OCTTBiqfl?

September 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

U.S. Cattlemen Visit Alberta On Goodwill Tour 1

Awards Offered For Projects Under The

Graduate Student Research Support Program 3

1982 Custom Silage Survey Rates 5

Beat The Rush - Feed Test Early 7

Influence Of Water And Hay On Wintering Young Horses 9

Alberta Environmental Centre Open House 11

4-H Express-ions And Horse Sense '82 12

Two Soil Salinity Specialists Appointed 13

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dbena

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2014

https ://arch i ve . o rg/detai I s/ag ri newsOOal be_1 8

1

September 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. CATTLEMEN VISIT ALBERTA ON GOODWILL TOUR

A recent visit to Alberta, August 22 to 25, by five prestigious cattlemen represent-
ing different facets of the U.S. cattle industry, specifically the Pacific Northwest, is of great
interest to Alberta cattlemen because of the important market potential for beef cattle and
meat to the Pacific Northwest.

The five visitors included two representatives from the Pacific International Live-
stock Exposition Inc., Earl A. Smith, president and chairman of the executive committee and
Dick Rathburn, general manager. The other three individuals were from the Oregon Cattle-
men's Association, Sam Dement, president, Donald Ostensoe, executive vice president and Bill
Ross, past president.

David Rous, Alberta Agriculture's international trade director for the U.S.,
explained that the visit had two purposes. Primarily, the visit was a goodwill tour to promote
the Pacific International Livestock Exposition taking place in Portland, Oregon, October 9 to
16. Equally important, these prominent individuals wished to observe our industry and take
part in an exchange of ideas and discussion of common problems facing the development of
the cattle industry.

To this end, the group had a busy itinerary for their four-day visit.

The response to a tour of a number of cattle operations was one of admiration for
Alberta's fine stock. The tour included Shawest Farms (Simmentals) southeast of Edmonton,
the Jack Olsen feedlot near Red Deer, Highland Stock Farms Ltd. (Limousin and Angus) near
Calgary as well as visits arranged by Alberta Canada All Breeds Association (ACABA) to Here-
ford and Brown Swiss breeders in the Cochrane area.

(cont'd) -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-212 1 P""'"^ Media Branch

-2-

2

U.S. Cattlemen Visit Alberta On Goodwill Tour (cont'd)

After a meeting with members of Edmonton Northlands Exhibition Associatic
the group toured the ground and was impressed by the existing facilities and the new Agri-
complex at the Edmonton Northlands Exhibition grounds. A similar meeting and tour were
arranged in Calgary with the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Association and representatives
from the Alberta Cattle Breeders Association and Round-up Livestock Show. They were
similarly impressed with these facilities and hoped that their state government could be as
supportive as our provincial government in assisting with the construction and operation of
these shows.

The itinerary also included a meeting with members of the Alberta Cattle Com-
mission to share views on tariff barriers, beef grading and promotional activities.

"Why aren't we one country?" was the sentiment expressed by the U.S. group
when they realized how similar the objectives and problems of the Canadian cattle industry
were to their own. They also concluded that the excursion had been worthwhile in cementing
relations between Oregon cattlemen and Alberta cattlemen.

Mr. Rous hopes for a reciprocal visit wherein a broad spectrum of our cattle
industry could tour facilities and exchange views with cattlemen from the Pacific Northwest
and the Western U.S.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

Septeryiber 6, 1982

3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AWARDS OFFERED FOR PROJECTS UNDER THE GRADUATE
STUDENT RESEARCH SUPPORT PROGRAM

Under the Graduate Student Research Support Program, a sub-program of Farm-
ing for the Future, eighteen projects have been offered awards totalling $' 23,650.

The awards are for the purpose of supporting and encouraging graduate student
research in the agricultural sciences. Through the program the training of new scientists in the
agricultural field will be encouraged as well as the development of new agricultural technology.

The following projects have been offered awards under the program.

Project Title

Pathogenesis of nervous signs associated with bovine Enteric
Coccidiosis

Design and control of air inlets for ventilation of animal housing

Isolation and characterization of IBRV specific glycoproteins
and their relationship to immune recognition

Comparison of evaluation techniques used in meat research

The effect of live weight and fat loss on sow performance and
productivity

Effect of diet and cooking method on the quality attributes
and chemical composition of beef from bulls

Energy expenditure on ion transport in intestinal epithelium
and liver in sheep and cattle

Fat mobilization in dairy cows in early lactation

Bioenergetics of wapiti

Margin analysis and trends in consumer demand for Alberta
red meats and poultry

Cytological and biochemical characterization of the potential
B. genome donors of common wheat, Triticum aestivum

Implications to Alberta of remaining independent or participat-
ing in the National Chicken Marketing Plan

Applicant
Catherine Isler

Jeremy Leonard
Sylvia van den Hurk

Phyllis Shand
Erika Weltzien

Mary McKinley

Brian McBride

Elaine Sexton
William Watkins
James MacArthur

Kent Kerby

Meghann Douglas

(cont'd) -

(403) 427-21 21

/dlborra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

-2-

4

Awards Offered For Projects Under The

Graduate Student Research Support Program (cont'd)

Project Title

Patterns of fat deposition in mice selected for high six week
body weight

Development of chemical methods for predicting protein
quality (degradability) in dairy cow rations

The effects of long-term forage and grain production on
luvisolic soils

Study of pretest and on-test performance of R.O.P. boars

Crossfostering as a measure of direct and indirect genetic
effects in three lines of mice

Effects of boar exposure on puberty induction of the young
gilt

Applicant

R. Keith Salmon

Bonnie Kirkpatrick

Klaas Broersma

Bruce Allan
David Bailey

Franklin Evans

For more information on the program or individual projects contact the Secre-
tary, Farming for the Future, Alberta Agriculture, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5K 2C8.

30

Phone: (403) 427-2127

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Communications Division

September 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5

1982 CUSTOM SILAGE SURVEY RATES

Custom silage costs for 1982 have increased slightly from the 1981 survey rates,
reports Cheryl Porteous of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch.

Since the northern portion of the province has few livestock operators, the survey
ranges are given for three provincial regions. Region 1 is the area from the USA border to
Calgary, Region 2 is the area from Calgary to Olds, and Region 3 is the area from Olds to
Cam rose.

Swathing Costs ($ per acre)

1982 Most Common Charge for 1982

Region 1 — —

Region 2 $ 6 per acre (one report)

($30 per tonne)

Regions $4.50-$ 7.00 $6.50 -$7.00

($22.50 - $35 per tonne)

I

The 1981 surveyed rates for swathing were $2.50 - $7.50 per acre.

Forage Harvesting and Hauling ($ per tonne)

1982 Most Common Charge for 1982

Region 1 $ 6.25 -$ 9.00 $6.25 - $6.75

($31.25- $45 per hour)

Region 2 $ 6.25 - $ 6.35 -

($31.25- $31.75 per hour)

Region 3 $ 5.25 (one report)

($30 per hour)

In 1981, the forage hauling survey rates were $24 - $31 per hour and forage
harvesting costs were $60 - $1 00 per hour.

Most custom operators will charge for a complete operation. This charge usually
covers the cost of cutting, hauling and ensiling and occasionally the cost of swathing the
forage.

- (cont'd)

/dlberta

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2127 Communications Division

-2-

6

1982 Custom Silage Survey Rates (cont'd)

Complete Operation Costs ($ per hour)

1982 Most Common Charge for 1982

Regiori 1 $90 - $150

($18 - $30 per tonne)

Region 2 $135 -$215 $160 -$190

($ 8.75 per tonne)

Regions $96 $210 $96 -$115

($19.20 - $42 per tonne)

Complete system charges for 1981 ranged from $9.00 - $34.00 per tonne, which
works out to approximately $45 - $170 per hour.

This information is compiled annually by Unifarm monitors in co-operation with
Alberta Agriculture. For further information contact your local district agriculturist or the
Farm Business Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM IPO.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-2127

Ahexia

AGRICULTURE
Communications Division

September 6, 1982

7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEAT THE RUSH - FEED TEST EARLY

Beat the rush and submit your feed sample for analysis as early as possible. In
order to get early results submit your samples before late fall and early winter, when all your
neighbors are submitting their samples.

This timely advice comes from Ron Weisenburger of Alberta Agriculture's animal
industry division who says that much of this year's hay crop can be expected to be of less than
average feeding value as a result of summer weather conditions. In parts of the province
drought severely reduced available feed supplies, while in other parts of the province heavy
rain in July resulted in delayed harvesting and weathering of a considerable amount of this
year's hay crop.

In order to determine the actual feeding value of your feeds they should be
analysed for nutrient content. If you have the results of your feed analysis before the feeding
period begins, your feed test results will assist in developing the best possible feeding program
for your livestock.

The proper application of feed test results will allow you to optimize your feed
resources. Underfeeding livestock will limit their production; overfeeding livestock will be a
waste of resources. Feed test results will help to determine what supplements to use and in
what quantities in the ration. If you want assistance in developing a feeding program you can
make use of Alberta Agriculture's ration advisory service. This sen/ice is provided by highly
qualified nutritionists and is free for the asking to Alberta farmers by contacting your nearest
district agriculturist office.

Protect your investment in feed testing by ensuring that the samples you submit
are representative. If the samples are not representative the testing results will be misleading
and, consequently, of little value.

Phone: (403) 427-2127

- (cont'd) -

/dlborra

AGRICULTURE
Comnnunications Division

8

-2-

Beat The Rush — Feed Test Early (cont'd)

When sampling baled roughages, Mr. Weisenburger advocates the use of a specially
designed core sampling tool which is available from your district agriculturist. Take samples
from at least 15 different bales or places in the stack. Place the core samples directly into
polyethylene sample bags to avoid the loss of leaves.

For sampling loose or cut roughages, or silages, it is best to take the sample by
hand because of the difficulty of obtaining a sample with a core sampling tool. Take samples
from at least 15 different locations in the stack or silo. Put the samples in a pail and mix
thoroughly. Take a sample from the pail and put it into the polyethylene sample bag, avoiding
leaf loss. If the roughage is very dry put the sample directly into the polyethylene sample bag.

At this time of the year the most convenient and effective way to sample grains is
to collect small amount of grain in a pail from each truck load that is being augered into the
storage bin. If you have to sample from a storage bin, try to use a bin probe to collect your
sample. You should probe at least 15 different locations in the bin and put the samples in
a pail. Then mix the grain in the pail thoroughly and transfer a sample to a polyethylene
sample bag.

Mr. Weisenburger says if you are having your feeds analysed at the Agricultural
Soil and Feed Testing Laboratory in Edmonton you can pick up sample kits, and feed and
ration information forms from your district agriculturist. If you are having your feeds
analysed at a private lab, please contact the lab of your choice directly.

- 30-

/^Ibcrra

AGRir-

Phone: (403) 427-2127 nunicationo L^iv,.iL.n

9

September 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INFLUENCE OF WATER AND HAY ON WINTERING YOUNG HORSES

Providing horses with water during the winter can have a significant effect on
body condition when spring arrives, says Bob Coleman of Alberta Agriculture's horse industry
branch.

This was the outcome of a study conducted by the horse industry branch of
Alberta Agriculture and the staff of the equine studies program of Lakeland College. During
the winter of 1981-82 the effects on young horses of having to eat snow and to forage for grass
were compared to the effect of getting water from a heated waterer and receiving supplemental
hay feeding.

The trial included three treatment groups. One group received hay free choice,
but had to eat snow as a water source (group 1 ), the second group was fed hay free choice, and
had water free choice from a hsated watering bowl (group 2). The third group had unlimited
access to winter pasture and snow, but did not receive any supplemental feed or water (group
3).

Each group was comprised of five long yearling colts with an average age of 18
months. Prior to January 1 all 15 colts were maintained as a single group and were weighed
every 28 days beginning in September to establish weight gain patterns on each horse. The
100-day trial began January 1 . Data collected included body weights every 28 days, kg of hay
offered groups 1 and 2 (9.5 kg/head/day), hair coat condition, body condition and general
attitude. Horses were observed every two days.

According to Mr. Coleman, the horses in group 3, receiving no supplemental feed
or water, showed a significant weight loss in comparison to the other two groups. The horses

- (cont'd) -

ne: (403) 427-2127

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

■ tions Division

-2-

10

Influence Of Water And Hay On Wintering Young Horses (cont'd)

ir> groups 1 and 2 were able to maintain their body weight and no significant differences be-
tween the groups were noted. However, there was a large degree of variability between horses
in all treatnnent groups.

Visual examination revealed certain differences which were broken down into the
following categories.

Attitude — Attitude was based on how the horses acted while on pasture, and
when handled on weigh day. The horses in group 2 always gave the impression of feeling good.
When being weighed the horses were more rambunctious and they spent a good part of their
time in the pasture running and playing. Group 1 , while not as playful in the pasture as group
2, did act as though they were feeling good on the trip to and from the weigh shed. Group 3
horses appeared to be a very quiet group, spending considerable amounts of time eating and
having to be persuaded and coaxed from the pasture to the weigh shed and back to the
pasture.

Hair coat — Hair coat condition differences were very noticeable. The horses
which did not receive water had very coarse and rough hair coats while the horses getting
water had a dense normal winter hair coat. In addition, the horses which received water
tended to shed out earlier in the year and, in general, were slick and shiny sooner than the
horses which did not receive any water.

Body condition — All the horses were condition scored using the TEXAS A+M
System for scoring body condition. This was done at the start of the trial in September, again
in January, and then on the last two weigh days. All horses on the pasture-snow treatment
(group 3) showed a reduction in body condition while they were on pasture. The groups
receiving hay (groups 1 and 2) did not show a change in body condition. This lack of change
follows closely with the fact that these two groups receiving hay also maintained their weight.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2127

-3-

11

Influence Of Water And Hay On Wintering Young Horses (cont'd)

The horses maintained on pasture with no supplemental feed or water were
unable to maintain body condition as well as the horses receiving hay and/or water. This
inability to maintain body condition was observed despite the fact that there were ample
amounts of forage available.

In summary, states Mr. Coleman, young horses lose weighr and condition when
only allowed pasture and snow during the winter. When hay and snow are provided, horses
maintain their weight but are slower to recover condition when spring arrives. By providing
free choice water and hay during the winter, the condition of young horses in the spring is
greatly enhanced.

- 30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE OPEN HOUSE

The Alberta Environmental Centre, Vegreville will be holding an open house on
Wednesday, September 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Featured at the open house will be
explanations of work being done in plant sciences, animal sciences, chemistry and environ-
mental technology plus a variety of displays.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2127

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

September 6, 1982

12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4-H EXPRESS-IONS AND HORSE SENSE '82

Three-hundred 4-H members and leaders from across the province attended "4-H
Express-ions" and "Horse Sense '82" sponsored by Alberta Agriculture and United Farmers of
Alberta Cooperative Ltd at Olds College, August 9 to 1 1 .

4-H Express-ions has a variety of features which distinguish it from other provin-
cial 4-H programs. It is the only provincial program which includes junior members ( 10 to 13
years), senior members (14 to 21 years), and 4-H leaders. This format provides a perfect sett-
ing where leaders and members can share new ideas and learn from each other. All of the
sessions focus on new ideas for each participant to take back to their clubs. Low-keyed comp-
etitions are also a part of this program.

Sessions offered cover such topics as small engines, photography, modelling and
flower arranging and are led by knowledgeable resource people many of whom are staff at
Olds College. District home economists participate as resource people for sessions and assist
as judges in the numerous competitions offered.

In its fourth year of operation. Horse Sense '82 attracted representatives from
30 4-H light horse clubs across the province and provided members with an opportunitv to
broaden their knowledge of the judging of demonstrations and the judging of project skills.
Events featured at this year's Horse Sense '82 program included a horse bowl competition,
seminars and judging contests in western equitation, showmanship and conformation.

Both programs were very successful this year in providing participants with new
Ideas for their clubs and helping them make new friends.

In order to get a better idea about what "4-H Express-ions" and "Horse Sense
'82" are all about, film footage taken at the program will be shown on the television program
4-H Club Time, this fall. Check your TV schedule for time and date.

- 30

Phone: (403) 427-2127

/dlborra

AGRICULTURE
Connnnunications Division

13

September 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TWO SOIL SALINITY SPECIALISTS APPOINTED

Controlling soil salinity on dryland in south-central Alberta will be the work
facing two soils specialists recently appointed by Alberta Agriculture says Adolph Goettel,
head of the soils branch.

John Timnnermans, working out of the Airdrie regional office, has been appointed
as a salinity specialist and will be primarily responsible for extension of known methods of
controlling salinity under dryland agriculture. Extension includes the dissemination of infor-
mation through meetings and the media and the demonstration of control methods such as
cropping, use of tolerant crops and excess water removal. Field investigations prior to the
adoption of any control measure will also be one of Mr. Timmermans' duties. His services
can be obtained by contacting your district agriculturist.

Mr. Timmermans grew up on a farm near Vauxhall and has a B.Sc. in agriculture
and M.Sc. in soil science from the University of Alberta. He was formerly an agronomist with
Western Co-operative Fertilizers Ltd.

Don Wentz, formerly district agriculturist at Lethbridge, has been appointed
as a crops and soils specialist. His main duty will be to provide on-farm specialist services to
individual farmers, groups and associations.

One such association is the Warner Dryland Salinity Control Association. This
group was formed to promote the adoption of cropping practices to reduce salinity. Field
investigations include drilling and sampling. Part of the program is to locate areas causing salt
accumulation and encourage control measures. Farmer co-operation is of prime importance as
recharge areas may not always be located on land which has an immediate salinity problem.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2127

14

- 2 -

Two Soil Salinity Specialists Appointed (cont'd)

Mr. Wentz will be responsible for liaison with farmers and farmer groups throughout Alberts
and with those in Montana where a similar problem exists.

