural economics) in 1968 from the University of North Wa>es. Following graduation, he held senior posts in farm management with the Zambia College of Agriculture and the Zambia Department of Agriculture in Africa. From 1967 to 1977, he was farm business economics consultant to the Windward Islands Banana Growers Association in the West Indies. He immigrated to Canada in 1977. Ronald Cuthbert Mr. Cuthbert has been appointed agricultural economist with the farm records and analysis section. His main work will involve farm business analysis, and he will be responsible for preparing annual summaries of farm records through the use of the CAN FARM Computerized Record System. He will also be involved in setting up programs to gather accurate group averag- ed data and for maintaining the Farm Management Data Manual, an encyclopedia of farm management reference facts. ydlbcria AGRICULTURE 17. -2- Farm Business Management Branch Appointments (cont'd) Mr. Cuthbert comes from a mixed farm in south-central Saskatchewan. He gradu- ated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1971 with a B.Sc. (agriculture). A year later he ob- tained a Secondary Teaching Diploma from Christchurch Teachers College in New Zealand and taught economics in agriculture for a year. He returned to Canada in 1974 and began a program at the University of Saskatchewan towards an M.Sc. (agriculture). While attending university, Mr. Cuthbert worked as a research assistant with the University of Saskatchewan on a grain marketing study and on a study designed to examine the production potential of land in north-eastern Saskatchewan. From 1976 to 1977, he was em- ployed by the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture as a regional farm management specialist. George Maicher Mr. Maicher has been appointed agricultural economist with the farm records and analysis section. He will be responsible for promoting the CANFARM Computerized Record System and farm account books, and for recruiting affiliate sub-agents such as accounting firms and individuals authorized by Alberta Agriculture to offer the CANFARM Record System to fprmers on a fee for - service basis. Mr. Maicher was born in Germany and immigrated to Canada in 1968. He obtained a B.A. (economics) from Laurentian University in Ontario in 1973. Three years later he graduat- ed from the University of Guelph, Ontario, with an M.Sc. (agricultural economics). Since gradua- tion he has worked as a farm management consultant with the federal-provincial Small Farm Development Program in Westlock and as assistant district agriculturist in Ryley. George Geldart Mr. Geldart has been appointed agricultural economist in the financial management section of the farm business management branch. In this position, he will be responsible for pro- viding Alberta Agriculture staff and farmers with information on management strategies related to income tax management. He will also prepare publications describing the effects of various types of business organizations (e.g. partnerships and incorporation) and estate planning strate- gies. - (cont'd) - -3- 18. Farm Business Management Branch Appointments (cont'd) Mr. Geldart comes from Edmonton and obtained his B.Sc. (agriculture) from the University of Alberta in 1975. He expects to receive his M.Sc. (agricultural economics) from the same university later this year. In 1974 he worked as a summer research assistant at the Univer- sity Farm on swine feeding trials. The following summer he worked on a linear programming model for Northern Alberta under the University of Alberta's department of rural economy. -30- December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Airdrie Agricultural Regional Centre Officially Opened 1 Inventory Valuation Method of Reporting Income 3 Black Leg in Rapeseed 4 Alberta Rapeseed Course 5 Are You Thinking of Buying a Pet for Christmas? 7 Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree 9 Gardening Book 10 Buying Christmas Books for Children 12 Safe Winter Driving 15 Provincial Cheese Specialist Appointed 16 Ahena Phone (403) 427-21 27 COMMUNICATIONS 1. December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AIRDRIE AGRICULTURAL REGIONAL CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENED The opening of the Airdrie Agricultural Regional Centre signifies an important con- tinuation of de-centralization in Alberta Agriculture, says Alberta Agriculture Minister Marvin Moore. The minister's comment came at the recent opening ceremonies of the new $2.7 mil- lion complex in Airdrie. The building will house staff for nine Alberta Agriculture divisions in the south-central region plus food and veterinary laboratories. "The Airdrie building is an imoortant link in the chain of de-centralization," said Mr. Moore. "In 1972 Hugh Horner, deputy premier and then minister of agriculture, instituted a de-centralization program to make government more accessible to Albertans by relocating im- portant centres and services in Edmonton to other areas of the province. "The Airdrie Agricultural Regional Centre will fulfill that purpose," continued the minister. The building, under construction from May 1976, was first occupied by the south- central regional office in early August. The regional office is now in full operation with a staff of more than 40 people. The two remaining elements of the agricultural centre, the food and veterinary lab- oratories, are still receiving equipment, but have managed to begin partial operation. Both labora- tories are expected to start full-time services in early January. Although the immediate impact on local merchants is not expected to be great, the relocation "will have an impact over the long haul," according to regional director Al Reimer. Residents of Airdrie have already been hired to fill most support staff positions. "The centre is another step which will see Airdrie grow from a small town to a fairly large centre by 1990," commented Mr. Moore. According to a regional growth study, Airdrie should have a population of nearly 20,000 within 15 years. Airdrie's 1977 municipal enumeration estimates the current population at 1,427. /dlberra -(cont'd)- AGRICULTURE one (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 2. -2- Airdrie Agricultural Regional Centre Officially Opened (cont'd) Staff at the regional centre represents nine divisions of Alberta Agriculture. The divisions include extension, home economics and 4-H, dairy, dairy control board, agricultural development corporation, engineering and home design, economic services, animal industry and plant industry. The regional office's main emphasis, education, is directed at answering the specific needs of the agricultural producer, while, at the same time, providing general support to rural com- munities. The office will provide administrative services with professional and technical support for smaller district offices within the region. Establishing the new regional centre "has enabled us to consolidate staff and other programs," said Mr. Reimer. "It has enabled us to take in 4-H (which was recently transferred from Alberta Recreation, Parks and Wildlife to Alberta Agriculture), and it has allowed other re- lated division offices such as dairy and the dairy control board to be located together, which pro- vides easier staff movement and communication." The regional offices will remain separate from the district office serving Airdrie, allowing local staff greater freedom in dealing with local problems. However, the new agricultural centre has not neglected the local population said Mr. Reimer. Consolidating the two laboratories and the regional office has enabled him to plan a large library to support the total operation. The library will be open to the general public for re- search, but materials will not be allowed out for home use. The centre will also contain a medium-sized theatre. The theatre will provide seating for approximately 75 people and will be available for local use. -30 - 3. December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INVENTORY VALUATION METHOD OF REPORTING INCOME A person who has a permanent herd of livestock and who wants to average the peaks and valleys of his income from farming can use inventory valuation. Gordon Brown, a partner in the Dunwoody and Company chartered accountant firm in Edmonton, explains that adoption of this method of reporting income would be attractive only in a year when a farmer's income is low because it will reduce the expenses for that year and in- crease the income. Also, it would only be to a farmer's advantage to start using it when he is in a loss position and cannot use this loss position to his advantage by applying it to the previous year's income to recover taxes paid on that income. The advantage of using inventory valuation in a loss year is that it prevents the farmer from losing his personal exemptions. If, for example, he has a net operating loss of $6,000 which he cannot use to recover taxes paid on his previous year's income, and if his personal exemptions are $4,000, he can take $10,000 worth of his permanent herd and record it as income for that year. After deducting his $6,000 loss, he has an income of $4,000 from which he can deduct his $4,000 worth of exemptions, leaving him with a taxable income of zero. If this same farmer had a net income of $20,000 the following year, he might choose to value his inventory at zero (in practice it would have to be $1 ), thereby reducing his income for the year by $10,000. After deducting his personal exemptions of $4,000, his taxable income would be only $6,000. On the other hand, he might choose to leave his inventory at $10,000 and pay tax on $16,000 ($20,000 - $4,000 exemptions). If he chooses to leave the $10,000 in the inventory, he can then use it to reduce his income at some future date when he sells his herd. According to Mr. Brown, a farmer with a permanent herd can use from zero to the fair market value of the herd in one year for inventory valuation. He also points out that once a farmer starts using this method of reporting his income, he must continue to use it each year un- less he obtains permission to discontinue using it from the Minister of National Revenue. /dlberra Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 4. December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BLACK LEG IN RAPESEED The Western Committee of Plant Disease Control, on which Alberta is represented, is requesting funds to support the breeding of rapeseed varieties that are resistant to black leg. This disease, which is even more destructive than sclerotinia stem rot, attacks rape crops throughout the world, and is known to be a limiting factor in rapeseed production in both Kenya and Australia. According to Alberta Agriculture's plant pathologist, Dr. Jack Horricks, the relatively harmless strain that has been