Mr. Wentz has considerable experience in farming, has a B.Sc. in agriculture from
Montana State University and is working on an M.Ag. degree at the University of Alberta. He
has held a number of positions with Alberta Agriculture since 1971 including farm manage-
ment instructor, irrigation specialist and district agriculturist.

Both specialists will be working with Mr. Hank Vander Pluym whose role is to
develop controls in co-operation with Agriculture Canada, PFRA and Alberta Environment.

-30-

hone. \40^i

OCT 1

September 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Agriculture On The Move

A Policy Statement On Grain Transportation 1

Prepare Your Cows For Winter 3

What Is A Bale? 5

Taking Stock 1982 — Outlook Conference For The Livestock Industry 7

Beef Production Management Program At Fairview College 8

Transplanting Alberta Trees And Shrubs 10

Executive Director, International Marketing Appointed 11

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dbena

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

September 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGRICULTURE ON THE MOVE
A POLICY STATEMENT ON GRAIN TRANSPORTATION

Dallas Schmidt, Minister of Agriculture, and Hugh Planche, Minister of Economic
Development, have released a statement outlining Alberta's objectives, principles and recom-
mendations with respect to western grain transportation.

The policy statement was a result of input from various individuals and groups
with an interest in grain transportation. Of particular significance were contributions from
Alberta farm organizations which held an extensive series of meetings with their memberships
in order to make constructive recommendations to Dr. Gilson and the Alberta government.

Other contributions to Alberta's policy came from the Red Deer Agriculture
Conference held earlier this summer and constituent representations to their MLA's. The
policy statement was prepared by a caucus committee chaired by LeRoy Fjordbotten, MLA
for Macleod.

The ministers stated that the Alberta government views the Gilson report as a
good starting point in addressing the issue of the Crowsnest freight rate structure and empha-
sized that involvement of the participants, and others, in further consultation is still required.
But, the ministers stressed. Dr. Gilson's report offers the beginning of a solution which will
enable the livestock and agricultural processing industries to realize more of their potential,
and at the same time recognizes cost implications to the transportation industry.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

2

-2-

/Agriculture On The Move

A Policy Statement On Grain Transportation (cont'd)

Ministers Schmidt and Planche pointed out that the statement also identified a
number of outstanding issues on which the federal government must act if Alberta farmers,
ranchers and food processors are not to be penalized through a change in the Crow rate.

Anyone wishing a copy of "Alberta's Grain Transportation Policy" should
contact their nearest district office of Alberta Agriculture.

- 30-

3

September 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PREPARE YOUR COWS FOR WINTER

Management of your cow herd during late summer and early fall sets the stage for
the type of feeding program that will be needed during the winter feeding period.

Ron Weisenburger of Alberta Agriculture's animal industry division feels that
under many management systems in Alberta, a producer will concentrate on the growth of
calves and ignore the condition of the cow at this time of the year. If pasture quantity or
quality is less than adequate during late summer and early fall the growth rate of the calf will
decrease and cows will lose both body weight and condition.

The body condition of cows entering the winter season can have a significant
effect on the amount and quality of feed they will need. Cows in thin condition in the fall
must gain weight throughout the winter. As a result, they must be fed either good quality
forage or an average quality forage with some grain. On the other hand, cows that are in good
condition in early winter need only enough feed to maintain their weight until calving. In this
case poor quality hay or good straw can be the major component of the feeding program. If
cows are in good condition in early winter, you can feed a good quality straw for as much as
75 per cent of the cows' diet with the exception of the six-week period before calving when
more energy intake will be required.

Needless to say, states Mr. Weisenburger, it is more expensive to feed a thin cow
to gain weight and condition during the winter than it is to maintain a cow already in good
condition.

In order to have cows maintain or gain condition during the late summer and
early fall, either the cows must have access to good quality pasture or the demands on the cow

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

-2-

4

Prepare Your Cows For Winter (cont'd)

for milk production must be decreased or removed completely. If your cows are already relat-
ively thin at this time of the year, Mr. Weisenburger advises you to consider the following
options.

1. Wean your calves now instead of waiting until November or December. This
will allow your cows to gain some condition on most pastures before winter.

2. Begin creep-feeding your calves. This will reduce the demand on the cow to
produce milk and will help her regain condition for the winter.

3. If the pasture quantity is limited, consider feeding some grain or hay to your
cows while they are still on pasture.

4. Since the protein content of many pastures, especially native range, is low in
the fall, your cattle may respond to supplemental protein, such as liquid protein supplement.
However, liquid supplements are an expensive form of energy and if enough grass is not avail-
able the cattle will consume costly amounts.

5. Consider grazing stubble fields, regrowth on hay, pasture and forage seed pro-
duction fields, slough, bush and roadside areas. This can extend your grazing season even if
some supplemental feed may be needed.

- 30 -

5

September 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHAT IS A BALE?

Hay is one of the most frequently bought and sold livestock feeds, with trans-
actions usually made on the basis of a bale of hay. Yet, the bale is a vaguely defined amount
in both quantity and quality.

Myron Bjorge of Alberta Agriculture's field crops branch points out these dis-
crepancies in quantity and quality. Large round hay bales may range in weight from 365 to
1,100 kg (from less than 800 lb to more than 2,400 lb). Small square bales can easily vary
from 18 to 32 kg (approximately 40 to 70 lb or more). Quality is based mainly on the visible
condition of the hay (i.e. the amount of weathering that occurred during harvest). Using hay
condition as the major criteria for estimating quality, however, can sometimes be very mis-
leading.

The following suggestions from Mr. Bjorge can be used for a more accurate
measure of hay quality and quantity.

1 . Purchase hay only on the basis of actual bale weight not on estimated weight
by bale size.

2. Determine the percentage of legume in the hay. Average analysis of hay by
the Soil & Feed Testing Laboratory from 1976 to 1980 showed that legume
hay has approximately seven per cent more crude protein than grass hay.

If the hay is to be used as a source of protein, this difference can amount to
$44 per tonne ($40 per ton), based on the present value of beef cattle protein
supplements.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2127

I

y^lborra

AGRICULTURE
Connmunications Division

6

-2-

What Is A Bale? (cont'd)

Legume hay, especially alfalfa, is more digestible than grass hay and therefore,
somewhat higher in value even when fed as a major energy source. The diff-
erence between average legume hay and grass hay amounts to about $7,70 per
tonne ($7.00 per ton), when you consider energy value and compare the hays
to barley grain and straw.

3. Determine the stage of maturity at harvest time by examining the hay. The
quality of hay decreases rapidly as maturity advances. Legumes should not
be more mature than early bloom, and grasses should be in a stage before
flowering to have a high feed value. Leafiness of hay should also be assessed
since leaves contain most of the nutrients.

4. Assess the condition of the hay. The amount of weathering is important since
it relates to retention of nutrients as well as palatability to livestock. The loss
of leaf material will also be directly affected by weathering.

Whenever possible, obtain a feed analysis to reduce the guesswork involved in
establishing hay values and to determine what quantities of various nutrient sources to feed.
This is especially important this year since quality may be much lower than normal as a result
of a late harvest and adverse weather conditions. - .

What is a bale? Mr. Bjorge concludes that a bale is nothing more than a bunch of
hay tied or wrapped together for storage or transit. Don't purchase and pay for hay on the
basis of a bale! .

-30-

September 13, 1982

7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAKING STOCK 1982 - OUTLOOK CONFERENCE
FOR THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

Register early for Alberta Agriculture's cattle and hog outlook conference, Taking
Stock 1982, to be held October 13 and 14, 1982 at the Capri Centre, Red Deer.

Now is the time for gathering information to help you manage in today's econ-
omic climate. Taking Stock will provide you with an up-to-date market outlook for cattle and
hogs, and an analysis of economic conditions and how they affect Alberta livestock producers.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear and question leading market analysts in the livestock in-
dustry.

Taking Stock will feature speakers from both Canada and the United States
presenting the Canadian and American cattle and hog outlooks, as well as feedgrain and pro-
tein supplements outlook. In addition, exchange and interest rates, general economic outlook,
and long term prospects for the livestock industry will be examined.

Three registration plans are offered: $55 for the conference, proceedings and
meals; $35 for the conference and proceedings; $15 for proceedings only. Conference registra-
tion is limited to 400 and for those wanting the $55 plan, the deadline for registration is Sept-
ember 29.

Taking Stock 1982 begins Wednesday, October 13 at 1 1 :00 a.m. with registration
and a complimentary luncheon. The conference winds up with a luncheon and speaker on
Thursday afternoon.

The Taking Stock program and registration form is available from your district
office or the Market Analysis Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton,
Alberta (Phone: 427-5383).

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

September 13, 1982

8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEEF PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
AT FAIRVIEW COLLEGE

An intensive Beef Production Managennent program w II be offered by Fairview
College commencing October 25, 1982 and running until February 24, 1983. The 16-week
certificate program has been designed to meet the needs of cattle producers, breeders and
others interested in the management of beef cattle operations.

In developing the program, Fairview College has drawn upon the resources and
assistance of many well-known western Canadian cattlemen who advised the college on matters
of curriculum design and content.

Beef Production Management will cover six major areas.

"Marketing and Production Economics" will include the present status of the
industry, marketing systems, economics of production and promotion of the industry.

"Beef Cattle Nutrition" will cover basic nutrition feedstuffs, requirements, ration
formulation and related nutritional problems.

"Breeding and Selection" includes the physiology of reproduction, basic genetics,
inheritance, selection, breeding systems, performance testing and an A.I. program.

"Beef Cattle Management" will include calving management, problems, facilities,
sanitation and management practices such as tagging, branding, castration and dehorning.
Brood cow management will cover all aspects of breeding and feeding for maximum returns.
Bull management will include selection and reproductive performance information.

"Forages and Pasture Management" will deal with forage handling systems,
varieties and management procedures.

"Beef Cattle Facilities" will deal with handling and housing with regard to cattle

psychology.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diborra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

9

- 2 -

Beef Production Management Program At Fairview College (cont'd)

"Introduction to Feedlot Management", the final selection, will provide a basic
awareness of feedlot operations and include such subjects as sanitation, diseases and financial
management.

Fairview College has been fortunate to acquire the services of John Milne, a
Peace country cattle producer, as the instructor for Beef Cattle Management. Mr. Milne
has run his own cattle operation in Fairview for eight years. Prior to this he worked as a
district agriculturist for five years and as a regional livestock supervisor for the Peace River
district for nine years. Mr. Milne is a graduate of both Lakeland College and the University
of Alberta and has served as president of the Peace River Stock Grower's Association.

"I plan to make Beef Production Management a very practical, hands-on course,"
says Mr. Milne. "In addition to using the college's classroom, lab and farm facilities, I will be
calling on other cattlemen in the region to give students experience with their operations."

Beef Cattle Management runs from October 25, 1982 through February 24, 1983.
Tuition is $180 for the full course with an additional fee of $36.50 to cover registration,
student association fees and other miscellaneous expenses.

Accommodation for students is available in the college's 500-bed residence village.
Dormitory and apartment accommodations are available at $90 per month for single students
and $320 per month for families.

As the program is intended primarily for those interested in management careers
in the cattle business, preference will be given to applicants with a minimum of Alberta Grade
1 1 or equivalent and at least two years experience in cattle production.

For further information contact Fairview College, Box 3000, Fairview, Alberta,

TOH 1 LO.

-30-

September 13, 1982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRANSPLANTING ALBERTA TREES AND SHRUBS

Transplanting involves three distinct operations — the initial digging,
the moving and the replanting of the tree or shrub at the new site.

A recent publication put out by Alberta Agriculture entitled "Trans-
planting Alberta Trees and Shrubs" outlines the most desirable methods and proce-
dures for transplanting.

Plant selection is an important aspect of successful transplanting. Some
trees will move easily and adapt readily to a new environment, while others will
move and survive only under optimum conditions. The time of year a tree or shrub
is moved will affect its survival as will its preparation for planting.

Proper digging and protection of roots are illustrated in numerous
drawings and photographs in the publication. The final section covers planting the
tree or shrub in its new environment to ensure its survival.

Copies of "Transplanting Alberta Trees and Shrubs" are available from
the Print Media Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5K 2C8.

- 30 -

10

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 P''''^^ Media Branch

1 1

September 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL
MARKETING APPOINTED

Mr. B.D. Mehr, assistant deputy minister of marketing, Alberta Agriculture, has
announced the appointment of Cliff F. Wulff as executive director of Alberta Agriculture's
international marketing group, effective immediately.

Mr. Wulff assumes the executive director position after being the department's
international trade director for the European market for the past two years. As executive
director, Mr. Wulff's new duties will include responsibility for the department's market devel-
opment and assistance programs. These programs emphasize the optimizing of producer
returns from the export marketing of Alberta's commodities, processed products and technical
services. The sector also encourages the utilization of international opportunities for the
further development of the province's food processing industry.

Mr. Wulff holds a B.Sc. in agriculture and a M.B.A. degree, both from the Univer-
sity of Alberta. He brings considerable experience to the position including an extensive man-
agement, administrative and marketing background as general manager of the Prince Edward
Island Land Development Corporation; as regional development officer with the federal de-
partment of regional economic expansion and as chief of the livestock, meat and dairy prod-
ucts division of the federal department of industry, trade and commerce.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

9 (

OCT J

September 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Alberta Feed Barley Futures Market 1

Warble Infestations Drop Dramatically In Alberta 3

High Quality Beef Shipped To U.K 4

Are Hay Prices Too High? 6

Dairy And Beef Cattle Al Courses 9

Arrange Winter Feed Sources Early 10

Home Canning Vegetables 11

Food Scientist Appointed At Horticultural Research Center 13

Acting Regional Livestock Supervisor Appointed 14

Dairy Farm Specialist Appointed 15

District Home Economists-In-Training Appointed 16

Phone: (403) 427-2121

y^bGria

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

1

September 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA FEED BARLEY FUTURES MARK ET_

Alberta Agriculture Minister Dailas Schnriidt has announced that thie province is
entering into an agreement with the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange to start an Alberta Feed
Barley Futures Market. This, said Mr. Schmidt, is another initiative of the Government of
Alberta in support of the grain industry - one that is of major benefit to both the feed grain
producer and user. The Winnipeg Commodity Exchange, in co-operation with the Alberta
Securities Exchange, has agreed to commence trading in feed barley futures contracts.
Delivery will be in-store at Calgary with alternate delivery points at Lethbridge and Edmonton.
The elevators of Alberta Terminals Limited will be utilized.

The Alberta Government will provide start up assistance of $250,000 and the
exchange is committed to continue the market for at least three years. The operation will
commence late in 1982 or early in 1983.

Mr. Schmidt said that the agreement with the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange
will satisfy the needs of Alberta producers and Alberta consumers of feed barley. Both groups
will have increased confidence and ability to plan future operations oy having a more stable
market price and the ability to hedge. The successful use of futures contracts will depend on
the Canadian Wheat Board providing adequate quotas or exempting futures contracts from
quotas.

- (cont'd) -

Ahexia

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

Alberta Feed Barley Futures Market (cont'd)

To encourage involvement by Alberta businesses, the Winnipeg Commodity
Exchange has agreed to offer members of the Alberta Stock Exchange admission to the Winni-
peg Commodity Exchange on favored terms. It is also prepared to arrange direct quotations,
transmissions and communications between the two trading facilities. The Winnipeg Commod-
ity Exchange will also co-operate with the Alberta Stock Exchange in other mutually supp-
ortive projects in the future.

- 30-

3

September 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WARBLE INFESTATIONS DROP DRAMATICALLY IN ALBERTA

Alberta Agriculture's warble monitoring system has recorded a dramatic drop in
warble infested cattle carcasses.

Dr. AN Khan, livestock pest control specialist with Alberta Agriculture's beef
cattle and sheep branch, reports that the examination of slaughter cattle in packing plants in
Alberta by federal meat and hygiene inspectors during the past spring showed that only 6 per
cent of the carcasses were infested compared with 14 per cent in 1980 and 44 per cent in
1968. Dr. Khan also reports that this reduction in warble infestations in Alberta cattle has
been confirmed by data obtained from auction market inspections.

He attributes the dramatic drop in warble infested cattle carcasses during the past
two years to the continual treatment of cattle in both the fall and the spring and to the persis-
tant efforts of agricultural service board fieldmen. He says they have carried out their area
warble control and enforcement programs with great diligence.

The Calgary director of field services for the Canadian Meat Council, Ron Tolton,
says grubby cattle carcasses have cost Alberta packers a great deal of money in the past, and
that the greatly reduced number of grubby carcasses recorded in 1982, compared with other
years, will save the beef industry thousands of dollars. He also says that Alberta Agriculture
staff and agricultural service board fieldmen should be congratulated on the warble control
results they have achieved as should the federal meat hygience inspectors whose in-plant
inspections made last spring's survey possible.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

September 20, 1982

4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIGH QUALITY BEEF SHIPPED TO U.K.

The first container of Alberta beef has been shipped by Canada Safeway 's Export
Development Department in Edmonton to the United Kingdom under the European Economic
Community's (EEC) 10,000 tonne quota of high quality beef.

According to Cliff Wulff of Alberta Agriculture's international marketing group,
prospects for the shipment of additional containers of Alberta beef to the U.K. in the near
future look very promising. He reports that a number of U.K. companies were encouraged to
apply for licenses to import high quality Alberta beef during a reception that was held at
Alberta House in London last summer, and that the present shipment is just the beginning of
U.K. beef imports from Alberta.

High quality beef in terms of EEC markets refers to Canadian A2, A3 and A4
steers and heifers. The cuts that have been shipped to the U.K. are similar to those that are
supplied to Alberta restaurants that serve better quality beef, and they come mainly from the
hindquarters of the steer or heifer.

Alberta Agriculture's international marketing group is presently investigating
three other EEC markets. They are the Netherlands, West Germany and Switzerland. Since
beef promotional activities in these countries are still very much in the preliminary stages,
Mr. Wulff does not expect a substantial quantity of high quality Alberta beef to be exported
to them until at least the first part of 1983. However, he says he is very encouraged by the
reception Alberta's high quality beef cuts have received to date, and that it is only a matter of
time before these countries start importing our beef. He also points out that at the present
time Alberta Agriculture's international marketing group's main promotional efforts are being
directed towards the United Kingdom and West Germany because of their large volume poten-
tial.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

-2-

High Quality Beef Shipped To U.K. (cont'd)

The ECC market development efforts have been made by Alberta Agriculture's
international marketing group in conjunction with the Alberta Cattlemen's Association,
Canada Safeway's Export Development Department and Alberta's packing plants. Mr. Wulff
says the time and effort put forward by these different groups is now bearing fruit and that it
is this kind of joint effort that is required to develop export markets. He also emphasized that
such efforts must be maintained if sales of high quality beef to EEC markets are to continue.

-30-

6

September 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARE HAY PRICES TOO HIGH?

With the winter feeding season fast approaching, it is tinne to make plans and
arrangements to obtain extra supplies of feed. For most of us the first thought, especially
with beef cow herds, is to purchase the extra hay needed to get our cattle through the winter.

Ron Weisenburger of Alberta Agriculture's animal industry division feels that too
often little thought is given to alternative feeding programs, or to what hay of various types
is worth in the feeding program. For example, purchasing a good quality alfalfa hay to use as
the major part of the ration of a wintering beef cow is a waste of money. A wintering beef
cow requires a ration containing a moderate amount of energy and a relatively low amount of
protein in relation to the needs of other types of cattle. Feeding an alfalfa ration to a winter-
ing beef cow results in considerable overfeeding of protein.

Alfalfa is generally priced according to its value in dairy rations. Compared to
beef cows, lactating dairy cows require considerably higher concentrations of both protein and
energy in their rations. The supplemental protein needed in a dairy ration must be supplied by
commercial supplements.

The value of alfalfa is magnified in dairy rations because of its high protein
content relative to other forages and because protein is often a limiting nutrient in many dairy
cow rations. At the present time the price of barley is about $100 per tonne ($2.18 per
bushel) and 32 per cent dairy supplement costs about $280 per tonne ($255 per ton). Using
these prices as a base in a least cost ration formulation program, the value of a 16 per cent
protein alfalfa hay in lactating dairy cow rations is about $1 19 per tonne ($1 08 per ton). The
value of a 1 2 per cent protein alfalfa-grass mix is $76 per tonne ($69 per ton) while the value

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

- 2-

7

Are Hay Prices Too High? (cont'd)

of an 8.5 per cent protein grass hay is only $42 per tonne ($38 per ton). Therefore, in rela-
tion to normal prices for hay, alfalfa is usually the best buy for dairy operators even though
it costs more per tonne (ton). The extra price paid for the alfalfa hay is offset by the need for
less protein supplement in the ration.

However, the same is not true in a wintering beef cow ration, emphasizes
Mr. Weisenburger. Since straw is usually inexpensive and can form the base of a wintering cow
ration, the value of hay should then relate to the cost of a straw-based ration.

Using prices of $33 per tonne ($30 per ton) for straw, $1 00 per tonne ($2.1 8 per
bushel) for barley and $210 per tonne ($191 per ton) for 32 per cent beef supplement, the
following rations were formulated to illustrate the value of different types of hay in feeding
beef cows. The amount of feed in the following rations meets the energy and protein needs of
a 500 kg (1 100 lb) dry wintering cow in mid-pregnancy. These rations do not make allowance
for waste or for extra feed needed during very cold weather.

1 ) Good barley straw 6.8 kg (15 lb)
Barley grain 1.6 kg ( 3.5 1b)
32% beef supplement 0.6 kg ( 1.3 1b) '

2) Average grass hay 9.3 kg (20.5 lb)
(8.5% protein)

3) Average alfalfa-grass hay 8.6 kg (19 lb)
(12% protein)

4) Average alfalfa hay ' 8.2 kg (18 lb)
(16% protein)

It does not make sense, says Mr. Weisenburger, to purchase hay and feed it as
outlined in rations 2, 3 and 4 unless the cost of feed per cow per day is comparable to that of
ration 1. Using the prices given for straw, grain and supplement ration 1 costs 51 C per cow
per day. Therefore, when used as the main feed as in the above rations, grass hay is worth

- (cont'd) -

-3-

8

Are Hay Prices Too High? (cont'd)

$54.50 per tonne ($49.50 per ton), alfalfa-grass hay is worth $59 per tonne ($53.50per ton),
and alfalfa hay is worth only $62 per tonne ($56.50 per ton). Consequently, if hay is to be
used as the main ration component, grass hay would usuallly be the best buy for wintering
cows.

If, however, an alfalfa hay or an alfalfa-grass hay is used to supplement a poor hay
or straw-based ration, the legume portion becomes more valuable because it supplies needed
additional protein to the ration. This makes these hay products more valuable because they
are replacing protein supplement. The following rations will meet the energy and protein
requirements of wintering beef cows in the same manner as ration 1 .

5) Good barley straw 6.8 kg (15 lb)
Average (16% protein)

alfalfa hay 2.7 kg ( 6 lb)

6) Good barley straw 6.8 kg (15 lb)
Average (12% protein)

alfalfa-grass hay 3.1kg ( 6.9 1b)

Using the same prices as before, if the ration is still to cost 51c per cow per day
the alfalfa hay is now worth $1 04 per tonne ($94.50 per ton) and the alfalfa-grass hay is worth
$90 per tonne ($82 per ton). Using these types of rations for wintering beef cows, the alfalfa-
grass would be the best buy.

Mr. Weisenburger concludes that depending on your feeding program, your best
buy in hay could be a grass hay, an alfalfa-grass mix or an alfalfa. Beef operators should be
especially cautious of overfeeding high-quality, high-priced hay if it is not needed.

-30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

September 20, 1982

9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DAIRY AND BEEF CATTLE Al COURSES

Olds College will be holding seven 10-day artificial insemination (Al) courses for
dairy and beef cattle and five one-day refresher courses between the middle of November 1982
and the middle of April 1983.

The 10-day courses will provide participants with considerable experience in the
use of artificial insemination and in the handling of semen with both straws and vials. Basic
nutritional requirements, sire selection, breeding programs, diseases and heat synchronization
will also be covered. All except one of the 10-day courses will conclude with a special one-
day seminar that will feature an outstanding guest speaker who will discuss a topic of specific
interest to dairy or beef producers. Anybody connected with the cattle industry may register
separately for these one-day events.

The one-day refresher courses are designed for people who have had previous
training and/or experience with artificial insemination. The courses will include a careful
check-out of the technique and semen handling procedure being used by the participants.

The 10-day courses, except for the one that does not include a seminar, will cost
$313. However, since Alberta Agriculture's animal industry division will provide a $50 subsidy
for these courses, the applicant will pay only $263. The course that does not include a
seminar will cost the applicant $233.

The fee for the one-day refresher courses is $38 per person.

Room and board at the college if desired and if available will cost $180.

Since enrolment is limited, anyone planning on taking an Al course or a refresher
course at Olds would be wise to get his application in as early as possible. More information
on the courses, their dates and application forms can be obtained at the Department of Con-
tinuing Education, Olds College, Olds, Alberta, TOM IPO.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

A\bex\o

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

10

September 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARRANGE WINTER FEED SOURCES EARLY

Northern Alberta beef and dairy farmers who had difficulty in putting
up their forage crops this year and who will require additional winter feed would be
wise to start making arrangements for securing it now.

Judd Bunnage of Alberta Agriculture says the difficult hay situation
that prevails in the Pe&ce River region and in a number of other northern Alberta
areas resulted from the cold, dry spring that delayed the first hay crop and the sub-
sequent wet weather that caused much of the hay to be put up in a damaged condi-
tion.

He says farmers who have second or third cuts of alfalfa might want to
consider harvesting such crops because there is a good chance of a market developing
for high quality alfalfa hay as the winter feeding season progresses.

Mr. Bunnage advises farmers to take into consideration as many factors
as possible when deciding whether or not to buy or sell hay and when establishing
a price. He says the amount of frost damage sustained by cereal crops in north-
eastern Alberta will influence the availability of feed for beef cattle in that area, and
that straw supplemented with grain and protein can maintain wintering beef cattle
reasonably well.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2127

ydlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

September 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11

HOME CANNING VEGETABLES

As more and more people are looking for ways to economize, the home canning
of vegetables seems to be making a comeback.

Suzanne Tenold, Alberta Agriculture's regional food and nutrition specialist,
located at Airdrie, recommends the following canning procedure.

. Use only jars and lids that have been made especially for home canning. Never
use ordinary jars such as mayonnaise jars because they cannot withstand the high temperatures
used for canning and because it is difficult to get a good seal with them.

. Buy new lids. Once the sealant on a lid has been broken after having been
sealed, it will not seal properly again.

. Do not use unused lids from a previous year because the sealant tends to dry
out leaving hairline cracks that can interfere with a good seal.

. Do not overpack foods. Trying to get too much food into a jar may result in
underprocessing and spoilage.

. Follow exactly the time and temperature specifications listed in the canning
instructions and adjust processing time according to the altitude.

. Check the seal after processed vegetables have cooled.

. Do not use canned foods that show signs of spoilage, and check for bulging
lids, leaks, of i"-odors, off-colors and mold.

. Always boil home-canned, low acid vegetables for 15 minutes before serving or

tasting them.

(cont'd)

ydlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

-2-

12

Home Canning Vegetables (cont'd)

. Do not take shortcuts or experiment with home canning. Use only tested and
approved methods and if you do not know the time required to process a particular vegetable,
do not substitute the time given for a similar vegetable.

. Contact your local district home economist if you require more information or
assistance with your home canning.

Ms. Tenold says of all the micro-organisms that are responsible for spoiling home
canned vegetables, the spore-forming bacteria Clostridium botulinum looms above the rest. It
grows best in the absence of air, under moist conditions and in a low acid environment. Since
vegetables are usually low in acid, those that have been home canned provide an ideal environ-
ment for Clostridium botulinum to grow.

During unfavorable conditions like a high temperature, an increase in acidity or
the exposure to air, this bacteria can protect itseif by forming spores which can remain
dormant until conditions become more favorable.

Although the bacteria and its toxin can be destroyed at a temperature of 100° C,
its spores are resistant to a temperature of 1 16° C. And it is for this reason that all vegetables
and other low acid foods must be processed under pressure for the specified length of time. It
is only in this way that the temperature that is required to ensure all the spores have been des-
troyed can be reached. However, because of the possibility that a spore might have survived
the canning process due to an error in procedure or timing, all home canned vegetables should
be boiled for 15 minutes before they are tasted or eaten.

-30-

13

September 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOOD SCIENTIST APPOINTED AT HORTICULTURAL
RESEARCH CENTER

Dr. John Wiebe, director of the Alberta Horticultural Research Center at
Brooks, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Terry SmyrI to the position
of food scientist.

In his new position. Dr. SmyrI will be responsible for the research and
extension program related to Alberta's horticulture food processing industry.

Dr. SmyrI received his Ph.D in Food Science from the University of
Alberta in 1977. Since then he has been assistant professor at the School of Food
Science at McGill University in Montreal.

He is an active member of the Canadian Institute of Food Science and
Technology, having recently been involved in the organization of the institutes'
national convention. He is also an associate editor of the institute's scientific
journal.

Dr. SmyrI is married and has two children.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

14

September 20, 1982 ^
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACTING REGIONAL LIVESTOCK SUPERVISOR APPOINTED

Dr. Bruce Jeffery, head of Alberta Agriculture's beef cattle and sheep
branch, has appointed Brian Harris to the position of acting regional livestock
supervisor for the Red Deer region. He replaces Dwight Karren who has been
seconded to the provincial health of animals division where he will devote a major
part of his time to the Alberta Certified Feeders Program.

Mr. Harris graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. (agri-
culture) in 1968, having majored in animal science. And he has had extensive exper-
ience in the animal feed industry, having spent some 1 0 years with Maple Leaf Mills
Ltd and having been general manager of the Master Feeds Mill at Red Deer.

-30-

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2121 Print Media Branch

15

September 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DAIRY FARM SPECIALIST APPOINTED

Fred Hutchings, director of Alberta Agriculture's dairy division, has
announced the appointment of Andre Visscher to the position of dairy farm specia-
list at Airdrie. He will be working for the dairy farm inspection branch in the
Calgary area.

Mr. Visscher received his B.Sc. (agriculture) in the Netherlands and
completed post graduate studies at the University of Guelph in 1976.

He worked on a dairy farm in Ontario and also for a large agricultural
co-operative in field and managerial positions. And he comes to Alberta Agriculture
with specialization in farm production economics and dairy feeding programs.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2127

/dlberra

AGRICULTURE
Communications Division

September 20, 1982 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISTRICT HOME ECONOMISTS-IN-TRAINING APPOINTED

The head of Alberta Agriculture's home economics branch, Shirley
Myers, has announced the appointments of Norma Edwards and Cathy Wahl to the
positions of district home economists-in-training.
Norma Edwards

Ms. Edwards will be taking her training in the Camrose district office.
She was born in Killam, grew up in Strathmore and graduated from the University of
Alberta this spring with a B.Sc. (home economics), having majored in family studies.

Ms. Edwards spent the summer of 1981 in Warner working as a summer
assistant with the 4-H and home economics branch. She also worked with 4-H in the
fall of 1980. At that time she was helping them with their communication festivals.
Cathy Wahl

Ms. Wahl will be taking her district home economist training in Clares-
holm. She was born and raised in Calgary and graduated from the University of
Alberta this spring with a B.Sc. (home economics), having majored in foods and
nutrition.

Most of Ms. Wahl's previous jobs have been "people oriented". In 1978
she worked in Claresholm as a camp counsellor with the Wilderness Ranch Camp.
The following summer she went to Scotland where she worked as a waitress and
chambermaid in a small hotel. In the summer of 1980 she worked in Fairmont as a •
campground attendant and as a summer student assistant with the RCMP in the
Gleichen area. She spent the summer of 1981 working with Alberta Culture as a
tour guide for the Cochrane Ranch.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

September 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Proposed Potato Marketing Board Defeated In Alberta 1

Certified Preconditioned Calves 2

Alberta Irrigation Division Wins American Blue Ribbon Awards 4

European Corn Borer Found In Southern Alberta Again 6

Fall Soil Sampling 8

Winter Fair Exhibits Urged 10

Fall Weed Control 12

Ruminant Nutritionist Appointed 13

District Agriculturists Appointed 14

District Agriculturists-ln-Training Announced 15

/dbena

Phone:(403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

1

September 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROPOSED POTATO MARKETING BOARD
DEFEATED IN ALBERTA

Alberta's potato producers have voted not to establish an Alberta
Potato Marketing Board.

The Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council reports that only
48.5 per cent or 33 of the 68 eligible registered producers voted in favor of the plan
to establish a marketing board. In order for a marketing board to be established,
it must be supported by a simple majority of the eligible registered producers.

The plan was presented by the Alberta Potato Growers Association and
proposed that a marketing board be established with the power to set the minimum
prices that producers are paid for fresh table and seed potatoes. It would also
assume the current functions of the Alberta Potato Commission.

The defeat of the proposed marketing board means that the Alberta
Potato Commission will remain in operation and function as it has done since its
establishment in 1966. It conducts promotional, educational and research programs
for the benefit of Alberta's potato industry, and is funded by producers through
a levy on potato marketings.

Contact: T.E. Sydness, Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Coun-
cil, (403) 427-2164.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

September 27, 1982

2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CERTIFIED PRECONDITIONED CALVES

"Performance to date indicates preconditioned calves are the way to go for my
operation. In future all feeder cattle will be purchased as preconditioned, if possible. -

"Excellent program - will buy more preconditioned feeders next year."

"Really impressed with the health and quickness in going on feed."

"Quite pleased with preconditioned calves and would be willing to buy more at
a 3-4C premium."

The above are some of the comments made by purchasers of certified precondi-
tioned calves during the fall of 1981. Tom Seaborn, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist
at Rocky Mountain House, says the last comment is the one we are all concerned with because
preconditioning must provide an incentive to the cow-calf producer.

The aim of a preconditioning program is to minimize the economic loss caused by
stress and disease when calves are taken from a cow herd and put into a feedlot. In other
words, it is designed to help the calves to withstand the adjustments that they must make
when they leave the farm or ranch for the feedlot. Because calves in top condition gain weight
and survive better those that are not in top condition, buyers will pay more for them, and it is
this added price that makes it worthwhile for the owner to precondition them.

Mandatory requirements of a preconditioning program are as follows.

All cattle that are enrolled in the program must have been owned by the person
who is going to precondition them for 60 days, and they must be at least four months old
before they are vaccinated. Castrating and dehorning must be done at least three weeks before
the animals are sold and blackleg, IBR and PI3 vaccinations must also be done at that time.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

' " ' Mnch

3

-2-

Certified Preconditioned Calves (cont'd)

In addition, the cattle must be treated for warbles at least two weeks before the sale and they
must be weaned at least 30 days before the sale. To show that all these procedures have been
carried out, a veterinarian attaches a special green eartag to each animal before the sale and all
calf lots in the sale are accompanied by a properly completed certificate.

There is also a certified pre-immunization option that cow-calf producers may
choose to enroll their calves in. These calves have to meet all the conditions stated above
except that they are not weaned until sale time. They are identified by special white tags and
each lot is accompanied by a certificate.

Mr. Seaborn reports that preconditioned calves sold at the Rfx:ky Mountain
House sale last December received an average price premium of 3.19c per pound. Steer calves
sold at Ponoka in 1980 received a price premium of 6-8 C per pound while heifers received a
premium price of 4-60 per pound.