present in Western Canada for many years caused little con- cern until 1975 when a virulent strain made its appearance in a stubble field near Melfort, Saskat- chewan. The following year the same strain turned up in another field. This year two fields were found to be heavily infested and scattered plants were observed on about one million acres in north- eastern Saskatchewan. So far the virulent strain has not made its appearance in Alberta. "This virulent strain of black leg," says Dr. Horricks, "infects rape plants in the seed- ling stage, and causes cankers to develop during the growing season . The non-virulent strain does not infect rape until it is almost mature. Because of this late infection, it usually has little effect on yield, whereas the virulent strain kills many of the plants and causes the seed to shrivel." In the two badly infected fields in the Melfort area, the infection started when the rape plants were in the four to six-leaf stage. By the end of the season nearly all the plants were infect- ed, and only about 25 per cent of the yield potential of the crops was harvested. Because black leg is spread via infected seed, plant pathologists at the federal research station at Saskatoon have requested the temporary licensing of Benomyl-Thiram, which will control the seed-borne aspect of the aisease. In the meantime, the only method of preventing the intro- duction of this virulent strain of black leg is to avoid olanting contaminated seed. -30- /dlberra December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA RAPESEED COURSE The Alberta Rapeseed Course, scheduled for the Peace River region on January 16, 1978, is a home-study course consisting of seven lessons supplemented by radio and television pro- grams, newspaper columns and local study groups. The course is designed to provide Peace River farmers with in-depth, practical in- formation on growing rapeseed. It is flexible enough to allow participants to study at the depth that they require, while, at the same time, being comprehensive enough to answer most rapeseed production questions. The topics that will be covered are: m How Rapeseed is Utilized . Rapeseed varieties • Soils and how to fertilize rapeseed # Seeds and Seeding % Weed, Insect and Pest Control 0 Harvesting, Storage and Grading m Marketing The Alberta Rapeseed Course is one of five home-study courses that are scheduled to start on January 16, 1978. The others are the Alberta Pork Production Course, also new this year, which will be held in the Red Deer region; the Alberta Soils Course to be held in the Barrhead region; the Alberta Forage Course to be held in the Vermilion region and the Alberta Acreage Course to be held in the Calgary region. Each course consists of weekly home-study lessons, television and radio programs, newspaper articles, local study groups and regional seminars. In addition to providing home-study lessons, the weekly lesson packages that are mailed out to participants tell which stations and newspapers are carrying information relative to the course and where and when the study groups and seminars will be held. ° d /dlbcrfa one (403) 427-2127 -2- 6. Alberta Rapeseed Course (cont'd) The deadline for registering for any of the courses is January 9, 1978, and the cost of each course is only $20! Further information and registration forms can be obtained from your local district agriculturist. -30- ! 7. December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARE YOU THINKING OF BUYING A PET FOR CHRISTMAS? A pet can bring tremendous rewards to a family in the form of love, affection and loyalty, but, like everything else in life, these pleasures have a price. In essence,that price is responsibility. "The responsibility side of the picture should be looked at very carefully before you decide to buy a pet," advises Dr. H.N. Vance, director of Alberta Agriculture's veterinary services division. "Thousands of pets are destroyed in Edmonton every year because their owners did not realize what they were taking on when they bought their animal. Do not add to this misery!" kitten or a puppy is its health. Did you know that it costs $30 to have a dog or cat vaccinated for distemper and rabies, and that the cost of spaying a female cat ranges from $45 to $50, depending upon whether you have it done in a large or small urban centre. The cost of spaying a female dog ranges anywhere from about $45 to about $1 10, depending upon whether the dog has previously been in heat, and whether the operation is done in a small or large centre. The cost of having a male cat neutered is about $25. A dog licence costs $10, and if your dog is picked up by the city pound in Edmonton.you will have to pay $30 for the first offence if the animal has a licence and $50 for all subsequent offenses. If your dog does not have alicence, you will be charged $55 for the first offence. prepared to spend between $10 to $20 a month on food for your dog, depending upon its size and the quality of food you provide. On top of all this, you can have expensive veterinary bills if your dog or cat gets ill or is hit by a car. All in all, the cost of buying a pet, is often "a drop in the bucket" compared with subsequent expenses. Peggy Palmer, supervisor of the Northern Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), urges anyone living in an apartment to check with his or her landlord before buying a pet. She says, "So many people make the mistake of buying a pet and then asking their One of the first responsibilities you will assume when you become the owner of a In addition, to health and licensing costs involved in owning an animal, you should be -' (cont'd) - AGRICULTURE me (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- 8 Are You Thinking of Buying A Pet for Christmas? (cont'd) landlord if they can keep it. More often than not the little animal is abandoned. If it is lucky it may end up at the SPCA." Other responsibilities you take on when you buy a dog are those of exercising it regularly and making sure that there is somebody at home to feed and let it out of the house at regular intervals. Mrs. Palmer believes there is no point in having a dog if you keep it chained in the backyard. She points out that all animals need affection and companionship to develop their personalities. A dog, like a person who is denied these fundamental needs, becomes neurotic and often bad tempered as well. Still another important consideration when contemplating a pet is holidays. You will have to arrange to board your cat or dog or to get somebody to come in when you are away for a weekend or on your annual vacation. The cost of getting a "babysitter" for a cat or dog is around $3 a day. If you have to board them at a kennel, it will cost you between $3 and $5 a day. If after seriously considering all these responsibilities and expenses you decide you still want a pet, you are obviously the kind of person that will reap the rich rewards that a pet can bring to any home. -30- 9 December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CUTTING YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE Do you usually buy your Christmas tree at a comer garage or from a Christmas tree lot? Have you ever wished that your children could have the fun of going into the woods to choose their own Christmas tree as you did when you were a child? Well, they can! Alberta Energy and Natural Resources started a service a number of years ago to give urban families the opportunity of going out into the woods and cutting their own tree for Christ- mas. The cutting sites are located on crown land in various areas of the province. All you have to do to find the one closest to you is to contact your local forestry officer or the timber manage- ment branch of Alberta Energy and Natural Resources (Natural Resources Building, 109 Street and 99 Avenue, Edmonton T5K 2E 1 ) . However, before you go out to cut your tree, you must get either a forest product tag or a local timber permit, both of which are available from local forestry officers and the timber management branch in Edmonton. A forest product tag, which is free, entitles you to cut up to three trees (providing that they are not over eight feet tall) for a cost of 75{ a tree. The local timber permit, which costs $5, entitles you to cut four or more trees at 50 1 per tree,and it also en- titles you to cut trees that are over eight feet tall. The latter cost $1 .50 per tree. With either the tag or the permit you are entitled to choose a fir, pine or spruce tree. Each year forestry officials check the areas designated for tree cutting, and stake out the sites which have plenty of suitable Christmas trees. Last year a total of 17,702 trees were cut for Christmas in the province's designated tree-cutting areas. -30- 10. December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GARDENING BOOK All the colors of a summer garden have reached Canadian bookshelves in time for the Christmas market. A comprehensive book on flowers, "Canadian Garden Perennials", has just been pub- lished to fill a long-felt void in gardening books for this country. It was written by one of Canada's most widely read garden columnists, A.R. Buckley. Mr. Buckley retired from Agriculture Canada's research branch in 1973, after 35 years as a specialist in horticulture. "Canadian Garden Perennials" is the culmination of a life-time study of ornamental gardening in the often-unfavorable climatic conditions of northern North America. The book has been brought out in both Canadian and American editions by a British Columbia publishing house in association with Agriculture Canada and the Publishing Centre of Supply and Services Canada. During his years with Agriculture Canada, Mr. Buckley evaluated new annuals, peren- nials, shrubs and trees in the ornamental gardens and arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. His weekly column, "Garden NotesT carried by more than 100 daily newspapers in Canada, made him widely known across the country. He is also a skilled flower photographer and took the majority of photographs in the book himself. "Canadian Garden Perennials", designed as a handbook for gardeners, contains lists of perennials and biennials that can be successfully cultivated in Canada. It also contains valuable ad- vice on planning and planting a garden; plant propagation and general care; winter plant protection and the control of pests and diseases. Lists of perennials for special purposes and sample plans for seasonal borders are also included. Mr. Buckley received his formal training at the John Innes Horticultural Institute, London, England,and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, England. At the time of his retire- ment from Agriculture Canada, he was curator of the arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. /dlbcrra - (cont'd) - 'hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 11 2- Gardening Book (cont'd] In addition to the lavish use of photographs in "Canadian Garden Perennials", the beginning of each chapter has a pastel floral drawing by Agriculture Canada artist, Mary Brett. "Canadian Garden Perennials',' available from retaH bookstores across Canada, costs around $1 5. -30- 12 December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BUYING CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR CHILDREN What should you look for when buying books for children at Christmas time? Nadine Vester, Alberta Agriculture's family living specialist, recommends that you choose books for very young children that are made of heavy cardboard and that have hinges. She says there are some fascinating heavy cardboard books on the market which have pop-up sections. Although the amount of handling the pop-up sections can sustain is questionable, they are, never- theless, fascinating to small children. Other things to look for in books for pre-schoolers are colorful pictures and simplicity of design. Check to make sure that the pictures are not too stylized or too old fashioned. Young children get confused by a lot of detail. It is a good idea to choose a book with only a few lines of text on each page, which you can read while the children are looking at the pictures. "This leads," says Ms. Vester, "to the most important point about a book. It should involve the parents as well as the children. The type of pre-school books mentioned in this article are the type you would want to read to your child. In some homes a bedtime story is such an en- joyable ritual that the children cannot settle down without it. " You will enjoy Alligator P;e/Nicholas Knock'and Garbage Delight; says Ms. Vester. "A mother of a two year-old recommends 'Bonnie McSmithers You're Dfiving Me Dithers' Richard Scarry's'Early Word Books'appeal to pre-schoolers and make vocabulary fun. One mother bought her child'Five Little Puppies'because it had been a favorite of her own as a child. Then there are the Dr. Seuss Books. One lady bought a three year-old friend'There's a Wocket in my Pocket 'and had to sit down on the spot and read it! 'Go Dog Go'is a favorite in another household. Working mothers will enjoy 'Something Terrible Happened in My House! Some children have special interests, like dinosaurs, dogs, trains, or aeroplanes and will spend hours looking at books about them." A magazine subscription is a popular gift with many older children. One lady who was given "Miss Chatelaine" when she was a teenager has continued to subscribe to it for 25 years! Her 14 year-old daughter apparently likes "Miss Chatelaine". The "Owl Magazine" is a hii in another - (cont'd) - -2- 13. Buying Christmas Books for Children (cont'd) household where the children are in the early school grades. "World Magazine" (a National Geo- graphic subsidiary) has superb photography and is aimed at children in grades 4 to 8. "The National Geographic", and a number of special interest magazines (i.e. on cars, skiing, making things, sky surfing, scuba diving, etc.), are possibilities for children in their middle to late teens. Since parents are usually the best judges of the level of reading their children enjoy, it is difficult to recommend books for a specific age group, but a lot of the old favorites are still popular. Among them are "Anne of Green Gables", "Little Women", "Black Beauty" and "Lassie". According to Ms. Vester, there is a new series of books by Judy Blume that are popular with some pre- and early teenagers. They include "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret," "And Then Again Maybe I Won't", "Deenie" and "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing". Ms. Vester says children seem to identify with Ms. Blume's young characters.and their growing pains. Charles Dickens' books are found in the children's section of some libraries, but with the possible exceptions of "Oliver Twist" and "David Copperfield", they are, in Ms. Vester's opinion, too sophisticated for children. She says their subtleties and characterizations are wasted on children, many of whom find them dull. Some junior high school children like books about witchcraft, vampires and enjoy Edgar Allan Poe. However, since some language arts teachers seem to think that children in this age group are inclined to write gloomy essays, you may prefer not to encourage this attitude by giving them the books mentioned above. Ms. Vester believes that, as a general rule, teenagers like books about reality, and often enjoy books that cause raised eyebrows and even a march on school libraries by some irrage citizens. Such books include "Catcher in the Rye " and "Summer of '42". "When contemplating such books," advises Ms. Vester, "remember that your children meet with reality every day and that, in the final analysis, there is no way that you can protect them." - (cont'd) - -3- 14. Buying Christmas Books for Children (cont'd) She points out that the information in this article does not pretend to provide a com- prehensive review of childrens' literature. "It is simply," she says, "an expression of some personal opinions from a confirmed book addict who believes that books make great gifts because they pro- vide continuing pleasure." -30- 15. December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SAFE WINTER DRIVING By heeding the following safety tips you can help to ensure accident free driving in treacherous winter weather. # Give your car a longer than normal warm-up period. Use this extra time to be sure all windows are completely free of fog and frost. i Equip your car with a set of good winter tire's if you have to drive on streets and roads that are not regularly cleared of snow. Although tire studs provide greater starting traction on slip- pery surfaces when the temperature is near freezing, they are not as effective in really severe weather. # Do not jamb on your brakes if your car skids. Pump your brakes rapidly to slow down, and avoid sudden manoeuvres. Do not accelerate or break hard. ^ Keep a bag of sand and a shovel in the trunk of your car. A shovel full of sand will probably get you going again if you get stuck on a slippery surface. # Slow down and use your lowbeam headlights when it is snowing heavily. Always keep your windshield washer reservoir filled with windshield washer anti-freeze, and use it frequently during slushy driving conditions. # Keep extra distance between you and the car ahead. Stopping distances can increase by as much as 1 2 times on snow and ice. Approach all intersections with extra caution because other drivers will have as much trouble stopping as you have. -30- ! 16. December 5, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROVINCIAL CHEESE SPECIALIST APPOINTED Fred R. Hutchings, dairy commissioner/director of the provincial dairy division, has announced the appointment of Dr. R.J. (Bob) Lowrie to the position of provincial cheese special- ist for Alberta. Dr. Lowrie was raised in North Auckland, New Zealand, where his family ran a 200- acre dairy farm. Initially, they kept 75 Jerseys to supply a nearby cooperative with farm-separated cream. The skim milk was retained and fed to the hogs. When tanker collection was introduced to the area in 1958, the family abandoned the hog operation, increased their dairy herd to 100 cows and shipped whole milk. Dr. Lowrie's early education (between milkings!) was taken at the local schools. In 1961 he went to the University of Auckland. His first degree in botany and zoology was complet- ed in 1965 and was followed by an M.Sc. in microbiology in early 1967. After two years in the technical division of a chemical company in Australia and Germany, Dr. Lowrie joined the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute in Palmerston North, as a food microbiologist. He was assigned to the cheese research section where he specialized in prob- lems related to starter cultures and their bacteriophages. Basic research included projects on the viruses which attack starter bacteria. He was the first person to demonstrate unequivocally that most starter strains are lysogenic (i.e. contain bacteriophages incorporated into their genetic material). This finding has greatly changed the outlook on bacteriophage control in cheese making. His more practical projects included research on flavor development in cheese and in- vestigations on a major flavor defect (bitterness) in cheddar and gouda cheese. These studies led to a new hypothesis to account for the development of bitterness which is gradually becoming the prevailing opinion. The projects were carried out jointly by the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute ana the food technology department of Massey University, also in Palmerston North. Dr. Lowrie received his Ph.D. from Massey University in 1974. - (cont'd) - ydlDGrra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 17. -2- Provincial Cheese Specialist Appointed (cont'd) As a member of the Dairy Research Institute's trouble-shooting team, Dr. Lowrie had broad contact with the processing industry in New Zealand. During the six years he was associated with the institute he dealt with numerous problems in cheese making plants related to starter fail- ures, phages, poor flavor development, low grades, milk quality and mechanized cheese making equipment. He was lured to Canada in 1975 by a National Research Council fellowship at the Food Research Institute of Agriculture Canada in Ottawa. Here he worked with Dr. J. A. Elliott and Dr. D.B. Emmons, and continued his interest in cheese microbiology until November 1976 when he left to take another fellowship at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Studies there concerned the effects of the extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture on the resistance spectrum of common bacteria. He found this rather dull after his dairying and cheese research activities, and returned to Canada as Alberta's provincial cheese specialist. His wife, Jenny, also has a farming background. Her people have a large dairy unit in Toranaki, one of New Zealand's major dairying areas, and its principal cheese making region. However, she has forsaken her agricultural upbringing to work in the computer field. -30 - I AK Sl373 December 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Some Highlights of the Canadian Weed Committee Convention Capital Gains 4 Beef Cows Can Lose Weight Over the Winter Without Affecting Their Calves Su'vey Results of the Alberta Beekeeping Industry 9 Rumensin Feeding Rates 11 Airdrie Veterinary Laboratory 12 Favorite Christmas Toys 13 Director of Farm Training Appointed 15 Phone (403)427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 1 December 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CANADIAN WEED COMMITTEE CONVENTION: Cultural weed control