Mr. Seaborn says the cost of preconditioning calves is made up of feed costs
($24), vaccination and grub treatment ($2.50), death losses at 0.5 per cent ($2.50) and mis-
cellaneous losses ($1.50) for a total of $30. He arrived at these costs by averaging those
recorded in 1980 and 1981. When $30 was subtracted from preconditioned calf prices last
year, the preconditioned calves averaged $24.15 more than the regular calves.

In addition to the major benefits of increased sale weights and premium prices,
many cow-calf producers vyho precondition their calves say that their cows regain their body
condition rapidly when their calves are weaned early and that weaning the calves early in-
creases the carrying capacity of fall pastures by 10 to 15 per cent.

-30-

September 27, 1982

4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA IRRIGATION DIVISION WINS AMERICAN
BLUE RIBBON AWARDS

Alberta Agriculture's farm irrigation services branch has won the American
Society of Agricultural Engineers' Extension Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Award for its
weekly television show, Agrivision, for the second year in a row. And it has also won a blue
ribbon award, in conjunction with the educational programs branch, for a home study course
on irrigation management.

The television show that won this year's blue ribbon award dealt with surface
irrigation automation as a means of reducing the labor requirement of surface irrigation. It is
co-produced by CFAC Lethbridge.

The irrigation management home study course that won the other blue ribbor
was extremely popular with western irrigation farmers. About 500 irrigation farmers in
southern Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Montana, U.S.A. participated in it
early this spring.

The American Society of Agricultural Engineers presents the Educational Aids
Blue Ribbon Awards every year in recognition of outstanding achievements in the devel-
opment of noteworthy educational aids in the field of agricultural engineering. There were 60
award winners from across North America this year but only four were in the television and
motion picture category, and only six were in the extension methods category. And Alberta
Agriculture's irrigation division won two of the three awards made to Canadians.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

5

- 2 -

Alberta Irrigation Division Wins American Blue Ribbon Awards (cont'd)

Len Ring, irrigation systems engineer with Alberta Agriculture, and one of the
two co-hosts of Agrivision (the other is Don Wentz, also of Alberta Agriculture) says "The
Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Awards that are presented by the American Society of Agricul-
tural Engineers encourage agricultural engineers in both industry and the public service to
strive for excellence through the interchange of ideas on successful methods and techniques
that contribute to the overall improvement of engineering extension methods".

- - 30-

September 27, 1982 6
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUROPEAN CORN BORER FOUND IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA AGAIN

The European corn borer has been found in southern Alberta for the second con-
secutive year.

Dr. Ulf Soehngen, entomologist at the Alberta Horticultural Research Center in
Brooks, reports that surveys carried out by both federal and provincial government agencies
indicate that this potentially serious pest is present in the corn-growing areas southwest of
Medicine Hat. It has also been found near Seven Persons and Bow Island as well as in gardens
in the town of Medicine Hat.

According to Dr. Soehngen, most of the damage caused by the European corn
borer to date has been found in the ears of sweet corn grown for the fresh market and for the
canning industry. He says in some cases the level of infestation has been as high as 75 per
cent of the ears that were checked. Corn borer larvae have also been isolated from the ears
and stalks of field corn grown for livestock feed. And Dr. Soehngen points out that this
insect can infest many types of vegetables and ornamentals as well as a variety of native plants
and that, theoretically, it can appear anywhere in the province.

The adult European corn borer is a yellowish-brown moth that is about 15 cm
long. When present in a corn crop it lays eggs on the undersides of the leaves in July. The
larvae, which feed on the leaves initially, soon make their way into the developing tassels under
the husks or into the spaces between the stalks and ears. Later the larvae burrow into the
stalks and cobs where, if undisturbed, they overwinter. Dr. Soehngen says infested corn stalks
often break in the wind.

Since adult European corn borers are strong fliers, they are readily dispersed over
great distances by the wind, and the larvae are transported m such infested material as corn
cobs and silage corn.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

-2-

7

European Corn Borer Found In Southern Alberta Again (cont'd)

Dr. Soehngen says the ideal way to control this insect is to cut the stalks etc. for
silage as soon as the corn has been harvested or to shred it for fodder. If the stalks are not
used for livestock feed, they should be disked and deep plowed (10 to 15 cm) into the ground
as soon as the crop has been harvested. Burning infested stalks is also reconnmended. Where
none of the above methods are practical, such as in a home garden, the corn should be bagged,
hauled to the nearest dump and burned.

Dr. Soehngen reports that the above control methods were successfully used to
eradicate the European corn borer in Alberta 25 years ago. And he also reports that studies
carried out at the federal research station in Lethbridge have shown that corn borer infesta-
tions can be reduced by 85 to 95 per cent the following year if infested corn stalks are disked
and plowed into the ground.

Finally, Dr. Soehngen asks anyone who suspects that he has European corn borers
in his field or garden to contact his district agriculturist for confirmation.

-30-

September 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8

FALL SOIL SAMPLING

Are you planning to take soil samples in your fields this fall? Forage fields can be
sampled anytime after September 1, while fields that will be seeded next spring should be
sampled after October 1.

Phil Dixon, district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House, believes that soil test-
ing is time and money well spent. He says there are three important steps involved in deter-
mining soil fertilizer requirements. One involves identifying nutrients that are in short supply
and the level at which they are present in the soil. The second involves estimating the resp-
onses of various crops to all the given levels of fertilizer applications that are possible, and the
third involves determining the economic returns from the various levels.

It is certainly not profitable to add an excess of fertilizer to the soil, and the
addition of too little fertilizer will result in the loss of yield potential and money. However,
there comes a point where the cost of adding another 10 pounds of fertilizer will not provide
enough of a yield increase to pay for the fertilizer.

Mr. Dixon says fertilizer should be added until its cost equals the benefit cost of
producing another unit of crop. A lower application is money lost, while a higher application
is money wasted, he says.

The soil testing laboratory in Edmonton can tell you what level of yield increase
you can expect from applying various rates of nitrogen and you can decide at v^hai level it is
no longer economical for you to apply it. The cost of the service is $10 per field.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

A\bex\o

9

Fall Soil Sampling (cont'd)

In addition to determining the nutrient status of your soil, a soil test will provide
such information as the kind and amount of soluble salts in the soil, the existence of acid or
alkaline conditions, the texture of the soil, the presence of free lime and an estimate of the
organic matter level.
Sampling Procedure

. Size up each field. You may have to sample separately areas which show
variations in texture, color, slope, degree of erosion, drainage, crop growth or yield as well as
those that have had different past treatment (i.e. fertilizing, manuring or cropping).

, Either avoid or collect separate samples from small areas such as dead or back
furrows; old straw, hay or manure pile bottoms; waterways, saline spots; eroded knolls; fence
rows; fertilizer bands; areas where piles of brush were burned and other unusual places.

, Select 1 5 - 20 sampling sites in each field.

, Sample the soil to a depth of six inches at each of the sampling sites, and take
separate samples at depths of 0 - 6 inches, 6-12 inches and 1 2 - 24 inches in problem soils.

, Place the samples in clean pails or bags and keep samples taken at different
depths separately.

, Mix the samples taken at each depth together and crush any lumps that may

be present.

. Dry soil samples by spreading a thin layer of soil on a clean paper in a clean
place at room temperature. Do not dry them with artificial heat.

You can get a soil sampling kit and an information sheet, which must be filled
out and sent to the soil testing laboratory, from your district agriculturist.

- 30-

September 27, 1982

10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WINTER FAIR EXHIBITS URGED

Alberta Agriculture urges Alberta farmers to send cereal, oilseed or forage seed
exhibits and/or vegetables and potatoes to the 1982 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in
Toronto, which is scheduled for November 1 1 - 20.

Once again, Alberta Agriculture will pay the cost of transporting exhibits to
Toronto and will provide prize money in all pedigreed seed classes that is equal to that prov-
ided by the Royal. Alberta Agriculture also provides an honorarium of $100 for each first
prize winner in the pedigreed classes and an honorarium of $200 for each grand championsfiip
winner. The honorarium for reserve grand championship winners in the pedigreed classes is
$150.

Exhibits may be selected from either the 1981 or 1982 crop and the entry fee
per sample is $2, except in the case of 4-H samples and pedigreed seed samples which are free.

Samples sizes are 10 pounds for commercial cereal seed and three pounds for
commercial forage, mustard and rapeseed. The sample size for pedigreed cereal seed is three
pounds, which must be taken from a 100-bushel or larger lot. The sample size for pedigreed
forage seed is two pounds, which must be taken from a 500-pound or larger lot.

Seed potato samples must contain 20 tubers that weigh six to seven ounces each
and the variety must be noted. A hay sample must contain not less than a 12-inch section of
a bale, and sheaves must be not less than five inches in diameter in the centre and not more
than seven inches.

Exhibits must be shipped in containers that are strong enough to ensure that the
exhibit will reach its destination in good condition. Light cotton sacks are no\ strong enough

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

y<llb6rra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

-2-

Winter Fair Exhibits Urged (cont'd)

alone They should be placed in a cardboard box before shipping, and the entry tag should be
placed inside the container.

Entries close on October 9th, 1982, and all exhibits that are sent directly to the
Royal must arrive before November 3. The deadline for the arrival of exhibits sent to Alberta
Agriculture is November 2. They should be addressed to; The Field Crops Branch, Bag Service
No.47, Lacombe, Alberta, TOC ISO.

For further information regarding exhibiting at the Royal, contact Bill Witbeck,
field crops branch, Lacombe (phone: 782-4641) or your local district agriculturist. Prize lists
and entry forms are available from either place.

- 30-

12

September 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FALL WEED CONTROL

Although weed control in Alberta is traditionally thought of as a spring and
summer activity, the fall is also a good time for controlling many annual, biennial and peren-
nial weeds, according to Walter Yarish of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch.

He says that stinkweed, flixweed and scentless chamomile in both stubble and
summerfallow fields can be controlled in the fall as can narrow-leafed hawksbeard in newly
seeded alfalfa fields. Other broad-leaved weeds and grasses in established alfalfa plantings
can also be controlled in the fall.

Fall control of such perennial weeds as Canada thistle, perennial sow thistle and
quackgrass in cultivated land, especially in areas that are difficult to get at during the growing
season, is recommended by Mr. Yarish.

He recommends preparing fields for next spring's planting by incorporating
herbicides or herbicide-fertilizer combinations into the soil now to control grassy and/or
broad leaved weeds.

He points out that the procedures used for fall weed control vary from one
district to another because cropping patterns and climatic and soil conditions vary from
district to district.

Information on fall weed control techniques recommended for specific regions of
Alberta can be obtained from your district agriculturist.

- 30-

y<llbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

13

September 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RUMINANT NUTRITIONIST APPOINTED

Dr. H.B. Jeffery, head of Alberta Agriculture's beef cattle and sheep branch, has
announced the appointment of Dale Engstrom to the position of ruminant nutritionist with
the nutrition section of the animal industry division.

In his new position, Mr. Engstrom will be responsible for the beef cattle and sheep
programs and for the activities of the nutrition section. He will also act as a resource person in
animal nutrition for producers and people in agribusiness, and will be involved in extension
and applied research in beef cattle and sheep feeding and management.

A native Albertan, Mr. Engstrom received his B.Sc. (agriculture) from the Univer-
sity of Alberta in 1972, having majored in animal science. From 1972 until 1978 he served as
district agriculturist with the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture in Dawson Creek. He
was then appointed regional livestock specialist and moved to Prince George where he spent
a year working on extension and demonstration projects with producers and staff in the
Caribou, central and Peace River regions of B.C.

After seven years of public service, Mr. Engstrom joined the staff of Bavaria
South Peace Farms Ltd. at Dawson Creek in 1979. Here he worked as assistant and livestock
manager until his recent appointment to Alberta Agriculture.

Mr. Engstrom is a member of the Alberta Institute of Agrologists and of the
Canadian Society of Animal Science. He is married and has three sons.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

September 27, 1982

14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISTRICT AGRICULTURISTS APPOINTED

Don Young, Alberta Agriculture's assistant director of extension, is pleased to
announce the following district agriculturist appointments.
Steve Archibald

Steve Archibald has been appointed district agriculturist at Olds. He is a native
of Truro, Nova Scotia, and received his bachelor of science degree from Macdonald College,
Quebec, having majored in animal science. After graduation, he worked for five and a half
years as a feed sales representative for Canada Packers. He then ran a small hog farm of his
own and managed a 2,400 feeder hog operation.

Before going to Olds, Mr. Archibald was trained for a year at the Claresholm
office with senior district agriculturist Allen Toly.
Phil Dixon

Phil Dixon has been appointed district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House.
He started his bachelor's degree, specializing in horticulture, at the University of Alberta and
completed it at Guelph. Upon leaving university, he went to Medicine Hat where he was
trained with senior district agriculturist John Van Keulen.
Rick Bjorge

Rick Bjorge has been appointed district agriculturist at Westlock. He is a native
of the Camrose area and received his bachelor of science in agriculture with a major in plant
science from the University of Alberta in 1975.

Mr. Bjorge was trained in the High Prairie office and was district agriculturist at
Fort Vermilion until 1978 when he became regional 4-H specialist at Fairview and Barrhead.
He remained in that position until his present appointment.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2127

ydlberra

AGRICULTURE
Connmunications Division

September 27, 1982 15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISTRICT AGRICULTURISTS-IN-TRAINING ANNOUNCED

Don Young, Alberta Agriculture's assistant director of extension, has announced
the appointments of four district agriculiurists-in-training,
Adele Reichert

Ms. Reichert was born and raised on a small mixed farm near Moreen, Manitoba.
She received her bachelor of science in agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1981,
having specialized in plant science. While at university, she was an active member of the
Faculty of Agriculture Student Organization.

Ms. Reichert brings a great deal of experience to her job. She has worked during
the summer with Agriculture Canada on weed control research and with the Saskatchewan
Wheat Pool as well as having spent three summers with the Manitoba and Alberta departments
of agriculture as a summer assistant district agriculturist. This past summer she was summer
assistant district agriculturist at Drayton Valley.

Ms. Reichert will be training with John Vanderleest at Thorhild.
Margaret Toronchuk

Ms. Toronchuk was born and raised on a grain farm in the Vegreville area. She
received her bachelor of science in agriculture from the University of Alberta in 1982, having
specialized in animal science. She was active in the University's Ukrainian Club and the
Mixed Chorus.

Ms. Toronchuk has worked at the University of Alberta's ranch at Kinsella as well
as on a beef and sheep station in Australia under the International Agricultural Exchange Pro-
gram. She spent some of this past summer travelling in Europe.

Ms. Toronchuk will be training with Russ Horvey at Hanna.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

alberta

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

District Aqriculturists-ln-Traininq Announced (cont'd)

Josie Van Lent ' " . .

IVls. Van Lent was raised on a mixed farm near Red Deer. She received her
bachelor of science in agriculture in a general pattern from the University of Alberta in 1982.
While at university, she was active in the Agriculture Club and the Sisters of Farm House.

She has worked in the Michener Center for a number of summers. She spent the
sumtTier of 1981 as a summer assistant district agriculturist in Vulcan, and she spent the past
summer working on a research project in the University of Alberta's Soil Science Department.

Ms. Van Lent will be training with Randy Bjorklund at Lloydminster.

Scott Meers

Mr. Meers was born and raised on a mixed farm near Acadia Valley. He received
his bachelor of science in agriculture degree from the University of Alberta in 1982, having
specialized in horticulture. While at university he was active in the Agriculture Club and Farm
House Fraternity.

Mr. Meers has spent the past two summers working as a summer assistant district
agriculturist in the Lamont and Morinville offices respectively.

He will be training with Allen Toly in the Claresholm office.

^1 /

DEC 2!

October 4, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Expansion Of Feed Freight Assistance Program Announced 1

Alberta Farm Fuel Distribution Allowance Forms 4

Preconditioning Pays Off 5

Short Of Feed — Here Are Some Ideas 9

Soil Testing Time Again 11

Energy Conservation Seminars And Workshops 12

1982 Scholarship Winners 14

ADC General Manager Of Lending Appointed 17

Coming Agricultural Events 18

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2121 P^'nt Media Branch

1

October 4, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EXPANSION OF FEED FREIGHT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

Alberta Agriculture Minister Dallas Schmidt has announced a major expansion to
the province's Feed Freight Assistance Program.

It is intended to help farmers whose pastures and/or forage crops were severely
reduced by early drought this spring and summer to obtain the feed supplies they need to
maintain their basic herds this fall and winter.

"This has not been a particularly good year for producing hay," Mr. Schmidt said.
"Although late rains have alleviated some of the problems, conditions have still not been help-
ful for producing livestock feed.

"Poor feed yields and quality have been evident in the Peace River region since
spring, and for that reason we implemented a feed freight program for the Peace in late July,
somewhat earlier than normal," the Minister said.

He added "We are now updating that program and extending it to other areas of
the province which require assistance."

Under the program assistance will be paid for feed bought by the primary live-
stock producer to support beef and dairy herds, sheep and goat flocks, buffalo (bison) and yak
herds and breeding horse herds. 'Backgrounders', which are calves and lambs born and weaned
in 1982 and which will be fed over the winter of 1982-83, are also eligible. However, special-
ized or custom feed lots have been excluded.

This year the program has been amended to allow cows to be transported to areas
where feed is available instead of transporting feed to them. It is expected that after being
overwintered the animals will be returned to the operator's farm or to wherever they may have
originated.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

2

- 2

Expansion Of Feed Freight Assistance Program Announced (cont'd)

The Feed Freight Assistance Program applies to designated areas of Alberta in
which local agricultural development committees and elected municipal groups have evaluated
conditions and jointly requested participation from Alberta Agriculture.

Areas previously designated in the Peace River Region were County 1, Municipal
Districts 130, 133, 135 and 136 and Improvement Districts 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

Other areas have now been designated in Agricultural Regions 4 and 5. In Region
5 these areas are Counties 7 (Thorhild), 12 (Athabasca), 1 1 (Barrhead) and 28 (Lac St. Anne),
Municipal District 92 (Westlock) and Improvement Districts 14 and 15. In Region 4 the desig-
nated areas are Counties 9 (Beaver), 24 (Vermilion River), 27 (Minburn), 21 (Two Hills), 19
(St. Paul), 13 (Smoky Lake) and 30 (Lament), Municipal Districts 61 (Wainwright) and 87
(Bonnyville) and Improvement District 18. Further areas may be designated if conditions
dictate.

Final assistance levels for the program have now been set said Mr. Schmidt. The
transport rate schedule has three stages: 1) the first 25 miles any product is transported will
not be eligible for any assistance, 2) the next 100 miles will be eligible for full assistance and
3) any distance over 125 miles will be eligible for 50 per cent the full assistance rate. The gross
assistance payable to any one operator, partnership or corporation is based on the allowable
forage calculated on the basis of herd inventory to a maximum of $6,000.

For the 1982-83 Feed Freight Assistance Program the rate schedule is 20 C per
ton-mile for hay or straw (10 c per ton-mile after 125 miles) 13c per ton-mile for silage (6y2C
per ton-mile after 125 miles) and 9c per ton-mile for cubed or pelleted roughage (472 c per ton-
mile after 125 miles). The maximum assistance claimable in each category is $30/ton for hay,
straw and cubed or pelleted forage and $12/ton for silage.

- (cont'd) -

-3-

3

Expansion Of Feed Freight Assistance Program Announced (cont'd)

The program is retroactive to June 16, 1982 and will end on May 30, 1983.
Applications must be submitted by June 30, 1983, and this year all applications will be subject
to on-farm inspections. Farmers will be required to produce freight bills and feed invoices.
They may use their own trucks or public carriers to transport feed.

Further information and application forms will be available from Alberta Agri-
culture district offices by November 1 , 1982.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE
PriQt Media Branch

October 4, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA FARM FUEL DISTRIBUTION ALLOWANCE FORMS

If you are a bona fide farmer in Alberta, you should have received a declaration
form in the mail which, when filed with your bulk fuel dealer, entitles you to buy purple gas
and diesel fuel at a considerable discount under the Alberta Farm Fuel Distribution Allowance
(AFFDA) Program.

If you have not already filed this form with your dealer, which states that you are
actively farming in Alberta and that the purple gas and diesel fuel that you buy is used only
for farming purposes, you are asked to do so immediately. And if for some reason you did
not receive a form, you should pick one up from your bulk fuel dealer or from your district
agriculturist.

All Alberta farmers are entitled to receive a 31 .8C a gallon or 7 c a litre discount
under the AFFDA Program on purple gas and diesel fuel that they use on their farms. On aver-
age they save $1,500 a year, and the Alberta government spends a total of $75 million a year
on this program.

The AFFDA Program is administered by the revenue administration division of
Alberta Treasury, which works in co-operation with oil companies and bulk dealers in the pro-
vince. The bulk dealers deduct the allowance from the price they charge you for purple gas
and diesel fuel and they are reimbursed by the oil companies, which, in turn, are reimbursed
by the Alberta Government.

You can obtain more information on the Alberta Farm Fuel Distribution Allow-
ance Program from AFFDA, Alberta Treasury, 981 1-109 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5K 0C8 (Telephone:427-3044).

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

October 4, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

i

5

PRECOND I T I ONING PAYS OFF

Gow/calf pr 3 who increase the sale price, weaning weight and sales vveigiit

of tr-- ^ • ■ ' nditioning them can increase their net returns per cow by as much as

/A ta Agriculture's regional livestock supervisor at Red Deer, Dwighit Karren
L /lo wish to precondition their calves under the Alberta Certified Precondi-

tioned Feeder Program (ACPF) should be making the necessary arrangements now. He points
out that the program has two options; the preconditioning option and the preimmunization
option.

- - •'■'• --irv; Option

» Cattle enrolled in the program must have been owned for 60 days by the

operator who is preconditioning them.
, Cattle must be at least four months of age before vaccinations are given.
. Castration and dehorning must be done at least three weeks before the sale.
, Blackleg vaccination must be done at least three weeks before the sale.
. I BR and PI3 vaccination must be done by a licensed veterinarian at least

.l; ijre the sale.

. Warble grub t n must have been rhree weeks before the

sale.

. Cattle must have been wean^ ■ tnt saic.

. Green tags are applied to cattle by a licensed veterinarian.
. Cattle are accompanied by a properly completed certificate at the time of
the sale.

- (cont'd) -

Abex\a

AGRICULTURE

Phohe: (403) 427-2121

Print Media Branch

Preconditioning Pays Off (cont'd)

Preimmunization Option

Preimmunization includes all of the above mandatory requirements except that
calves are not weaned before they are sold and they are identified with white eartags applied
by a veterinarian and accompanied by a completed certificate.

To meet the requirements of either of the above program options, a calf producer
should be scheduling weaning, feeding, vaccinations and grub control now. The first step in
scheduling these will be to decide upon the sale date. A producer wishing to sell at an ap-
proved ACPF sale should first contact the management of the auction offering such a sale.
There will be 13 such sales at eight different locations in Alberta this year. They are:
Didsbury — October 30

Fort Macleod — November 4 and December 2

Ponoka — November 6 and December 4

Grande Prairie — November 8 and December 6

Olds — November 8 and December 6

Clyde — November 1 5 and December 13

Rocky Mountain House — December 3
Fairview — December 8

Once a sale date has been selected the producer should then schedule dates for
vaccinations, weaning, castration, dehorning, grub treatment and eartagging. Because the I BR -
PI3 vaccination and eartagging, with the official ACPF tags, must be done under the super-
vision of a veterinarian, arrangements to have these done must be made with the local veterina-
rian.

- (cont'd) -

-3-

7

Preconditioning Pays Off (cont 'd )

Upon the successful connpletion of the requirements, the local veterinarian will
issue a signed certificate, which will also be signed by the producer and which will accompany
the cattle to the sale.

The most obvious benefit to the cow/calf producer from preconditioning is in the
price premium received for preconditioned calves. Because feeders recognize the advantages of
preconditioning, they are willing to pay a premium for these calves. Mr. Karren reports the
price premium for steer calves was 6.95c /lb in 1980 and 4.04 c in 1981 .

A somewhat less Obvious return from preconditioning is an increased sale weight
of preconditioned calves over regular calves. Depending upon pasture conditions and the
weaned calf feeding program, preconditioned calves are capable of gaining 1.0 lb/day more
than regular calves. A 30-day preconditioning program could result in 30 extra pounds of calf.

In addition, the sale weight is increased through decreased shrinkage during
marketing. Preconditioned calves on dry feed and accustomed to automatic waterers could
shrink 2 percentage points less than regular calves. And the overall effect of increased gains
and decreased shrinkage could result in 40 extra pounds of calf to sell.

Another advantage to the calf producer that is very difficult to measure, says
Mr. Karren, is increased cow productivity. Weaning the calf from the cow earlier allows the
cow to utilize the remaining pasture to build body reserves in preparation for winter. Cows in
better shape in the fall winter better and have better reserves to overcome the extra demand of
pregnancy and lactation than cows in poorer condition. The net effect is earlier rebreeding
and more cows settling, which results in more pounds of calf weaned per cow. Increasing
weaning percent by 3 percentage points and age of calf by 5 days results in approximately 25
extra pounds of calf weaned.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

Preconditioning Pays Off (con t 'd )

Certainly weaning the calf and feeding it on dry feed increases the cost of produc-
ing a calf. Sonne of the costs associated with preconditioning are for feed, vaccines, labor,
death losses and drugs. The cost of preconditioning calves ranged between $25-$30 per calf in
1980 and 1981.

For details on calf preconditioning contact your local veterinarian or district agri-
culturist.

-30-

9

October 4, 1982

FOR IMMEDiATE RELEASE

SHORT OF FEED - HERE ARE SOME IDEAS

The head of Alberta Agriculture's nutrition section, Ron Weisenburger, advises
farmers who are going to be short of feed this winter to plan their strategy for coping with the
situation now. He suggests the following practices to make your feed go as far as possible.

• Wean your calves now, or creep feed them, or supply supplemental feed to your
cows if your pasture is short so that your cows go into the winter feeding period in good cond-
ition.

, Harvest greenfeed and/or bale your straw if you are in an area where there is
a shortage of hay. If you do not have enough greenfeed or straw of your own, try to make a
deal with a neighbor, because such a deal will probably be cheaper than purchasing hay from
outside your area.

, Get your fefed analyzed as soon as possible so that you know the quality of feed
you have for feeding this winter. If you need assistance, your district agriculturist, regional
livestock supervisor or provincial nutritionist will help you develop a suitable feeding program.

. Take an inventory of the type and amount of feed you have on hand, calculate
the type and amount of feed you expect to need this winter and subtract the latter, so that
you know how much additional feed you are going to have to buy.

. Evaluate and cost out your alternative sources of feed and then locate and

purchase it.

. Cull all non-productive cows from your herd this fall.

* Decide whether it will be to your advantage to sell your steer calves this fall or
to buy feed for them.

- (cont'd) -

A\bex\o

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

-2-

10

Short Of Feed - Here Are Some Ideas (con I'd)

. Make your preliminary selection of replacement heifers now so that you can
sell the culls if you do not want to feed them this winter.

, Check out the possibility of feeding your calves at a custom feedlot before
deciding to sell th-^m. Despite some disadvantages, you may also want to move your cow herd
to a custom feedlot for part of the winter if you are very short of feed.

Plan to feed your cows this winter in groups based on their condition and their
age. This may require some additional fencing and waterers. The fencing should be done now
as it can be pretty tough to do in December.

, Reduce feed wastage by building new feeders now if you are short of them.
Remember a good feeder does not cost, it pays.

. Consider grinding low quality forage and roughage to increase the consumption
of these feeds. The provision of supplemental protein, minerals and vitamins is usually essen-
tial when feeding low quality roughage that has been ground.

. Save your best forage for this year's calves and for your cows' next calving

season.

. Consider feeding grain to replace some hay in your wintering cow rations. Feed
grain will be available in most areas this winter at a good price. The early fall frost that was
experienced in a number of northern areas will decrease both the grades and prices of some
feed grain, which in most cases will be suitable for wintering beef cows.

-30-

October 4, 1982

11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOILTESTING TIME AGAIN

October is the time to look at your soil nutrient reserves for next year's
crop. Samples taken after October 1 will give you a good indication of what soil
fertility conditions will be like at seeding time the following year.

The director of Alberta Agriculture's soil and feed testing laboratory in
Edmonton, Don Laverty, says the regular soil sampling of at least some fields on
your farm will provide you with basic information for your total farm fertilizer pro-
gram, and that your soil's nitrogen supply is likely to vary considerably from one
year to the next. Also, the provision of nitrogen can be very costly if too much or
too little is provided in your fertilizer program. Mr. Laverty points out that soil
tests provide a reliable estimate of available nitrogen reserves, and that the accuracy
of this estimate is improved if soil samples are taken from the soil surface (0-15 cm)
and from two subsoi I levels ( 1 5-30 cm and 30-60 cm) .

Care in taking and handling soil samples is essential, Mr. Laverty says.
He recommends taking samples from 15 to 20 sites in a field, thoroughly mixing
them together and then taking about a pound of the composite mixture and air
drying it. When submitted, the sample should be accompanied by information on
the cropping history of the field and the crop to be grown the following year. The
cropping history is necessary for interpreting the soil test results.

If you have had a special cropping problem in part or parts of your field
or fields, you should take separate soil samples in these areas. These samples will
often provide information that can be used to improve or to correct the problem.

Soil sampling supplies, a leaflet describing the soil sampling technique
and information on Alberta's soil testing program can be obtained from your district
agriculturist.

-30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Pi'int Media Branch

October 4, 1982

12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENERGY CONSERVATION SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

Alberta Agriculture's home and community design branch will be holding a
number of seminars and workshops during the next few months on residential energy conserva-
tion.

Topics will range from how to build a new low energy home to passive solar de-
sign and retrofitting an existing home for higher energy efficiency. Some of the seminars will
consist of day-long classroom discussions while others have been designed to enable partici-
pants to experience various building techniques.

Following is a list of the seminars and workshops, their locations, and dates.

Topic

Location

Date

Retrofitting
Retrofitting
Retrofitting
Retrofitting
Retrofitting
Retrofitting

New home construction
New home construction

Ardrossan

Ard rossan

Crestomere

Leduc

Manning

Valleyview

Warner

Vulcan

October 16
(day)

October 19
(evening)

October 20
(day)

October 23

(day)

October 26
(day)

October 27
(day)

November 9
(day)

November 13
(day)

(cont'd)

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2"1 21 Print Media Branch

13

Energy Conservation Seminars And Workshops (cont'd)

Topic

Retrofitting
Retrofitting
Retrofitting

New honne construction

Location
Drayton Valley

Sangudo

Red Deer

Athabasca

Date

November 14
(day)

November 18
(morning)

January 27
(day)

February 15
(day)

Anyone who would like more information on these seminars and workshops or to
register for one should contact his or her district home economist.

30

14

October 4, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1982 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Every year students from around Alberta are eligible to apply for scholarships

through Alberta Agriculture's 4-H branch, and selections are made from the highest averages in
4-H achievements and scholastic standings. Doug Bienert of the 4-H branch says the selections
committee had a very difficult time this year selecting winners because the calibre of appli-
cants was so high.

Successful applicants and the scholarships that they won are listed below.

Alberta Wheat Board Surplus Monies Trust Scholarships ($300)

Lethbridge Region

Jeffrey Green
Mossleigh, Alberta

Calgary Region

Craig Poffenroth
Kathyrn, Alberta

East-Central Region

Deana Richards
Czar, Alberta

West-Central Region

Katharine Undin
Kingman, Alberta

Vermilion Region

Colleen Kirylchuk
Lac La Biche, Alberta

Barrhead Region

Lori Properzi
Westlock, Alberta

Peace Region

Glenda Pollard

Blueberry Mountain, Alberta

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diborta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

15

-2-

1982 Scholarship Winners (cont'd)

Alberta Wheat Pool - First Year ($300)

Donna Petersen
.■ , Tilley, Alberta

Leona Quantz
Innisfail, Alberta

Andrea Hanson

... . ,• ■ ' Airdrie, Alberta

Alberta Wheat Pool - Second Year ($300)

Catherine Reinders
Deadwood, Alberta

Canadian National Exhibition ($1,000)

Henry Lange

Grande Prairie, Alberta

Inga Marr Memorial ($300)

Donna Sherwood
Winfield, Alberta

Hoechst Canada Bursary ($500)

Kevin Torsher
Bow Island, Alberta

Norma Jean Gray Scholarships ($500 and $300)

Colleen Munroe ($500) • ' " Larry Ruud ($300)

Calgary, Alberta ;• "■ " Vermilion, Alberta

- (cont'd) -

16

-3 -

1982 Scholarship Winners (cont'd)

World of Beef ($500)

Janis Kendrick
Pickardville, Alberta

Alberta Dairymen's Association and Alberta Agriculture ($3,000)

Jady Grad
Leduc, Alberta

Mark Cameron
Crossfield, Alberta

Pennington Memorial ($500)

Colleen Maykut
Barrhead, Alberta

Marvin Worobec
Cherhill, Alberta

Central Alberta Dairy Pool ($500)

Linda Kushak
Edmonton, Alberta

Maxine Cameron
Crossfield, Alberta

- 30-

(403) 427-21 21

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

17

October 4, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADC_GENERAL MANAGER OF LENDING APPniMTPn

Harold Hanna, chairman and managing director of the Agricultural
Development Corporation (ADC), has announced the appointment of Robert
Thompson to the position of general manager of lending.

He will be responsible for managing all financial assistance services to
farmers and agribusinesses throughout Alberta. He will also be responsible for
designing, implementing and directing the corporation's various loan programs.

Mr. Thompson brings to his new position many years of experience in
the credit field. He joined the corporation in May of this year as the manager of
agribusiness lending. Prior to that he held the positions of credit manager and insol-
vency administrator for Ontario-based financial consulting firms. He was also an
executive director of the financial division of the Saskatchewan Economic Devel-
opment Corporation and has held various other positions in credit-related fields.

Mr. Thompson's previous experience in directing a variety of lending
programs will be of great value in his new position of managing ADC's lending
operations.