is coming back into fashion. Delegates to the Canadian Weed Committee Convention in Edmonton were told by the chairman, Dr. Jim Hay, and the chairman of the Canadian section of the Weed Science Society of America, Dr. Walter Saidak, that the use of herbicides is slowing down. One reason is the growing con- cern about their impact on the environment, and the other, even more important reason, is the increasing economic burden their use is placing on farmers. Dr. Saidak said that there is increasing evidence to support the view that the selective use of herbicides can actually lead to new weed infestations. In some areas, for example, where the growth of wild oats has been suppressed with herbicides, there is now a preponderance of green foxtail. In other words, the control of the wild oats has upset the overall balance of the weed population in the area. Dr. Hay and Dr. Saidak agree that there are three priorities for weed research in Canada: the development of practical methods of assessing crops losses from weeds; the mixing of different herbicides and the mixing of herbicides with fertilizers and insecticides, and the best way to integrate cultural, chemical and biological weed control practices. Biological Weed Control Both men feel that the biological control of weeds will eventually become a reality. How- ever insects must first be found that can survive the harsh Prairie climate and that will devour the specific weed without harming the crop. In Alberta insects have been used to control nodding thistle, Canada thistle, leafy spurge, diffuse knapweed and toadflax. In the case of the nodding thistle, thegrubs that hatch from eggs which are laid below the flower heads of these plants climb into the heads and feed on the seeds, thereby preventing seed setting. It is apparently more difficult to control grassy weeds with insects because of the absence of flower heads. Achievement of a balance between the insect population and the weed population is one (cont'd) /dlborra >ne (403) 427-2127 Some Highlights of the Canadian Weed Committee Convention: (cont'o.) of the more difficult aspects of biological weed control. If such a balance is not achieved, the insects will soon starve to death. Aerial Photography It seems that the number of Prairie farmers using this service is increasing every year. An aerial photographic services firm in Manitoba has about 200 farmer clients who pay about $.08 per acre for the service. Aerial photography makes use of special films and photographic equipment which can show such things as the location of alkaline soils, patches of weeds and whether fertilizers and herbicides are being property applied. Such things can be better surveyed from several thousand feet in the air than they can from the ground or from the seat of a tractor. Depending upon the area to be covered, the pictures are taken at various heights with infrared film. Because this film is heat sensitive, it records the reflected heat which varies in intensity for different soils and different crops. These heat differences show up in the form of different colors. When used in conjunction with ground observations, the different colors and shades of color on the film can be interpreted by a trained observer. Farmers who use aerial photopraphy are able to observe the uniformity of growth or lack of it in their crops, and to detect the malfunctioning of equipment which would not be observable on the ground. In addition, they receive advance warning of alkali spots in their fields and of areas of wild oats and thistles. Aerial and satellite photography is already so good that wild oats can be spotted in cereal crops, including tame oats. Remote sensing through aerial photography and satellite pictures is becoming just as important to food processors and distributors as it is to farmers, ranchers and foresters because it can warn of trouble long before it would normally become apparent. When, in the not too distant future, remote sensing is able to provide an accurate assessment of crop yields, governments will be able to make better forecasts of available food supplies, which, in turn,will make it possible to match markets with supplies. - (cont'd) - 3 -3- Some Highlights of the Canadian Weed Committee Convention: (cont'd) The remote sensing centre in Edmonton obtains its pictures from Landsat, the natural resources satellite which covers the Prairies (a total of 2 million square miles) every nine days from an altitude of 570 miles. Anyone who is interested in the management of natural resources in the province, which includes farmers, is entitled to obtain information from the centre's photographic records and explanatory services. The address is Alberta Remote Sensing Center, Alberta Environment, 1 1th Floor Oxbridge Place, 9820 - 106 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2J6 (Telephone 427-2381). The Canadian Weed Committee, comprised of representatives of the public and private sectors concerned with weed control, is an organization whose function is to advise provincial governments on the use of herbicides. The recommendations are based on government, university, and industry research findings. -30- 4 December 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPITAL GAINS A farmer who sells property, whether it is machinery, equipment, land or buildings has to pay tax on half of any profit in excess of the property's original cost or in excess of its value on December 31, 1971 , which was Valuation Day. "Such profits must be reported as profit in the year of the sale unless the owner avails himself of certain options, says Gordon Brown, a partner in the Dunwoody firm of chartered accountants in Edmonton. If, for example, a farmer sells a piece of land for a higher price than he paid for it, he can do one of the following things: , He can pay the tax on one half of the capital gain if the gain exceeds any losses he may have incurred from other operations on the farm or if it exceeds the capital losses he is eligible to carry forward from the previous year or losses he suffered during the year of the sale from the disposal of other capital property. , He can elect to buy property of a similar nature with the proceeds that he obtained from the original sale, and, thereby, temporarily postpone his capital gain. If he chooses this option, he must invest the total proceeds from the land in another piece of land before the end of the follow- ing year. . He can purchase an income averaging annuity contract before the end of February of the year following his sale. An annuity is treated as a deduction from the capital gain, and a person who purchases one can choose to have it paid back to him over any number of years. The advantage of an annuity is that it tends to average the capital gain over a period of years as opposed to having it all come into income in one year. The latter situation could put the recipient into a higher tax bracket than would be the case if the income were spread over a number of years. Mr. Brown says all capital gains and losses sustained during the taxation year should be offset against each other before an income averaging annuity is contemplated. He also advises farmers to be sure that they have calculated their capital gains accurately before £ - (cont'd) - 103)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Capital Gains (cont 'd ) annuity. A person who has calculated an excessive capital gain and then invests the money in an income averaging annuity may find himself paying more tax than he needs to pay in subsequent years. In the case of the sale of a piece of land on which the owner's residence is located, there are two methods that can be used to calculate the capital gain. One is to take the total pro- ceeds from the sale and to deduct the 1971 value of the property plus $1,000 a year for every year that the property has been owned since 1971 . The other method is to subtract the value of the residence and one acre of land from the proceeds from the sale of the whole piece of land. Then subtract the December 31 , 1971 value of the land (minus the house and the one acre) from the sale proceeds to arrive at the capital gain on the sale of the land. Mr. Brown says it is much more difficult to use the second method to cal- culate capital gains because of the problems that can arise if the federal Department of National Revenue decides to challenge the value the farmer put on his residence and one acre of land on December 31 , 1971 and at the time of the sale. Capital Cost Allowance Recaptured A farmer who disposes of machinery and equipment, buildings or livestock in a dis- persal sale, either because he is phasing out his farming operation or because he is selling off a class of assets (e.g. all his self-propelled machines) on which there is recaptured capital cost allowance, can postpone paying tax on the income he gets from the sale by purchasing an income averaging annuity. Mr. Brown points out that capital cost allowance recaptured only applies to those assets that have been depreciated by the diminishing balance method, as opposed to the straight-line method, since 1971 or which were depreciated at this higher diminishing rate prior to 1972. Trade-in Value of Machines and Equipment Under today's inflationary values, it often happens that the trade-in value of a piece of equipment is higher than its original cost or its worth at the end of 1971 . One way of minimizing the resultant capital gain on the piece of machinery being traded in is to arrange to take a lower trade-in value, which will naturally reduce the purchase price of the new piece of machinery. Such - (cont'd) - Capital Gains (cont'd) ' a procedure will not affect the dealer's profit, but it will minimize the buyer's capital gain on his trade-in. However, Mr. Brown cautions that the trace-in value should never be reduced to below the cash value of the machine in an outright sale. - 30 - December 12, 1977 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BEEF COWS CAN LOSE WEIGHT OVER THE WINTER WITHOUT AFFECTING THEIR CALVES Healthy beef cows, five years and older, can lose 100 to 200 pounds (30 per cent of their fall body weight) during the winter without affecting the weaning weight of their calves. This is the conclusion reached by P.G. Hiley and J. Hodges of the University of British Columbia's department of animal science after three years of investigations involving eight commercial cow-calf ranches (1 ,300 cows) in the southern half of BO. However, the data they collected indicate that it could be advantageous to preferentially feed young cows during the winter. The cows in all but one of the eight herds studied consistently lost weight each winter and regained it the following summer. The research results showed no valid reason for re- ducing winter weight losses even in one herd where the average weight loss