30

Ahexia

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 2 1 Print Media Branch

r

18

COMING AGRICULTURAL EVENTS

1982

Agri-Food Week

Canada October 4 11

New Swine Fair
Pavilion Building
Exhibition Grounds

Lethbridge, Alberta October 14- 15

World Food Day

Canada October 16

Agricultural Credit Conference
Four Seasons Hotel

Edmonton, Alberta October 24 - 27

Roundup '82 Country College
Calgary Stampede Park

Calgary, Alberta October 27 31

Women of Unifarm — Annual Convention
Macdonald Hotel

Edmonton, Alberta November 2 - 3

United Grain Growers Ltd — Annual Meeting

Winnipeg, Manitoba November 3 - 4

Northlands Farmfair
Edmonton Northlands

Edmonton, Alberta November 4-15

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Toronto, Ontario November 1 1 - 20

The North American Symposium on Allelopathy
University of Illinois

Champaign, Illinois, U.S. A November 14- 17

Edmonton Northlands Charolais Sale
Exhibition Grounds

Edmonton, Alberta November 15

Agricultural Business Management 1
Goldeye Centre

West of Nordegg, Alberta November 15-17

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

-2-

19

Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd)
Fall Fair and Mexabition

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 19 -23

Alberta Wheat Pool Annual Meeting
Palliser Hotel

Calgary, Alberta November 22 - December 3

Agribition and Mexabition

Regina, Saskatchewan November 27 - December 3

Entomological Society of America and Canada
Royal York Hotel

Toronto, Ontario November 27 - December 3

National Farmers Union National Convention
Bessborough Hotel

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 29 - December 3

Agribition Charolais Sale

Regina, Saskatchewan November 30

Alberta Polled Hereford Association — Annual Meeting
Capri Centre

Red Deer, Alberta December 5

Alberta Cattle Commission — Annual Meeting
Westward Inn

Calgary, Alberta December 6 - 8

Western Stockgrowers 18th Annual Cattlemen's Short Course
Banff Centre

Banff, Alberta December 13-17

1983

Palliser Wheat Growers Association — Annual Convention
Westin Hotel

Calgary, Alberta January 3 - 6

Unifarm Annual Convention

Edmonton, Alberta January 11-14

1983 Annual Convention and Trade Fair
Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association
Marlborough Inn

Calgary, Alberta January 14-15

20

Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd)

Alberta Pork Seminar
Banff Centre

Banff, Alberta January 19-21

Association of Alberta Co-op Seed Cleaning Plants Ltd
Westin Hotel

Edmonton, Alberta January 20 - 22

Alberta Canola Growers Convention

Edmonton, Alberta January 26 - 28

Canadian Charolais — Annua! Convention and Charolais National Sale
Fort Garry Hotel

Winnipeg, Manitoba February 3 - 5

Provincial Service Board Conference
Capri Hotel

Red Deer, Alberta ; February 6 - 9

Alberta Dairymen's Association Annual Convention
Palliser Hotel

Calgary, Alberta February 7 - 9

Alberta Charolais Association — Annual Meeting
Continental Inn

Medicine Hat, Alberta February 18-19

Agriculture Week

Alberta March 7-13

Agro-Electronics Show
Westerner Exposition Grounds

Red Deer, Alberta March 14 16

Edmonton Northlands Stock Show

Edmonton, Alberta March 20 - 25

Accent '83

Market Prospects for Grains and Oilseeds
Convention Inn South

Edmonton, Alberta March 22 - 23

Managing Agricultural Technology for Profit

Banff, Alberta March 27 - 30

Aiberta Dairy Seminar
Banff Centre

Banff, Alberta April 6 - 8

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2 1 2 1 Print Media Branch

Coming Ayi icullui;jl Evofils (cont'd)

Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology
Chateau Laurier

Ottawa, Ontario May 29 -June 2

Associated Country Women of the World
World Conference

Vancouver, B.C June 19 -29

Farm Progress Show
Exhibition Grounds

Regina, Saskatchewan jypg 22 - 25

Provincial Agricultural Service Board Tour

Picture Butte, Alberta _ july g . g

Agricultural Institute of Canada

Truro, Nova Scotia July 10- 14

33rd Annual Conference of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Agriculture
Brudenell Resort

Cardigan, Prince Edward Island jyly 1 7 - 22

1983 World Show and Sale of Charolais Cattle
Red Deer Exhibition Grounds

Red Deer, Alberta July 18-23

International Training and Development Conference

Holland, Netherlands August 15-19

Canadian Agricultural Extension Council

London, Ontario September 12 -16

Saskatoon Fall Fair and Mexabition
Prairieland Exhibition Grounds

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 18 -22

Canadian Western Agribition
Exhibition Grounds

Regina, Saskatchewan ; November 25 - December 2

October 11, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Northern Drought Disaster Crop Advance Assistance Program 1

Assistance For Canola Crushing Industry 4

Canada-Alberta Canola Breeding Program 6

$4.3 Million Cheese Plant To Be Built At Bashaw 8

Deadline For Implant Duty Refunds 9

Advantages Of Buying Preconditioned Calves 10

Correction (Coming Agricultural Events) 11

Agricultural Credit Conference 12

Northeast Region Farm Management Seminar 13

Seed Technology Workshop 15

Northern Alberta Farm Wives' Conference 17

Pre-Season Warm-Up 18

October 11, 1982

1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTHERN DROUGHT DISASTER CROP ADVANCE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Alberta Agriculture Minister Dallas W. Schmidt has announced a Northern
Drought Disaster Crop Advance Assistance Program for Alberta farmers who have experienced
significantly lower than normal crop yields because of adverse weather conditions.

The program is particularly directed towards those farmers whose crops received
very little precipitation during June and July, which resulted in essentially no crop in some
areas of the Peace River region in 1982.

The situation was made worse by the fact that less than 30 per cent of farmers in
the Peace River region took out all-risk crop insurance in 1982. Hence, a large number of
them had no .protection against adverse weather conditions.

"It's an unfortunate situation," said Mr. Schmidt, "because the protection was
available and we do promote our hail and crop insurance programs quite a bit at the start of
the year.

"However, some producers feel the program does not adequately meet their
needs. We have been acting on these concerns. Representatives of the Hail and Crop Insurance
Corporation have met with producers in local communities to discuss their concerns and
methods that we might use to resolve these concerns.

"While our crop insurance programs will be upgraded in 1983 that still leaves us
with many farmers who should have been covered in 1982 but were not. The Northern
Drought Disaster Crop Advance Assistance Program will help in that regard, and I would like
to emphasize that the program is available to all eligible producers who wish to apply, not
just to those without crop insurance."

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

2

-2-

Northern Drought Disaster Crop Advance Assistance Program (cont'd)

Alberta Agriculture will operate the Northern Drought Disaster Crop Advance
Assistance Program and the Alberta Haii and Crop Insurance Corporation will provide admin-
istrative support. Under the program Alberta Agriculture will advance payments to those
farmers whose yields in 1982 were significantly reduced.

The province will forgive the advance to any farmer who requests and receives
assistance, providing that he takes out crop insurance until and including 1985 on at least all
of the seeded acreage of the crop for which he received the advance in 1982.

A farmer may apply on all or only part of his seeded acreage, but he must apply
on all the acreage of a specific crop and he must report all of his acreage and any production
of any crop for which he claims.

The Northern Drought Disaster Crop Advance Assistance Program will cover only
wheat, oats, barley, rye, mixed grains, flaxseed, canola and rapeseed, mustard and honey, and
only farm operators are eligible. Landlords may not apply.

The program will be effective in only those areas designated by the minister of
agriculture. Requests from other municipalities for inclusion in the program will be cons-
idered. Documentation of the extent and nature of the local adverse weather and its impact
on the crops must accompany the request.

The minister has designated the following areas for immediate inclusion in the
Northern Drought Disaster Crop Advance Assistance Program. They are: Improvement Dis-
tricts 16, 17 (west), 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 and the Counties of Smoky River, Grande Prairie,
Spirit River, Fairview and Peace River.

- (cont'd) -

3

-3-

Northern Drought Disaster Crop Advance Assistance Program (cont'd)

The eligibility of individual producers for paynnent will be determined on the
basis of criteria similar to that used in the Canada-Alberta All-Risk Crop Insurance Program.
Coverage will be based on 75 per cent of the 'C soil type, 60 per cent coverage level and low
price option less premium (or equivalents).

The advance payment will be repayable to the province. All recipients of the
advance will be required to take out all-risk crop insurance in 1983, 1984 and 1985. If they
do so, the government will forgive one-third of the advance for each year that they take out
the crop insurance. If a recipient fails to fulfil his obligations, he will be expected to repay the
outstanding principle to which interest will be added at the rate of 1 0 per cent per year.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

4

October 1 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASSISTANCE FOR CANOLA CRUSHING INDUSTRY

Alberta's Agriculture Minister, Dallas W. Schmidt, has announced a one-year assis-
tance progrann aimed at easing the critical financial situation now facing the province's canola
crushing industry.

Canola oil and meal prices are depressed as a result of a world surplus of soybeans.
The $20.4 million program is being offered as a stop-loss measure aimed at sustaining canola
crushing operations in the face of a shutdown of a significant portion of Alberta's processing
capacity.

"Alberta's canola crushing industry is vital to the growth of the province's agricul-
ture and food products sector; domestic and international markets for canola oil and meal con-
tinue to grow," said Mr. Schmidt. "This significant value-added industry is being assisted
through a one-year program. Alberta's canola producers must continue to have the province's
canola crushers as a market for a large part of their production. Long-term prospects remain
bright."

The program which is being introduced provides direct assistance of $40 per
tonne of canola crushed during the 1982-83 crop year to a maximum of 90 per cent of last
year's canola crushing levels. The level of assistance provided will be reduced by any net
benefit accruing to the crushing industry by resolution of the Crow Rate issue.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

Ahexio

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

5

-2-

Assistance For Canola Crushing Industry (cont'd)

Mr. Schmidt included in his announcement increased assistance levels under the
current Tank Car Lease Program to 90 per cent from 70 per cent. This covers the lease cost of
tank cars used for transporting canola oil to market.

"Formal dialogue with both the production and crushing sectors will be estab-
lished regarding the future prospects of all sectors of the canola industry," Mr. Schmidt said.

- 30 -

October 1 1, 1982

6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANADA-ALBERTA CANQLA BREEDING PROGRAM

Alberta Agriculture Minister Dallas Schmidt has announced the creation of a new
program that will address the need of Alberta farmers for canola varieties specifically adapted
to various regions in Alberta.

The Canada-Alberta Canola Breeding Program, a cooperative effort involving
Alberta Agriculture, Agriculture Canada's research stations at Beaverlodge, Lethbridge and
Saskatoon, and the Alberta Research Council, is specifically designed to develop varieties
adapted to the Peace River region and to the irrigated and dryland soils of southern Alberta.

"During the past decade canola production has become a very important com-
ponent of Alberta's agricultural sector," said Mr. Schmidt. And during the last five-year period,
1977-1981, the annual value of the province's canola production averaged more than $306
million.

"Contributing to this growth has been the development of '00' or low-erucic acid,
low glucosinolate canola which enabled us to develop new mark-^ts for animal feed and prod-
ucts for human consumption," added the minister.

The characteristic of past rapeseed breeding programs was the development of
varieties that could be widely adapted. However, to maintain long-term growth in canola pro-
duction, the Alberta Canola Growers Association indicated that canola varieties tailored to the
specific climatic factors of various areas in Alberta were required.

The specific objective of the canola breeding program is to develop varieties that
meet the needs of three different agro-production zones: the long day and short grcwintj
season of the Peace River block, the moisture and temperature stress present in southern

- (cont'd) -

/dibcrra

. AGRICULTURE
Phone:(403)427-2121 Print Media Branch

Canada-Alberta Canola Breeding Program (cont'd)

Alberta's dryland areas and the intensive production factors that exist in southern Alberta's
irrigated areas. The program will also address the particular disease problems of each area.

The Canola Breeding Program will begin operation during the winter of 1982-83,
in order to begin varietal breeding and selection in the spring of 1983. Its first priority will
be to purchase the equipment needed to work research plots. Purchase of sophisticated
analysis equipment will also be required.

"The selection of a joint federal-provincial effort reflects the current research cap-
ability of Agriculture Canada's research stations," says Mr. Schmidt. "We recognize that
Agriculture Canada has operational research facilities, a large germ plasm bank for use in
crossbreeding new varieties, extensive professional expertise and the necessary technical
support staff to implement such a program in a very short period. I think we can expect faster
results from a joint effort involving Agriculture Canada than if we conducted the entire
program by ourselves."

The program will be conducted under the existing Canada-Alberta Research
Agreement which was first established to facilitate Agriculture Canada's involvement in
Alberta's Farming for the Future Program.

The first-year cost of the new Canada-Alberta Canola Breeding Program is estim-
ated at $500,000; and about 80 per cent of the initial funding will be used for equipment
purchases. The program cost in 1983-84 is expected to be approximately $350,000.

- 30-

8

October 11, 1982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

$4.3 MILLION CHEESE PLANT TO BE BUILT AT BASHAW

A joint venture by five major Western Canadian dairy co-ops will
see the construction of a $4,3 million cheese processing plant at Bashaw.

The new plant will be owned by Northern Alberta Dairy Pool Ltd.
(NADP) and will receive $1 .2 million worth of assistance under the Canada-Alberta
Nutritive Processing Assistance Agreement. It will consist of 22,000 square feet,
contain a full production line for processed cheese slices — the first of its kind in
Western Canada -- and will be operated by Armstrong Foods Ltd. Armstrong Foods
is owned equally by the five joint venture partners — Central Alberta Dairy Pool,
Fraser Valley Milk Producers Association of B.C., Dairy Producers Co-op of Sas-
katchewan and the Manitoba Dairy Co-operative and NADP.

The Canada-Alberta Nutritive Processing Assistance Agreement is cost-
shared by the federal Department of Regional Economic Expansion and Alberta
Agriculture. More than $17 million worth of assistance has been provided to nutri-
tive processors in Alberta since the agreement was signed in 1975.

Further information on the Canada-Alberta Nutritive Processing Assistance Agreement can be
obtained from Dr Jim Wiebe, Executive Director, Rural Development. Alberta Agriculture,
9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8 ( Telephone :427-4287).

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

9

October 11, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEADLINE FOR IMPLANT DUTY REFUNDS

November 1, 1982 is the deadline for submitting claims for a refund of the duty
paid by farmers on cattle implants that were purchased between April 1, 1981 and December
31,1981.

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association has agreed to act as an agent for farmers
who are eligible for a refund under the federal government's implant duty refund program
And anyone who wishes to claim a refund should submit original copies of his Ralgro or Syno-
vex invoices or receipts to C.A. Gracey, manager, Canadian Cattlemen's Association, 590 Keele
Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6N 3E3. From there they will be forwarded to the federal govern-
ment in Ottawa.

The refunds will be sent to the Canadian Cattlemen's Association which will
forward them, less a handling charge of $2 per cheque or 15 per cent of the gross refund,
whichever is the lesser, to the applicants.

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association will not be handling refunds for implants
bought between January 1, 1982 and June 20, 1982, when the implant duty refund program
was announced. Apparently some implant distributors will be adjusting their 1982 price struc-
ture to reflect the duty refunds, while others may arrange for retailers to refund the duty
directly to their customers.

Further information on the implant duty refund program can be obtained from
Ross Gould, Alberta Agriculture,9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8 (Telephone:
427-5335).

30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

10

October 11, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING PRECONDITIONED CALVES

Preconditioned calves with their superior health, lower vaccination costs, lower
death losses, reduced shrinkage and resulting superior production performance should have
lower costs of gain than regular calves and should be worth more to the feeder.

Dwight Karren, Alberta Agriculture's regional livestock supervisor at Red Deer,
reports that feeders paid a premium of 4.04 c per pound last year and 6.95 c per pound in 1 980
for calves at Alberta Certified Preconditioned Feeder (ACPF) approved sales.

He points out that calves that have been preconditioned under the ACPF Program
must have been castrated, dehorned and treated for warbles at least three weeks before being
sold; they must have been vaccinated for black leg, IBR and PI3 by a veterinarian at least three
weeks before being sold; and they must have been weaned for at least 30 days before being
sold.

Such animals will have become used to eating dry feed from feed bunks and to
drinking water from automatic waterers before they are sold, and they will have built up an
immunity to diseases that they will encounter in a feedlot. And the time, cost and stress
associated with processing feedlot calves will have been considerably reduced in precondi-
tioned animals because they have already been dehorned, castrated and treated for grubs.
Calves that have been preconditioned under the ACPF Program are tagged with green eartags
by a veterinarian prior to being sold, and they are accompanied at the sale by a certificate
stating that they have met all the preconditioning requirements.

The ACPF Program also has a preimmunization option. Calves that are enrolled
in this part of the program have to meet all the criteria required for preconditioned calves
except that they do not have to be weaned prior to sale. These animals are identified at ACPF-
approved sales by white eartags and they are also accompanied by a certificate.

- (cont'd) -

AhexiQ

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

11

Advantages Of Buying Preconditioned Calves (cont'd)

Mr. Karren says that nnost of the problems associated with starting calves in a
feedlot occur within the first 30 days and much of the stress that causes these problems can be
eliminated if calves have already been adapted to the feedlot situation.

Feeders who would like to purchase ACPF calves at an ACPF-approved sales this
fall should make a note of the following places and dates.

Didsbury
Fort Macleod
Ponoka
Grande Prairie
Olds
Clyde

Rocky Mountain House
Fairview

October 30

November 4 and December 2
November 6 and December 4
November 8 and December 6
November 8 and December 6
November 15 and December 13
December 3
December 8

Information about the aoove sales can be obtained from the sale managers or
from district agriculturists.

-30-

CORRECTION ' , '

United Grain Growers Ltd - Annual Meeting will be held in the Banff Springs Hotel, Banff,
Alberta on November 3 - 4; NOT in Winnipeg, Manitoba as stated in "Coming Agricultural
Events" (October 4, 1982 issue of Agri-News).

30

October 11, 1982

1.2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGRICULTURAL CREDIT CONFERENCE

The Canadian Bankers' Association will hold its 10th annual Agricultural Credit
Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Edmonton from October 24 to 27.

Following are the topics that will be covered in the three sections.
Plenary Sessions

Understanding your Customer; Money Market Outlook; Future Farm Finance
Scenarios; Farm Finance (U.S. A. /Canada) — Meeting the Challenge of Turbulent Times; US
Commercial Bank and Production Credit Association Canadian Bank.
Concurrent Sessions

Farm Resource Management During Economic Uncertainty; Long Term Lending
— Who Has the Answer?; Open Market vs. Supply Management in Obtaming Credit; Family
Goals Farm Goals — Are They Compatible?; Legal Rights Related to Farm Security; Early
Symptoms of Potential Difficulty.
Outlook Sessions

Farm Machinery Outlook; Farm Supply Outlook; Livestock Outlook; and Grain

Outlook.

The conference will commence with registration on the evening of October 24
and end with a summary of proceedings on the morning of October 27. The cost of the
conference per person is $195. A banquet ticket will cost an additional $30 and a special
spouse program will cost $60.