was 250 pounds per cow. The weaning weight of the calves from this herd averaged 459 pounds at 220 days of age. On the one ranch where the cows gained weight over the winter, the weaning weight of the calves at 220 days of age was only 420 pounds. The research findings showed that, in general, calves were only six pounds heavier than the herd average at weaning time for each additional 100 pounds of weight gained during the winter by their dams. The research also showed that cows that lost 20 per cent of their body weight during the winter, compared with an average loss of 10 per cent, gained most of it back during the following summer. Another important point that came out of the B.C. study was that the weight of a cow is very much determined by the herd she belongs to. Such things as general genetic makeup, management, feeding, quality of feed, location and climate all play a part in her weight. Although cows of the exotic breeds have the potential for being bigger and heavier than the conventional breeds, the location and management of the herd was found to either en- hance or inhibit this potential. For example, the crossbred cows of exotic breeds in one herd were (cont'd] 403) 427-2127 >dlbcrra COMMUNICAT -2- 8 Beef Cows Can Lose Weight (cont'd) no heavier than the straightbreds of the British breeds in the same herd; and the average cow weight (1,030 pounds) in one purebred Hereford herd was similar to that of the crossbred herds studied. Even though the larger beef cows did wean slightly heavier calves, as mentioned above, the researchers felt that it was not worth either feeding or breeding heavier cows to in- crease weaning weights. Their reasoning is that good cows feed their calves well,- and that cows that are well fed during the summer produce heavier calves without becoming heavy themselves. The study also showed that two, three and four year-old cows weaned 9, 5 and 4 per cent lighter calves respectively than the herd average, and that five to 10 year-old cows wean- ed calves that were remarkably similar in weight (average 505 pounds). The latter fact shows that cows would not be culled on the basis of age alone. In one herd it was found that the two year-old heifers weaned average-sized calves, while the three and four year-olds in the same herd weaned smaller calves. Since it was also found that the three and four year-olds had gained more weight than the heifers over the sum- mer, the researchers concluded that it could be advantageous to preferentially feed young cows during the winters following their first and second calves to prevent them from losing weight. -30- December 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SURVEY RESULTS OF THE ALBERTA BEEKEEPING INDUSTRY Results of a survey conducted earlier this year by Alberta Agriculture's apiculture branch, seem to show that, by in large, the bigger beekeeping operations tend to be more successful in bringing their colonies through the winter than the smaller ones. According to Dr. Ulf Soehngen, supervisor of apiculture, the survey results also suggest that beekeepers in the 1001 -10,000 colony category have more confidence in their wintering methods, and are,therefore,generally willing to risk a greater number of colonies than are beekeepers in the 501-1000 colony category. "However, the data do not suggest',' says Dr. Soehngen, "that hobby beekeepers as a group are less capable of wintering bees than the commercial operators. Many people with only a few col- onies, and for whom success or failure in wintering their bees is not spelled out in terms of financial re- turns, can afford to be, and are, quite innovative. Occasionally a system, or method, devised by a small beekeeper, proves so successful that it is adopted by other segments of the industry." The following table shows the relative numbers of wintered and package colonies main- tained by those who responded to the survey questionnaire. WINTERED VS PACKAGE COLONI ES - SPR ING 1977 Size of Operation Number of Reports Number of Wintered Col's Number of Pkg's Installed Total Col's Established 0-25 525 700 3348 3155 26-50 41 416 1235 1474 51-100 26 305 1611 1941 101-200 39 1448 3825 5456 201-500 36 1449 14368 12895 501-1000 29 1785 19255 21174 1001-10,000 19 3611 26620 29375 According to Dr. Soehngen there is as yet, no definite information on the number of colonies being wintered in Alberta this year. However, the extra crop gathered this summer by strong, overwintered colonies, in comparison to the crop harvested by package-bee colonies, has led several commercial beekeepers who were previously committed to package beekeeping to attempt to over- winter or a larger scale. "In view of the continuous increase in overwintering during the past several - (cont'd) - 10 -2- Survey Results of the Alberta 3eekeeping industry (cont'd) years, I would estimate that upwards of 25,000 colonies may be put into winter quarters (i.e. inside or outside) this year? says Dr. Soehngen. As usual, several Alberta beekeepers are taking advantage of the milder climatic condi- tions prevalent in several inland and even coastal areas of British Columbia. Thirteen beekeepers, representing 3,423 colonies, are wintering their bees in B.C. this year. One Alberta beekeeper even made the long trek to Ontario in an effort to catch the fall honey flow, and to take advantage of the relatively mild fall weather in that part of Canada. -30 - 11 December 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RUMENSIN FEEDING RATES Rumensin, an antibiotic that has recently been cleared by the federal government for incorporation in the feed of feedlot cattle, is a drug premix which contains 132 g/kg of the active ingredient monensin. Monensin is a derivative of monensic acid. C.L. Stevenson, chief of Agriculture Canada's feed and fertilizer section, says that the complete cattle feed should contain 83 gm/tonne of Rumensin (1 1 g/tonne of monensin) for the first 28 days of the feeding period. For the remainder of the feeding period it should contain 250 g/tonne of Rumensin (33 g/tonne of monensin). Reduced daily gains may result if these feeding levels are exceeded. Rumensin works equa'ly well for all breeds of cattle and is safe for any ruminant animal. There is no withdrawal period required prior to slaughter. Rumensin, intended only for feedlot cattle destined for slaughter, should not be fed to lactating dairy cows or to horses or any other members of the equine species. The ingestion of Rumensin by horses has apparently been fatal. Extensive research carried out in Europe, the United States and Canada shows that Rumensin saves feed in any high roughage or high grain ration, and that it works equally well for steers and heifers. The average of a number of field trials shows the increase in feed efficiency to be between 10 and 1 1 per cent. Research has also shown that Rumensin has no effect on carcass quality, carcass com- position or carcass cutability. Marbling and the percentage of lean and fat in the total carcass and the rib-eye muscle are also unaffected. According to the manufacturer, Rumensin costs about 1 1/2 $ per head per day and can be obtained from most feed companies. Feeds containing Rumensin should be stored in a cool, dry place and kept away from horses. The manufacturer also says that Rumensin is degradedto some degree in the digestive tract of ruminants. When it is eliminated in the feces, it has been shown to degrade with time, and to degrade rapidly when the manure is incorporated into the soil. >dlbcrra AGRICULTURE December 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AIRDRIE VETERINARY LABORATORY The new veterinary laboratory at the Airdrie Agricultural Regional Centre, located about 1 5 miles north of Calgary, is capable of handling 10,000 diagnostic specimens a year. Its main function will be to examine the tissues of dead animals submitted by farmers and veterinarians in Calgary and thesurrounding area. Prior to the opening of the Airdrie labora- tory, specimens had to be sent to either Lethbridge or Edmonton for diagnosis, which often made an accurate diagnosis difficult because of the delay between the time a specimen was sent to one of these laboratories and the time it was received. This delay was particularly critical during the sum- mer months when specimens deteriorate rapidly. "The further we get from the time of death, the harder it gets to make an accurate diagnosis," says Dr. H. Carlson, chief veterinarian of the Airdrie laboratory. Dr. Carlson is a native Albertan who has taught at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskat- chewan. He has also worked in the United States and in England. In addition to diagnostic work, the staff at the Airdrie laboratory will carry out some preventative medicine. They will, for example, regular. y monitor samples of birds in poultry flocks in the area. To fulfill its various functions, the laboratory has been equipped with a large operating table, an overhead rail which is capable of handling more than a ton of weight, an electrically operated hoist and a top-charging (drop in as opposed to side load) incinerator for disposing of animal tissues and carcasses. The Airdrie laboratory is the third of such facilities that have been built in Alberta to satisfy regional needs, and it represents the culmination of 15 years of major expansion in veterinary laboratory services provided by Alberta Agriculture. Before 1965, when a laboratory was opened in Lethbridge, all veterinary laboratory services were performed in Edmonton. In 1971 a laboratory was opened in Fairview in the Peace River region to encourage more cattle and swine production in that area and to encourage veterinarians to move to that part of the province. Liberia 13 December 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TOYS by Nadine Vester Alberta Agriculture's Family Living Specialist What to give the kids thai they will enjoy and use is a question that comes up every birthday and every Christmas. However, there are a few perennial favorites, some of which can be made at home if the budget is tight. Blocks take many forms,but some can be made at home from scraps of lumber and painted bright colors (with safe paint). The smaller the child, the bigger the blocks should be. Toddlers may be confused by a large number of blocks, but will happily play with a few at a time. After children have grown out of the "everything goes in the mouth stage" (from about three years of age and on, depending on the child), the more elaborate Lego-type blocks provide endless hours of creative amusement. Some nine and 10-yeaT old children play with them. Stacking and nesting toys, either bought or made at home from cans or plastic con- tainers, will keep the toddlers in most households busy. Wagons seem to appeal to children from the walking age to the school age. Wagons can be converted to cars, stagecoaches, racing cars and space ships, and they can haul all sorts of thingsjncluding friends. The sand in sandboxes can become castles, beaches, cake and cookie ingredients, cities and racing tracks. Sandboxes appeal to toddlers as well as to early school-age children and are well worth the trouble, if you have any room for one. Sand is easily swept up. A lid may be a good idea for a sandbox because sandboxes make excellent kitty litter boxes! Because water play is so appealing to small children, bath toys and wading pools, when weather permits, are always winners. Chalkboards, though somewhat messy, can be used in a variety of ways. They can, for example, be used for toddlers to scribble on as well as for the more sophisticated word games of school-aged children. - (cont'd) - ydlberra ie (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Favorite Christmas Toys (cont'd) Dolls allow children to explore and express feelings and to play house. Both boys and girls need to express their tender, caring side and to practise being "parents". Playing with dolls does not make a boy a sissy. In fact, by learning to express his range of emotions, tender and tough, he may well reduce the stress he wiK suffer over the years. Art supplies, blunt scissors, peper, newsprint, non-toxic paints, crayons and penciis offer entertainment and stimulate the creativity of a wide age-range of children. Balls come in many materials and are suitable for all ages. There is the big nerf ball for a baby to roll and throw inside the house,and there is the basketball for a high school star. Balls exercise large muscles. Some children like jigsaw puzzles, especially those of popular characters. Books are usually popular. Babies like to look at pictures and are best able to handle books with cardboard pages and hinges. Toddlers like the same stories read at bedtime and after bedtime. One mother read "The Naughty Bunny", "Peter Rabbit" and "The Little Engine That Could" for about 400 consecutive bedtimes! Having his own books often encourages a child to read for pleasure. -30 - 15 December 12, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DIRECTOR OF FARM TRAINING APPOINTED Alberta Agriculture's assistant deputy minister of development, Cy McAndrews, has announced the appointment of Dave Bell to the position of director of farm training. The appointment, arranged under an executive exchange program with the federal government, will be for one year. Mr. Bell will be responsible for developing and administering the Alberta Green Certificate Farm Training Program, which is jointly sponsored by Alberta Agriculture and Alberta Advanced Education and Manpower. Other duties include developing and co-ordinating special farm training courses (not available from educational institutions) in co-operation with Alberta Agriculture's extension division and Advanced Education and Manpower. In fact, Mr. Bell will be responsible for developing and formulating procedures pertaining to all programs involving on-farm training, non-institutional classroom training and agricultural student exchanges. He was born and raised in Drumheller and attended the University of Alberta where he obtained a B. Sc. (agriculture) in 1950, B. Ed. in 1961 , a diploma in vocational guidance in 1964 and a M. Ed. (psychology) in 1965. Mr. Bell spent five years in the Canadian army during the last war. Following his discharge in 1946, he attended the University of Alberta. From 1950-54 he was district manager for Massey Harris (Ferguson) in Alberta. He spent the next six years managing his own agency. In 1960 he took a position as principal of a school at Bruce, Alberta. In 1962 he became a full-time guidance counselor at Startler. The following year he took a position with the Alberta Government as assistant supervisor of guidance. In 1966 he moved to Saskatchewan where he worked for the Saskatchewan government's Department of Education as a curriculum consultant. His work there entailed developing a program for technical -vocation courses that would be used by vocational schools in Saskatchewan. He also developed the program used by -(cont'd)- ydlberra AGRICULTURE ! (403) 4?7-?1?7 rniwiMi irviir axiomc Director of Farm Training Appointed (cont'd) Manpower for adults in grades one to 12. Mr. Bell has spent the last seven years with tie federal government in Ottawa developing and evaluating skill training programs for the former Department of Manpower and Immigration. -30- Hi \,p \ \; ; , CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS COLLECTION DE PUBLICATIONS OFFICIELLES CANADILNNES CANADIANS NATIONAL LIBRARY J, Caprstn' Of life Jifany years ago, as (egenh has it, too goung men sat meaning, each at his ohm loom. A supply of yarn mas placcb each morning besihe them. (One bay a little heap of golbcn threabs mas there - small golbcn threabs of happiness. (They mere so small that Joan bib not bother to pick them up, hut 3Johu toone them carefully into his pattern. Purple threabs of sorrow came. 3Joan abbeb his in harsh patches, Inhere they glareb barkly, hut Holm moOe his luith sympathy, anb his meaning glolueb like a royal garment. disappointment came anb black threabs of paiu. 3luan shot tliem into his pattern luith bitterness anb reoolt, hut .IJohn put his together loith patience anb courage. Success anb failure, each loas useb as they loere accustomeb. (One bay the 3$taster came to inspect the meaning. "irliue is no 0,00b" crieb 3loan. "ll'lhat can he the use of this"? CLhe 4$laster examiueb ^John's meaning - a beautiful tapestry of miuglcb light anb shabolu, qlohrinu, luith courage, sympathy anb lone. "(The same things came to both of you" He saib, "Anb you banc useb them as you chose. 3lt is not tuhat comes into your life that makes the pattern; it is the use you make of it that counts". author unknown Slest lUishes 3for J\ Jrlerry (Christmas Anb A Happy Nem -Hear Sfrom (The ^taff (Of Alberta Agriculture's (Communications llirauch > 497-9197 /dlbcrra 5 December 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE LAST LONGER In some places it has been suggested, and is even required, that Christmas trees be treated with a fire retardant. However, this is difficult to do and does not help the tree to retain its freshness. According to information received by Alberta Agriculture from Michigan State Uni- versity's Department of Forestry, commonly used fire retardants contain borates which may dis- color the foliage of the tree if they are absorbed. In fact, it is almost impossible to fire-proof a dry Christmas tree, and, at the same time, maintain its natural appearance. Similarly, it is almost im- possible to accidentally set a Christmas tree that is fresh and green on fire. Its moist needles will not support combustion. green. If it is freshly cut a few weeks beforo Christmas, it can be expected to keep its green appearance and to retain its pleasing fragrance throughout the holiday season, providing it is kept well supplied with water. To help restore the internal moisture content of a Christmas tree when you bring it into the house, cut a half to one-inch thick disc of wood off the base of the stem. This procedure allows the tree to absorb large quantities of water by removing the natural resin which clogs the water-conducting tissues. Of the species of trees commonly used as Christmas trees, the Scotch pine is the most resistent to drying out and dropping needles. Next'come Douglas fir, white pine, balsam fir and spruce (Colorado, white, black and Norway) in that order. Following are the five most important steps to follow for maintaining the freshness of 9 Buy the most recently cut tree that you can find. % Re-cut the stump before taking the tree indoors. # Put the tree in a stand that has a large container (at least a quart) of water. # Keep the container full of water . # Place the tree away from heating outlets when possible. Hence, the best way to prevent a Christmas tree fire is to keep the tree fresh and a cut tree. - (cont'd) - AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 1MUNICATIONS How to Make Your Christmas Tree Last Longer (cont'd) Purchasing a nursery-grown tree with balled roots for Christmas with the idea of planting it outside afterwards is not recommended for a climate like Alberta's. In this type of climate, the shock sustained by a tree that is put outside after a brief period indoors is often too great. The only time that it would be practical to buy a growing tree for Christmas would be if it were possible to carry it through the winter in an area where the temperature was cold but did no+ go below freezing. The University of Michigan's Department of Forestry suggests that people who want a growing Christmas tree should plant their favorite evergreen within easy view of a picture window. It can then be decorated each year for all to enjoy! -30- December 19, 1977 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HERE WE COME A-WASSAI LI NG by Betty Birch Alberta Agriculture's district home economist at Stettler Steaming drinks to warm winter-chilled bones is a cheering holiday tradition. There are countless national recipes, but each aims for the same effect — a heightening of merriment and good will. Wassail, perhaps the best known of Christmas drinks, originated with the Anglo. Saxons. The word is derived from wes hal, meaning "be in health". In 18th Century England, the well-to-do sat around large tables and passed from hand to hand the wassail bowl with its delicious aroma, floating nut meats and bits of toast and wished one another good health. The poorer people took mugs bedecked with ribbons and went "a-wassailing" from door to door, asking for money to buy a bit of the brew so that they could regale themselves. Today the communal wassail bowl has long since been replaced by the clinking of glasses, and the toast no longer bobs merrily in the drink. But the tradition of toasting, so named because the liquor-soaked toast was considered a delicacy, still endures. New Year's "Glogg" Combine and heat the wines in a large saucepan. Tie the peel and whole spices in a square of cheese cloth, add them to the hot wine and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the almonds and raisins and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the wine from the heat and discard the spice bag. Put the sugar cubes into a sieve and hold it over the saucepan. Gradually pour the cognac over the sugar and then light the contents of saucepan with a match. Ladle the hot burning liquid over the sugar while it melts and drips down to sweeten the "glogg". Cover the saucepan to put out the flame. Serve hot with a few raisins and almonds in each cup. This recipe makes about two quarts of wine. 1 bottle claret 2 tbsp. dried candied orange peels 3 small pieces stick cinnamon 1/2 lb. blanched almonds 1/2 lb. sugar cubes 1 bottle