Further information can be obtained from Mrs. Monique Greenwood, The Canad-
ian Bankers' Association, P.O. Box 282, Toronto Dominion Centre, Toronto, Ontario,
M5K 1K2. (Telephone; (416) 362-6092).

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

13

October 1 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTHEAST REGION FARM MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

The northeast region of Alberta Agriculture is sponsoring a two-day seminar on
farnn financial management in Wainwright on November 22 and 23.
The topics covered in the seminar include:

, "The Importance of Financial Management in Achieving a Farm Family's
Goals" — Mike Jackson, Agriculture Business Associates, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.

, "Understanding Interest and Inflation Rates" — Michael Walker, Frazer Insti-
tute of Canada, Vancouver, B.C.

, "Microcomputers — A Financial Management Tool" — Gary Fisher, Farm Busi-
ness Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture, and Roger Buxton, farmer, Consort, Alberta.

, "Your Lender — How to Keep on Good Terms with Him" — Al Stuart, Agricul-
ture Department, Toronto Dominion Bank.

. "To Buy or Not to Buy — That is the Question" — Gary Bradshaw, Regional
Economist, Alberta Agriculture, Red Deer, Alberta.

. "Stress in the Farm Family" - Deneve Freeborn, Counsellor, Fort Saskatch
ewan, Alberta.

, "The Farming Game — How to Evaluate its Financial Risk" — Len Bauer,
Department of Rural Economy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.

. "Hedging as a Financial Management Tool" — Dwayne Couldwell, Regional
Economist, Alberta Agriculture, Airdrie, Alberta.

- (cont'd) -

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Pr"^^ Media Branch

Northeast Region Farm Management Seminar (cont'd)

, "Family Communications and Decision-Making" — Bob Simmerman, Alberta
Agriculture, Lethbridge, Alberta.

November 5 is the deadline for registering for this farm management seminar,
which will cost $60 per person or $80 per couple. The fee includes two lunches and an even-
ing banquet.

You can obtain more information from your local district office.

-30-

October 11, 1982

15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEED TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP

November 10, 1982 is the deadline for registering for the seed technology work-
shop that will be held at Olds College in Olds on November 15, 16 and 17.

The purpose of the workshop is to provide seed buyers, seed growers, seed clean-
ing plant personnel, seed company representatives and members of the seed industry in general
with the latest technological information that is applicable to this industry. It is also designed
to provide participants with an opportunity to share their experiences in seed technology and
their concerns.

Following is a list of the topics that will be covered in the workshop.

, Field Production of Seed — Bob Thirsk, Cen Alta Seeds Ltd., Kelsey, Alberta.

, Principles of Seed Cleaning — Vaughan Hartwick, Hartwick Industries, London,
Ontario.

, Seed Certification Secan — Orin Clayton, CSGA, Ottawa, Ontario.

« Seed Drying - George Daugela, Vertec Industries, Vermilion, Alberta.

. Seed Storage — Mary Hostetler, Olds College, Olds, Alberta.

, Purity and Variety Identification — Federal Plant Products Division Staff.

. Germination, Vigor and Tetrazolium Testing — Mil MacPhee, senior analyst
CSAAC, Alberta Wheat Pool, Cam rose and Maureen Champ, accredited seed
analyst, Norwest Feed Research Ltd., Edmonton.

, Seed Processing and Handling Equipment — Vaughan Hartwick.

, Seed Ouality — Yudi Singh, Seed Standards Unit, Plant Product D'vision,
Ottawa, Ontario.

. Seed Marketing — Bruce Fuhr, national director, CSGA.

, Bookkeeping for Seed Cleaning Plants — Dwayne Couldwell, regional econo-
mist , Alberta Agriculture, Airdrie.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

16

-2-

Seed Technology Workshop (cont'd)

The workshop will include a bus tour to the Olds Co-op Cleaning Plant and to a
couple of local seed farms.

The cost of the workshop is $100, which covers registration, tuition, notes, coffee
breaks and the Bar-B-Que. A $30 non-refundable deposit must accompany applications
(cheques should be made payable to Olds College). Room and board will probably be available
at the college residence for those who register early.

Further information on the course and accommodation and application forms can
be obtained from the Department of Continuing Education, Olds College, Olds, Alberta,
TOM IPO (Telephone: 556-8344 and 556-8322).

-30-

17

October 1 1, 1982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTHERN ALBERTA FARM WIVES' CONFERENCE

Alberta Agriculture's fifth annual Farm Wives' Conference will "Stress
the Positive" in the challenges facing farm women.

This two-day conference, co-planned by the Peace Region district home
economists and a committee of farm women, will take place in Grande Prairie on
November 17 and 18 and is designed to provide rural women with an opportunity to
share ideas and gain new and updated information. The select-a-session topics will
include current parenting techniques, soil sampling, home computers, managing the
clothing dollar, landscaping, retirement planning, income tax and bookkeeping, fire
prevention and money -saving ideas in the home.

A program for children up to 6 years of age will be available and games,
songs, stories and other activities will all contribute to an enjoyable experience for
them.

The district home economists of the Peace River region extend an invi-
tation to all farm women to attend the conference. The registration deadline is
November 10, 1982, and application forms are available from the district offices.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

18

October 11, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRE SEASON WARM-UP

by Debbie Brekke
District Home Economist, Alberta Agriculture, Airdrie

It's hard to believe that winter's just around the corner but it is! And if you live
on a farm it is time to get your house ready for those cold, blustery winter winds.

Start by checking all windows, doors and other openings. To check for air leakage
use a "draft indicator" like a smouldering piece of cotton string or a lit candle. Move the in-
dicator around the frames and sashes of your windows. It the smoke or flame dances around
you need caulking and/or weatherstripping. Try slipping a quarter under the door. If it goes
through easily, you need weatherstripping.

Seal all leaks by caulking and weatherstripping doors, windows and your attic
hatch. It's easy to do yourself and you could save 10 per cent on your energy bill. Ask for the
pamphlet "How to Weatherstrip and Caulk Your Home" (1700-77-33), from your district
office.

If your home has an uninsulated basement, one third of your total heat loss can
occur through the floors and walls. Upgrade your basement walls by adding insulation to the
inside or outside of the foundation. Get a copy of "How to Insulate Your Basement — Exter-
ior Method" (1700-77-32) or "How to Insulate Your Basement - Interior Method"
(1 700-77-31 ) from your district office.

Did you know that proper furnace maintenance will also reduce your fuel costs,
extend the life of your equipment and ensure a safer system? Clean the air filter, vacuum
around the burner and fan compartments, lubricate the furnace motor and inspect the bell

- (cont'd) -

ydlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

-2-

19

Pre-Season Warm-Up (cont'd)

before you start it up this year. For more information on maintaining your heating system ask
for "Your Home Heating System — Using it Efficiently", again from your district office.

"Home Insulation Techniques" (1713-10) is an excellent source of information if
you plan to insulate your attic or basement. It too is available from your district office.

-30-

BHATNA6AR Nl-

LlciRARY ^r.mn TURE 6LDG.

MAIN FLOOR. A&RlcULTURt ti

971b - 107TH STRELT
EDMONfTON ALT A

2C8 IbLDG. ) 1040OO2

LIBRARY

OCT 18 1982

ALBERTA AGRICULfUiU
EDMONTON, ALBtRTA

October 18, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Canadian Agricultural Extension Council Conference 1

Information On Alberta's Interest Reduction Programs ...v«. .• . . .4

The Crow Debate And Grain Marketing 6

Beef Cattle Nutrition 8

Crop Yields And Economics Of Liming Acid Soils 10

Cattle Hoof Trimming 11

Market Development Branch Head Appointed 12

Energy Engineer Appointed 13

/dbena

AGRICULTURE

October 18, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION COUNCI L CONFERENCE

Left to right, are the newly-elected executives of the Canadian Agricultural Extension Council
for 1983: secretary-treasurer, Bob Brack of Saskatchewan, past president Dick Huggard of
Nova Scotia, new president Irene Leavitt of Alberta, and vice-president Kevin Aucoin of

Newfoundland.

The need for a serious look at present university and college programs for training
agricultural extension workers in Canada from the standpoint of communication skills was
stressed at an extension conference in Fredericton, Nova Scotia, recently. .

The Canadian Agricultural Extension Council held three days of meetings with
talks focused on the future role of agricultural extension in the overall development of the
agriculture and food sector in Canada. The meetings were attended by representatives from all
the provinces except British Columbia and Ouebec.

Nancy Cook, director of the Food Nutrition Branch of the New Brunswick
Department of Agriculture and co-ordinator of the 36th annual conference, said extension
workers are properly trained technically but often lack training in social sciences to better
communicate their skills to farmers.

- (cont'd) -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

(403) 427 21 2 1 Print Modia Brqp^t^

Canadian Agricultural Extension Council Conference (cont'd)

"A major concern expressed during the conference was about how we are going to
do a better job of training extension workers to serve extension needs and relate that to univer-
sity requirements for training of extension people", Mrs. Cook said.

"Historically, extension wOrk was conducted on a one-on-one basis between the
agricultural representative and the farmer", she continued. "But more and more the role is
changing to working collectively with groups of farmers, farmer organizations, and marketing
boards." ' ^'^^'^

Mrs. Cook also said the change has been gradually brought about by decreasing
departmental budgets across the country, the increasing use of computer technology on the
farm, and the increasing use of mass media to communicate to farmers.

She believes a corhpromise between using mass media and the traditional 'one-on-
one' method must be reached to preserve the "friendly human element presently existing be-
tween 'ag-rep' and farmer."

She said in the United States, agricultural schools offer extension programs to up-
grade the skills of extension workers, and there is a need for similar courses for Canadian prac-
titioners. However, Western Canada is beginning development in this area with summer school
sessions starting next year in Vancouver.

The meeting wound up after a panel discussion on the future of extension and
election of a new executive committee.

Irene Leavitt, director of Alberta Agriculture's Home Economics and 4-H division,
succeeds Richard Huggard, director of the extension branch of Nova Scotia Agriculture, as
president of the Canadian Agricultural Extension Council.

- (cont'd) -

3

-3 -

Canadian Agricultural Extension Council Conference (cont'd)

Other elected officers include vice president Kevin Aucoin, director of extension
and veterinary services, Newfoundland Department of Rural Agricultural and Northern Devel-
opnnent; and secretary-treasurer, Bob Brack, professor of extension, University of Saskatch-
ewan.

The 1983 conference will be held in Ontario.

- 30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

one: (403) 427-21 21 "rint Media-Branc'

4

October 18, 1982

FOR immediate: release

INFORMATION ON ALBERTA'S INTEREST REDUCTION PROGRAMS

• Information brochures on the Alberta Heritage Fund Mortgage Interest Reduction
Program and the Alberta Heritage Fund Small Business and Farm Interest Shielding Program
have gCne out to more than 50,000 Alberta farmers.

The brochures outline who is eligible for these programs; what loans are eligible
for interest reduction; the rate of interest that eligible loans will be reduced to; and the period
for which each program will be in place. They also provide answers to a number of specific
questions relating to the programs.

Gerry Parlby of Alberta Agriculture says when a farmer's mortgage covers land,
buildings and the farm home, the proportion of interest expense that is claimed as a deduction
for farm income tax purposes will be used to establish the amount of interest reduction the
farmer will be eligible for under each program.

Application forms for the Alberta Mortgage Interest Reduction Program and the
Alberta Small Business and Farm Interest Shielding Program can be obtained from financial
institutions.

Information on the Mortgage Interest Reduction Program can be obtained by
writing to the Mortgage Assistance Branch of Alberta Housing and Public Works, P.O. Box

- (cont'd) -

Information On Alberta's Interest Reduction Programs (cont'd)

4020, Edmonton, Alberta, T6E 4S8 or by telephoning 4224400 if the person lives near
Edmonton. People who live in the Calgary area can dial 1-800-642-381 1 (toll free) while those
who live elsewhere in the province should dial 1-800-642-3822 (toll free).

Information on the Small Business and Farm Interest Shielding Program can be
obtained by writing to the Alberta Small Business and Farm Interest Shielding Program, 4th
Floor, Financial Building, 10621-100 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 0B3. People living
near Edmonton can call 422-5522, those living near Calgary can call 261-5235 and those livin.g
elsewhere in the province can call 1-800-642-3830 (toll free).

-30-

October 18, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6

THE CROW DEBATE AND GRAIN MARKETING

The Crow rate involves more than simply transporting grain to ports for a specific
cost. Instead it relates to a total system efficiency for marketing grain, says Norm Thomson,
chairman of Alberta Agriculture's planning and research secretariat.

Mr. Thomson believes comparisons of the grain marketing systems in Canada and
the United States are part of the research necessary to provide alternatives and improvements
to the Canadian system., ^r-v-

A recently released study conducted by the University of Minnesota, U.S.A.,
indicates the American grain export system is more competitive than commonly believed.

Neilson Conklin of Colorado State University and Reynold Dahl of the University
of Minnesota said in their study the percentage of grain trade controlled by the major com-
panies is less than commonly thought. In 1974-75 the four largest grain exporters controlled
49 per cent of the total grain and oilseed exports from the U.S. Since that time, the market
share held by the largest firms has declined.

Another indicator of the industry's competitiveness, the study says, is the free-
dom of entry and exit of grain exporting firms. New firms, both large and small, have entered
and exited the grain export business.

"The composition and market shares of firms in the industry have changed signi- .
ficantly in recent years, as have patterns of export elevator ownership. These structural
changes indicate competitive forces at work in the U.S. grain export system," the researchers
report.

I

I - (cont'd) -

Ahex\a

AGRICULTURE

Phone:(403)427-2121 Print Media Branch

-2-

7

The Crow Debate And Grain Marketing (cont'd)

The report goes on to mention other aspects which indicate a competitive in-
dustry. "Highly liquid futures markets for the major export grains also increase competition
in the U.S. grain export system."

Some people have charged that the large grain exporters can make use of inside
market information to manipulate price. The researchers found no evidence of such rnanipula-
tion. They said the pricing efficiency of the U.S. system rests somewhere between the semi-
strong and the stron^.^

Copies of a summary of the researchers' report, "Organization and Pricing Effi-
ciency of the U.S. Grain Export System", are available from N.S. Thomson, Chairman, Plann-
ing and Research Secretariat, Alberta Agriculture, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5K 2C8.

- 30-

8

October 18, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEEF CATTLE NUTRITION

Farmers who are not feeding a grain and forage ration to their beef cattle should
feed a calcium-phosphorous mineral supplement, says Phil Dixon, Alberta Agriculture's district
agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House.

He points out that feeding either a high grain or a high forage ration to beef cattle
can cause problems. Animals that are fed a high proportion of grain with little or no forage
will be low in calcium but generally adequate in phosphorous, while those that are fed a high
forage ration are likely to be adequate or high in calcium but low in phosphorous. And mature,
weathered forage is likely to be very deficient in phosphorous.

Mr. Dixon says a high level of calcium in cattle rations will lower the availability
of phosphorous. Hence, a phosphorous deficiency in animals on a high calcium diet can be
remedied by either increasing their level of phosphorous consumption or by lowering the level
of their calcium intake.

Mr. Dixon stresses that providing the correct calcium-phosphorous ratio is just as
important as providing the correct level of calcium and phosphorous in beef cow rations. He
reports that tests on beef animals have shown that a calcium-phosphorous ratio of 2:1 (two
parts calcium to one part phosphorous) is the ratio to aim for, and that it should not norm-
ally be less than 1 : 1 or greater than 7; 1 .

- (cont'd) -

I AOS) 42"7-2 1 2 1

Ahexio

AGRICULTURE

p. n /I ,^ p, .. . I

Beef Cattle Nutrition (cont'd) ■ ■• .

Mr. Dixon says that cattle on pasture or a grass hay or silage diet need a mineral
supplement that contains twice as much calcium as phosphorous and a minimum of 8 per cent
phosphorous. This is called a two to one mineral supplement and is usually more palatable
than a one to one mineral supplement, which is recommended for cattle on a legume rati.on.
The one to one mineral supplement should contain a minimum of 14 per cent phosphorous.
Cattle on a high grain ration should receive a grain mix which contains one per cent ground
limestone unless the grain mix contains a commercial protein supplement that has been de-
signed to feed with a grain ration.

A calcium deficiency in mature animals causes stiffness and brittle bones. In
young animals it causes rickets.

A phosphorous deficiency in cows is characterized by an irregular neat cycle and
a low fertility level. It also causes stiffness in the hindquarters and brittle bones.

-30-

October 18, 1982 10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CROP YIELDS AND ECONOMICS OF LIMING ACID SOILS

Crop yield increases from liming will depend upon the degree of soil acidity, the
kind of crop that is grown and the general growing conditions in the area.

In Alberta average yield increases for wheat, canola and barley have been reported
to be between 0.24 to 0.79 tonne per hectare. Barley yield increases have usually been greater
than those for wheat and canola, and increases have usually been greater m the gray soil zone
than in the dark brown — thin black soil zones of the province.

On the average, alfalfa yields have been increased through liming by 1.10 and 2.07
tonnes per hectare in the dark brown — thin black soil zones and the gray soil zone respect-
ively.

Crop yield responses in the dark brown — thin black soil zones are probably
lower than those in the gray soil zone because growing conditions are generally drier in those
.zones and because many of the liming tests in the dark brown — thin black soil zones were
carried out on solonetzic soils. These soils are only acid in the surface horizon and have
physical characteristics that can severely restrict yields.

The return of money invested in liming depends upon the size of the yield in-
crease obtained, the values of the crop and the lime and the interest rate charged for borrowed
money.

Example calculations, using reasonable values for lime, alfalfa and barley as of
August, 1982, are illustrated in two of a number of tables contained in a publication entitled
"Crop Yields and Economics of Liming Acid Soils". It also contains sections on several other
aspects of soil liming.