port 10 cardamon seeds 2 tbsp. whole cloves 1/2 lb. seedless raisins 1 pint cognac -30- one (403) 427-2127 8 December 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HONEY WINE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON by Dr. Ulf Soehngen Supervisor of Apiculture with Alberta Agriculture No doubt, the first human being to experience the effects of alcohol was a not-too-tidy cave inhabitant who emptied the fermented dregs of a honey drink left over from a long forgotten feast. Honey, the only sweetener that was widely available in prehistoric times, probably supplied the common source of alcohol long before the cultivation of cereal crops and fruit. In fact some authorities feel that beverages made from fermented honey may have been known as long ago as 25,000 years. Legends and early writings abound with references to mead or honey wine. We hear, for example, of numerous episodes among the old Norse gods, who seem to have been a lusty lot. In one of these legends the scheming suitor by offering a few draughts of mead to a desired goddess would so mellow her resistance that he could enjoy her physical delights with impunity. Occasionally, however, the tables were turned and the god became like clay in the hands of the goddess. The aphrodisiac qualities of mead were also known to the ancient Hindus, who believed that mead increased fertility. Similarly, mead was offered by Greek ladies of good breeding to the goddess Aphrodite. Mead was not only popular as a drink among the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, but also in northern and central Europe at least as early as 334 B.C. A drinking horn, dating from before 100 A.D., was uncovered at a depth of 2.5 metres in a German peat bog. The presence of yeasts and pollen grains indicate that the horn once contained a drink of fermented honey. For all practical purposes mead was the national drink in England and in certain other northern European countries for centuries. One or two thousand years ago there were fewer inhabitants in these areas, but probably far more honeybee colonies than there are today. In fact, when the Phoenician traders arrived in Britain the consumption of honey in that country was so high that they christened it the "Isle of Honey". From all accounts, mead flowed in rivers at every banquet - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra 'hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUT -2- Honey Wine for the Festive Season (cont'd) and was the main drink in all taverns. Ale was also available, but was apparently was much less popular. Many beemasters became renowned for their wonderful brews, which were made according to secret recipes and were indistinguishable from the finest imported wines. With time the number of mead recipes proliferated with the result that much of the mead being sold was of an inferior quality. This fact, plus a reduction in the amount of honey being produced, appears to have been the main factor responsible for the decrease in the popularity of mead, and the increase in the popularity of port wines, sherries and madeiras, which were being imported into Britain in the early 1800's. Meads and related honey beverages are not peculiar to Britain. They have been brewed by different peoples all over the world since time immemorial. The Indians of Central and South America have long made alcoholic drinks with honey obtained from stingless bees (which are native to the area), and more recently, from honey obtained from honeybees. Even today honeybeer is an important product in many African countries. Although the term mead is sometimes used to denote alcoholic honey beverages made with Lne addition of hops or grain, such as honey ale, mead, in the stricter sense, refers to a honey wine. This wine may be sweet or dry or sparkling or nonsparkling. Over the years many types of meads have developed, each with its own characteristic flavour and alcohol content, depending on the type and concentration of honey used (the more honey per gallon of mixture, the higher the alcohol content), as well as on such other components as fruit juices, rose hips, spices, nutmeg, etc. Many meads were thought to have curative powers. In fact, the word metheglin (a spicy honey wine) is derived from the Welsh word meddyglyn, which means medicine. One of the oldest of meads is hycromel. Consisting mainly of honey and water (although sometimes containing "secret" additives as weli) and left to ferment spontaneously, hydromel was considered to be an invigorating drink, especially suited to those of delicate health. Pliny writes, "it is an extremely wholesome beverage for invalids, who take nothing but a light diet; it invigorates the body; is soothing to the mouth and stomach, and by its refreshing properties allays feverish heat. It - (cont'd) - 10 -3- Honey Wine for the Festive Season (cont'd) is well suited to persons of chilly temperament or weak and pusillanimous constitution, diminishing also the asperities of the mind". Other medicinally acitve meads included ompacomel, made from fermented grape juice and honey, and which was taken as a soporific; oemomel, which was made from pure grape juice and honey, and which was taken for nervous disorders and gout; and conditum, which consisted of honey mixed with wine and pepper, and which was supposed to relieve digestive upsets. However, most honey wines were enjoyed by those in good health. Some of the more common beverages in Elizabethan times included piment (also spelled pyment) which was a mead in which wine was used in the place of water; hippocras, a spiced variant of piment; sack mead, which had a high alcohol content; melomel which was made from fruit juices and honey. For those, who would like to try to make their own white mead, here is an old recipe, dated about 1720. "To every gallon of Water add a Pint of Honey and half a Pound Loaf Sugar (white granulated sugar will do as well); stir in the Whites of Eggs (four), beat to a Froth, and boil it as long as any scum arises. When 'tis cold work it with Yeast, and to every Gallon put the Juice and Peel of a large Lemon. Stop it up when it has done working and Bottle in ten Days." Since honey wines are said to not give hangovers, USE MEAD IN GOOD HEALTH and TO GIVE CHEER OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON! -30- 11 December 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JIFFY YULE LOGS Have you ever made jiffy yule logs to give you brightly colored flames in your fire- place during the Christmas season? Alberta Agriculture's district home economists at the home economics laboratory suggest that you use 2 pounds of coarse salt; 2 ounces each of one or all the coloring salts: strontium nitrate (red), calcium nitrate (yellow), calcium chloride (orange), potassium chlorate (violet), borax (green) and copper sulphate (blue); 2 pounds of bluestone and paraffin wax. Combine the bluestone, coarse salt and the desired coloring salts in a cardboard box such as an oatmeal carton. Then, using a wooden spoon, put a small portion of the mixture into colored paper baking cups. Do not fill the cups more than two-thirds full. Melt the paraffin wax (old candle ends can be used) over hot water. Cool it to lukewarm, and pour a layer of about a quarter-of-an-inch thick over the contents in each cup. If the wax is too hot when you pour it into the cups, it will spoil their shape. The above ingredients make about 90 jiffy yule logs. An alternative way of making colored flames is to pour a small tin of soot remover (available from many hardware stores for cleaning chimneys) over the wood or coal in your fire- place. -30- 'hone (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE 12 December 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOLIDAY PLANTS If you would like to keep the plant you receive for Christmas attractive and healthy during the holiday season, and if you would like to try to re-flower it, here is how Alberta Agricul- ture's horticultural specialist, Chris Campbell, suggests you do it. Poinsettia The poinsettia, which is the traditional Christmas plant, likes a well-lighted, draft- free location. In fact, this plant will tolerate a warm temperature as long as it gets enough light. The newer varieties come in numerous colors and sizes and many hold their bracts (colored leaves) much longer than the older varieties used to do. Poinsettias can be planted in indoor hanging baskets, providing they are hung where there is plenty of light. As with any house plant, correct watering is crucial to a healthy poinsettia. It should be given enough water at one time for the water to run out of the hole in the bottom of the pot, and then left until the soil becomes dry. It is a good idea to fertilize a poinsettia two weeks after you receive it, and then once a month. A water-soluble, complete fertilizer (one containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) is recommended for poinsettias and other gift plants. To re-flower a poinsettia, you should continue to water and fertilize it after it has bloomed, and give it as much light as possible. When the danger of frost is over, you can put it in the garden (sink the pot into the ground). A poinsettia should be planted in full sunlight, and you should pinch the plant back to promote branching. In the fall, take your poinsettia indoors before the first frost, and, starting in October, give it 1 2 hours a day of darkness until December 1 . You can do this by putting it in a cupboard or covering it with a black cloth every evening at 8 p.m. and bringing it out again at 8 a.m. the next morning. Even a faint light during the dark period will prevent the plant from re-flowering. Christmas Cactus Keep Christmas cacti in full sun, and keep the soil uniformly moist. While the plant is actively growing, fertilize it every month with a weak solution of a water-soluble fertilizer. /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE ne (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Holiday Plants (cont'd) To get your cactus to re-flower the following Christmas, you should keep it actively growing until fall. Then give it 12 hours a day of darkness in a location where the temperature is about 1 2°C. and reduce watering. Do not fertilize it during this period. Resume watering and fertilizing your cactus when buds start to appear, and move it into room temperature. Kalanchoe The Kalanchoe, like the poinsettia, prefers a well-lighted location. It should be well watered, and then allowed to dry out before it is rewatered, and it should be fertilized every month while it is actively growing. To get this attractive house plant to re-flower next Christmas, keep it actively grow- ing (pinch back new growth and remove flowers when they fade) until September. Then put it where it will get 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness for four to six weeks. During this period water it thoroughly when the soil dries out, and fertilize it every two weeks until it comes into bloom. Amaryllis The amaryllis also likes a well-lighted area. It should be fertilized once a month, and the soil should be kept uniformly moist. Remove the blossoms when they fade to prevent them from form- ing seeds. When the leaves turn yellow in the fall, reduce frequency of watering and discon- tinue fertilizing the plant. When the bulb becomes dormant, discontinue watering for six to eight weeks. At the end of this period, you can resume watering and fertilizing. The bulb will start growing within two weeks and will bloom in four to six weeks. Azaleas Azaleas remain in bloom from mid-winter until early spring, but are difficult to keep from one year to another without a greenhouse. They like indirect lighting and a temperature of between 15°and 18° C. They should be kept moist and fertilized about every six weeks. If you want to try re-flowering your Azalea, you should put it in a lightly shaded area of the garden (in its pot) when the danger of frost is past. Cover the soil around the plant - (cont'd) - Holiday Plants (cont'd) with peat moss and pinch off rapidly-growing shoots in late June. Keep the soil moist, and fertilize the plant every six weeks with a fertilizer which leaves an acidic residue in the soil. Bring your azalea into the ho jse before the firs" frost and put it in plenty of light, and in a location where the temperature is anout 10°C. Keep it there until November. Without this cool period, the plant will bloom irregularly. In November bring the plant into bloom by gradually increasing the temperature to between 15° and 18° C. Re-flowering should begin six to 10 weeks after the temperature is increased. Cyclamen Cyclamens are difficult to re-flower and to keep blooming. In fact, to get them to keep their blooms for any length of time, they must be kept in a cool temperature. (10°to 15°C. at night), fertilized once a month and watered frequently until the flowers fade. If you want to try to re-flower a cyclamen, put it in a cool, dry place when it stops blooming and reduce its water. In late July, repot the bulb, leaving half of it above the soil, and put the pot in the garden or in a cold frame. Keep the soil moist and protect the plant from the hot sun. It is not necessary to fertilize cyclamens during this period. In September bring the plant back into the house, and put it in a coo! window or in a greenhouse until it flowers. Hydrangea The hydrangea is also difficult to keep from year to year. When in bloom, it re- quires a lot of water, moderate lighting, a fairly cool temperature and fertilizing about once a month. If you want to try to get this plant to re-flower, you should cut it back to a third of its original height when it has finished blooming, and repot it in fresh potting soil. When there is no longer any danger of frost, put it in a shady place in the garden, water it and fertilize it every four to six weeks during the summer. If you want blue flowers, use a water-soluble aluminum sul- fate fertilizer. If you want pink flowers, use a high phosphate water-soluble fertilizer (15-30-15). Another way to get blue flowers is to add two tablespoonsful of ground limestone per quart of potting soil when you repot the plant after it has finished blooming. - (cont'd) - 15 -4 - Holiday Plants (cont'd) In early August, put your hydrangea in full sunlight to promote bud-setting. Con- tinue fertilizing until it flowers. After this second flowering in the fall, bring the plant indoors and store it in a cool, dark place at a temperature of below 10°C. This procedure forces it into dor- mancy. In January gradually increase the heat, light and water until the plant is able to withstand full sunlight and a temperature of between 15°and 18° C. Blooms should appear again in late March. Chrysanthemums Chrysanthemums require a lot of light and a cold temperature. They also like plenty of moisture and should be fertilized after they have been blooming for about three weeks. Because of the high light requirement of these plants, they seldom bloom well for a second season, and only the hardy varieties can be transplanted out of doors for the summer. However, if you want to try your luck at forcing your chrysanthemum into a second flowering, you should cut it back after it has finished blooming and repot it. Keep the new growth pinched back to develop a bushy plant, and put the plant in the garden after the danger of spring frosts is passed. Bring it back into the house before the first fall frost, and give it at least 12 hours of com- plete darkness a day for nine to 1 1 weeks, depending upon the variety. Water it sparingly until the buds are well formed, and then put it in direct sunlight. -30- December 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAKING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS 16 Have you thought of making some of your own Christmas decorations this year? According to Marilyn Hemsing, clothing and textile specialist with Alberta Agriculture, all you need to make a colorful ball to hang on your front door or a Christmas tree of any size is some chicken wire, some colored tissue paper, a cord and a tube and base. Tissue paper of several shades is very effective and inexpensive. It can be obtained from the wrapping paper section of depart- ment stores. Hanging Ball The first step in maKing a hanging ball is to mold the wire into the shape of a ball (make it a bit smaller than you want the final ball) and tie a gold cord to the ball. If you want to add a velvet bow or a cluster of mistletoe, tie a thread or piece of string opposite the cord. Next cut the tissue paper along the folds that are in it when you take it out of the package. You should have squares that are approximately 10" x 10". To insert the squares in the ball, pick them up at the centre and push them into the holes of the wire. The edges of each square should stick out of the hole. When you have inserted tissue paper in all the holes, tie a piece of mistletoe or a velvet bow to the thread or string you tied to the ball earlier, and hang the ball up. Christmas Tree When you have decided on the height you want your tree, find a cardboard tube to use as a trunk that is suitable in weight and height. Wax paper tubes can be used for a small tree (e.g. a buffet table centre) and tubes used for rolls of carpet, plastic sheeting etc. can be used for a tree that is intended to stand on the floor. You can even make a seven foot tree if you have a suitable tube for its trunk. (cont'd) ie (403) 427 2127 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 17 -2- Making Christmas Decorations (cont'd) The next step is to get a piece of chicken wire that will give you the height of tree you want and the width you want at the base. Then cut out two triangular wedges on each side of what will be the point of the tree, and form the main piece of wire into a cone shape. Put it over the tube and secure it there. If your tree is small, you can use a thick piece c c styrofoam or a container of pebbles for a base. If it is large, you will need to fasten a circular piece of cardboard with a hole in the centre of the tube (trunk) to go through to the base of the wire cone. This cardboard circle is necessary to stabilize the cone. Put the tube in a pail or crock filled with wedges of wood and stones. Cut the tissue paper and stuff it into the wire mesh holes as you did for the hanging ball. If you want your tree to glitter, you can spray it with gold or silver paint or you can put glue on the tips of the paper (do only a small portion of the tree at a time) and then sprinkle glitter on the paper. - 30 - 18 December 19, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FARMER'S LETTER TO SANTA Old Santa sat in his easy chair, reading his letters from here and there, When all of a sudden "AHA" said he, the Alberta Farmers have written to me. I suppose they want a new fangled plow, or maybe some sort of a special cow, Oh well, he sighed, and shook his head, then opened the letter and slowly read: Dear Santa: We know we're asking for quite a lot, but there are so many things we haven't got, So we thought we'd ask you to try and find these gifts for us that we have in mind. A few less hoppers and a bit less rain, when harvest time rolls around again. We're tired of hail and wind storms here, so you needn't bother with them this year. Give us higher prices for eggs and cream, and lower prices for gasoline, Give us plenty of markets for all our grain, and a good cattle market once again. This is our list and at the top, what we really want is a bumper crop, And just one more thing ere your patience cracks, give us strength to master the income tax. Santa laughed and put the letter away, then stepped outside to look at the sleigh, And right on top by the dolls, pretty charmers, he placed a box of GOOD LUCK for Alberta Farmers! Author: Unkown -30- AGR ICULTURE ;403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS CA? "1 C * December 26, 1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Alberta Feed Freight Assistance Program Details 1 Weed Sprayer Monitors 3 Alberta Metric Road Map 4 Airdrie Food Laboratory 5 Convention of Alberta Goat Breeders Association 6 Heat Damage in Hay Silage 7 Fat Cow Syndrome 9 Research Project Underway to Solve Pesticide Drift Problem 11 Gasoline Tax Rebate 12 New Honey Recipe Book 13 Have You Hugged Your Kid Today? 14 1 December 26,1977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA FEED FREIGHT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DETAILS Following is an outline of the 1977 to 1978 federal-provincial Feed Freight Assistance Program recently announced by federal Agriculture Minister Eugene Whelan and Alberta Agriculture Minister Marvin Moore to help defray the cost of transporting forage into the area in the south of the province that suffered from severe drought last summer. The assistance applies to farmers who are located south of Highway No. 12, east of Highway No. 2 and south of Highway No. 1 and who have had to, or will have to, move forage from a distance of more than 50 miles into this designated area. Forage moved from one farm to another within the designated area is not eligible for assistance. The forage must be used for maintaining basic herds and flocks, regardless of whether they are owned or leased. It can be in the form of silage, straw or loose, baled or pro- cessed hay. The assistance does not apply to forage used for finishing livestock or to that used by feed lot operators or feed mills. The maximum assistance that can be claimed under the program by an individual farmer, a partnership or a corporation is $2,000. No assistance is provided on the first 50 miles that hay or straw is moved, but the rate for the next 100 miles is 10