Crop Yields and Economics of Liming Acid Soils (Agdex 834-2) can be obtained
from your district agriculturist or the Print Media Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718-107
Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8.

-30

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

A\bex\o

AGRICULTURE

I

11

October 18, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CATTLE HOOF TRIMMING

The Department of Continuing Education at Olds College will hold two
cattle hoof trimming courses in early November.

The first is a four-day course which will commence on November 2 and
the second is a weekend course which will commence on November 5. The four-day
course (28 hours) will cost $170 and the weekend course (16 hours) will cost $95.

Both courses will include an explanation of the need for hoof trimming,
an outline of the anatomy and physiology of the feet and legs of cattle, information
on selecting and preparing hoof nippers and information on handling cattle with
and without a trimming table.

Farmers who take either of the courses will have an opportunity to
practice trimming "specimen" feet and to work on the feet of live cattle.

The pre-registration deadline is October 27.

Further information and application forms can be obtained from the
Department of Continuing Education, Olds College, Olds, Alberta, TOM IPO (Tele-
phone: 556-8322 or 556-8344).

- 30 -

, ■vjRICULTURE

12

October 18, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARKET DEVELOPMENT BRANCH HEAD APPOINTED

The director of Alberta Agriculture's marketing services, Dennis Glover,
has announced the appointment of Dr. D.A. (Tony) Evans to the pos'tion of head of
the market development branch.

As head of this branch, Dr. Evans will be responsible for working with
the private sector on the development and expansion of market opportunities for
Alberta's processed food products and agricultural commodities. An important part
of his work will be to help producers, processors and departmental divisions to co-
ordinate their supply response to market demands and opportunities.

Dr. Evans has a Ph.D. from Cornell University in the United States
where he specialized in animal science, statistics and operations research. He also
has an extensive international background in the marketing of animal and human
food products.

While with a company called Dalgety N.Z. Ltd of New Zealand^tie was
involved in demand studies, environmental economics, field and crop trials, plant
breeding, inventory control, consumer surveys, test marketing, food production and
processing and by-product animal feeds. Following that he spent two years as
president of Alta Lipids Canada Ltd. During the past two years he has been an agri-
cultural and processing consultant in Alberta.

-30-

(403) 427-21 21

A\bex\Q

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

October 18, 1982

13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENERGY ENGINEER APPOINTED

Paul Barlott, head of Alberta Agriculture's engineering resource branch,
has announced the appointment of John C. Chang to the position of energy en-
gineer.

This is a specialized engineering position related to energy in agricul-
ture. The nnain duties will include developing, innplementing and maintaining energy
programs, and providing specialist engineering expertise in the area of energy use in
agriculture.

Mr. Chang graduated with a B.Eng. (electrical) with great distinction
from McGill University in Montreal in 1969. He continued at McGill, where he did
post-graduate work and received a Graduate Diploma in Electrical Engineering in
1973. He then studied agriculture at Macdonald College, graduating with a B.Sc.
(agriculture) in 1976.

From 1976 to 1982, Mr. Chang worked for United Co-operatives of
Ontario, Mississauga. His positions included feed and crop specialist, resident en-
gineer (construction) and project engineer. In these positions, he gained consider-
able experience in the fields of agriculture and engineering, including the coordina-
tion of the company's energy conservation program.

Mr. Chang served as a member of the City of Mississauga Task Force on
Energy Conservation in 1981. And immediately prior to his present appointment,
he worked on the design and implementation of a renewable energy centre for the
board of education for the City of Toronto in Ontario.

-30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

CANAT)!

OEG 2 9 1982

October 25, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Alberta's Agriculture Minister Opposes Canagrex Bill 1

Long Ternn Prospects For The North American Livestock Industry 2

Feed Grain And Protein Outlook 4

Towrope Tragedies 5

Wintering Versus Package Bees 7

Soil Conservation Society Seminar 9

Correction (Coming Agricultural Events) 10

New Publication On Calf Preconditioning 11

Home Storage For Fruit And Vegetables 12

Treats From Your Hallowe'en Pumpkin 15

Agricultural Economist Appointed 16

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/diberia

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

October 25, 1982

1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA'S AGRICULTURE MINISTER OPPOSES
CANAGREX BILL

Dallas Schmidt, Alberta's minister of agriculture, said in a recent interview that
the proposed Canagrex legislation is too restrictive. He claims it would give the federal govern-
ment "total control of all agricultural products."

We can support an agency that offers assistance to individuals or groups wanting
to export agricultural products, but not an agency that has a controlling role, the minister said.
He pointed out that Canagrex in its presently proposed form would be another national
marketing scheme which goes beyond marketing. It would control production as well.

Mr. Schmidt said "Canagrex seems to take away any freedoms of the individual
producer in his ability to market his produce." And Mr. Schmidt disapproves of the all-
encompassing powers the bill would grant. "Canagrex," he said, "would be permitted to pack-
age, process, store, ship, buy and export agricultural products. It would have total control. '

Because Alberta is, always has been and always will be an exporter of agricultural
products, it is especially affected by the bill, the minister believes.

And he is not alone in his reservations. "There is no farm organization in the
province that has not registered its disagreement with the legislation," Mr. Schmidt said.

Organizations which support the Alberta government in its stand on Canagrex
include the Alberta Cattle Commission, Alberta-Canada All Breeds Association, Alberta Canola
Growers' Association, Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, Alberta Swine Breeders' Association
and the Alberta Pork Producers' Marketing Board.

The Canagrex bill is expected to come before the House of Commons when it
resumes sitting in late October.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

October 25, 1982

2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONG TERM PROSPECTS FOR THE NORTH
AMERICAN LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

Addressing Taking Stock, Alberta Agriculture's livestock outlook conference in
Red Deer recently Dr. Tonn Stout, professor of agricultural econonnics at Ohio State Univer-
sity in the United States reflected, "Now we are in worldwide recession, worse nearly every-
where than in North America, productivity low and decreasing, debt loads heavy and
demanding, and the future no longer benevolent. To you and me this translates into an
extended period of slow economic growth and substantial interest rates."

Breed development, utilization of bulls and dairy beef, box beef and restructur-
ing were suggestions made by Dr. Stout as ways to improve the physical efficiency of the
livestock industry.

"Restructuring", he explained "means flaking, chunking, reforming — creating
a retail cut that looks like sirloin strip, for example, but not made out of sirloin. Like particle-
board from the lumber yard. Good portion control, good physical efficiency, good mileage
improvement. Also good product differentiation; cheaper than the desirable product it re-
sembles but, not incidentally, more expensive than the capital and labor and beef it's made out
of. Improved physical efficiency; advantageously altered pricing opportunities."

He said "A rapidly-spreading innovation in U.S. packing plants is a fast jolt of
low-amp, high-voltage electricity to the carcass shortly after stunning and bleeding. It accom-
plishes in moments the dissipation of muscle energy that otherwise occurs over a longer time in
the chillbox. It is said to have a tenderizing effect, but this may be over-sell. What it is also
expected to do is improve the way the carcass sets up and its prospects for making the choice

- (cont'd) -

AhexiQ

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

3

-2-

Long Term Prospects For The North American Livestock Industry (cont'd)

grade. The salespitch claims that electrical stimulation will substitute for the last month of
feeding; that, say, 120 or 130 days will do the job that was previously thought to require 150
or 160 days. One month less in the feedlot for the same final product is an impressive im-
provement in physical efficiency. But that's the salespitch. There's another way to read it: Go
out and buy good cattle that are not finished, and pay the seller the good cattle price. Then
take them to the plant and make choice carcass beef out of them. And that is an impressive
motive, too. But if the claim is really true, then there is another weather vane, shifting slowly:
the packer will accomplish in seconds what still takes thirty days in the feedlot. An impressive
mileage improvement, and the industry needs that.

"Today needling machines are standard equipment . . . used so that good or
or standard beef might be given the tenderness associated with choice beef. Here again, we
are talking about an accomplishment in the packing plant that used to be associated exclus-
ively with the feedlot. And the motivation behind it is again found both in physical and
pricing opportunities.

"Enzyme baths are tenderizing devices used for the lowest grades of beef, the
grades not ordinarily intended for table consumption. But a blade tenderizer and an enzyme
bath can make a utility cow good enough for an economy steakhouse that serves its meals in
a cafetaria line. In principal, how different is this and its motivations from restructuring? Not
a bit. How different are its effects from electrical stimulation? Small."

Dr. Stout concluded, "In these lean times sellers find a pricing opportunity and
package it for buyers who buy a physical efficiency. That's good news for any industry that
needs to improve its energy conversion ratio, including the red meat industry."

-30-

4

October 25, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEED GRAIN AND PROTEIN OUTLOOK

Giving the outlook on feed grains and protein supplement at Alberta Agriculture's
recent Taking Stock Conference in Red Deer, the export manager of James Richardson and
Sons of Winnipeg, Dave Champion said that "In the international market, we see very little
chance of any major recovery. The weight of surplus supplies and stagnant demand will keep
it a buyer's market."

Mr. Champion estimated that world carry-over stocks will be higher than current
projections because of higher crop production levels in the U.S.S.R. and lower purchases by
them. Any easing of the recession will not affect world grain demand for some time, he said.

Barley is particularly depressed and is not competitive with corn, and Canada's
biggest customer, the Russians, are expected to buy more wheat than barley. Mr. Champion
said this situation may be favorable to livestock producers in the short term but may cause
grain farmers to swing into other crops and tighten supplies in the 1983/84 crop year.

The sheer size of the American corn crop is a depressant, said Mr. Champion, and
there is little reason to think that the grain markets are not in for a fairly prolonged period
of depressed prices.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

5

October 25, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOWROPE TRAGEDIES

by Ted Darling
District Agriculturist, Innisfail

In the October issue of an American farm management magazine called "Success-
ful Farming" there is a frightening article about the dangers involved in the use of nylon and
polypropylene towropes. Apparently there have been as many as 30 fatalities, a similar
number of crippling injuries and hundreds of close calls in the U.S. alone.

The interesting thing is that it is not the rope that fails; it is the chain, clevis or
hook that is attached to the rope at either end that fails. These one inch to Vh mch ropes
have a breaking strength of up to 60,000 pounds or many times the strength of most farm
chains. "Successful Farming" explains that: "Unlike a cable or chain, towropes stretch, so
farmers are tempted, and even instructed, to use the tractor's momentum for more pulling
power. From a standing pull, you can develop 70 to 90 per cent of the weight on the drive
wheels as tractive effort," explains Nebraska ag engineer Leonard Bashford. "On a 15,000
pound tractor, that's about 1 1 ,000 pounds of pull. However, if the tractor hits the end of the
rope at 3 mph it develops another 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of pulling power. That total pull
approaches the safe limit on some popular-sized farm chains".

- (cont'd) -

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

6

-2 -

Towrope Tragedies (cont'd)

And it may also be enough to spread a clevis, as was the case in an Iowa fatality,
or it may rip off a truck bumper as occurred in a Minnesota incident. However, the real
danger is after the break has occurred. At this point the towrope, which can stretch up to
40 per cent or more of its original length, snaps back and hurls whatever it is attached to at
speeds of up to 700 miles per hour. In one such case in the United States a length of chain
was snapped back through the tractor cab where it killed a 20-year old Nebraska farmer.

Although several law suits that are now in progress may result in warnings to tow-
rope buyers and users, in my opinion the bottom line is to recognize the danger and to act
accordingly.

-30-

October 25, 1982

7

FOR immediate; release

WINTERING VERSUS PACKAGE BEES

If you live in the Peace River region of Alberta and have been wondering whether
you would be further ahead to carry your honey bees over the winter as opposed lo buying
package bees in the spring, you will be interested in a new publication entitled "An Economic
Comparison of Wintering and Package Bees in the Peace River Region".

Prepared by Don MacDonald, provincial apiculturist at Falher and George
Monner, regional economist at Fairview, the publication is based on the costs and returns of
overwintering bees compared with purchasing package bees for a 2,000 hive apiary in the Peace
River Region. In this study the wintering operation provided a return over cash (contribution
margin) of $29.62 per hive compared with $16.48 per hive for package bees. However, when
depreciation was taken into account the return was $15.52 for overwintered hives compared
with $5.71 for packages, representing a difference of $9.81 .

The study assumed equal production and returns from each type of operation,
but most experienced beekeepers who overwinter their bees claim that the overwintered bees
produce significantly more honey than package bees.

Those who collected the data for the publication stress that beekeepers who are
considering overwintering their bees would be wise to winter only a portion of them for a
year or two, or until they have developed expertise in this area. The publication also points
out that overwintering bees necessitates a high level of management skill and skilled help.
And that early spring pollen shortages are a problem in many areas of Alberta, which means
that the bees must be fed a pollen supplement. This may involve trapping or purchasing
pollen, and necessitates advance planning. Another important point brought out in the publi-

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

Wintering Versus Package Bees (cont'd)

cation is that the successful overwintering of bees depends to a great extent upon the suit-
ability of the beekeepers' stock. Although suitability may be a problem initially, experience
has shown that it improves with time as the bees become selected for their overwintering
qualities.

Probably the three main advantages of overwintering honey bees are superior
economic returns at present day prices, beekeepers are less dependent on the package bee
industry, and the spring is less hectic and worrisome because those who overwinter their bees
are not subjected to the pressures of handling them at a time when the weather is often in-
clement.

Full details on the study, which includes eight tables, a returns schedule and a
costs schedule, etc., are contained in "An Economic Comparison of Wintering and Package
Bees in the Peace River Region" (821-14). It can be obtained from district agriculturists
and from the Print Media Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5K 2C8.

-30-

9

October 25, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOIL CONSERVATION SOCIETY SEMINAR

November 1 is the deadline for registering for the Alberta Chapter of the Soil
Conservation Society of America's (SCSA) fall seminar on land use programs and policies
affecting the agricultural land base, scheduled for the afternoon and evening of November 25.

The program is as follows:

1:30 p.m. — Registration

2:00 p.m. — Alberta Chapter Executive Committee Report
2:15 p.m. — Reeve, County of Strathcona

2:45 p.m. - Mr. Ted Nicholson, Director, Oldman Regional Planning
Commission

3:15 p.m. — Coffee Break

3:45 p.m. — Mr. Ray Myroniuk, Manager Territorial Services Local
Authorities Board

4:15 p.m. — Lawrence Kluthe, Member, Alberta Planning Board, Edmonton
5:00 p.m. — Social Hour
6:00 p.m. — Dinner

7:00 p.m. — Mr. H. Morley Douglas, Assistant Deputy Minister, Alberta
Agriculture

7:45 p.m. — Adjourn

- (cont'd) -

y^lbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

1

-2-

Soil Conservation Society Seminar (cont'd)

The seminar will be held at the Edmonton Inn, 1 1 830 Kingsway Avenue, Edmon-
ton. The registration fee for members and students is $6 for the afternoon session, $14 for the
dinner session and $20 for both. The fee for non-members is $8 for the afternoon session, $16
for the dinner session and $22 for both. Add $2 for registration at the hotel. Cheques and
money orders should be made payable to the Alberta Chapter, SCSA and mailed to Ron Hicks,
1068 Parker Drive, Sherwood Park, T8A 3Y2.

Anyone who mails in his or her registration fee on or near November 1, is asked
to notify Ron Hicks at 427-8985 or John Wuite in Calgary at 261 -8346.

- 30 - ^ -

CORRECTION , . -

Agro-Electronics Show, will be held at Westerner Exposition Grounds, Red Deer,
Alberta on April 14 - 15; NOT on March 14 - 16 as stated in "Coming Agricultural Events"
(October 4, 1982 issue of Agri-News). . . ,

-30-

October 25, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11

NEW PUBLICATION ON CALF PRECONDITIONING

"Preconditioning - Will it Pay the Producer as Well as the Feeder?" is a new
Alberta Agriculture publication that sets out the advantages and disadvantages of precondition-
ing calves from, the points of view of the cow-calf producer and the feeder.

Advantages to the cow-calf producer include increased cow productivity, in-
creased calf sale weights, a price premium and increased pasture carrying capacity. The dis-
advantages are increased inpul costs, increased labor and increased risk.

The advantages of preconditioning to the feeder include improved calf health,
lower vaccination and warble treatment costs, a reduction in shrinkage, improved production
performance and a reduction in risk. The only disadvantage is an increase in the purchase
price of the calves. Because feeders recognize the advantages of preconditioned calves, they
are usually quite prepared to pay this premium.

Do you know the difference between a preconditioned calf and a preimmunized
calf? This is explained in the Alberta Agriculture publication, which also describes the Alberta
Certified Preconditioned Feeder Program that includes preconditioning and preimmunizing.
It contains numerous illustrations and tables which show such things as the economics of pre-
conditioning, the economics of preconditioned calves in the feedlot, the price differentials
between certified and regular calves, the effect of cow productivity and calf prices on the
gross returns per cow, the effect of rate of gain, shrink and calf prices on the gross returns per
calf, etc.

You can obtain a copy of "Preconditioning — Will it Pay the Producer as Well as
the Feeder?" (Agdex 420/662-3), which was prepared by Dr. Terry Church, head of the
preventive medicine branch and Dwight Karren, regional beef specialist at Red Deer, from your
district agriculturist or from the Print Media Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718-107 Street,
Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8.

- 30-

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Pi'int Media Branch

12

October 25, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOME STORAGE FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

If you had a good crop of vegetables this year you may want to build an inexpens-
ive storage area in a corner of your basennent.

One of the first things to remember when storing vegetables is that different kinds
have different temperature, humidity and ventilation requirements. Hence, if several kinds of
vegetables have to be stored in the same area, you will have to work out the best general condi-
tions for all because it will be impossible to provide ideal conditions for each type.

Temperature, the most important factor in maintaining the quality of stored veg-
etables, can be controlled by a variety of methods based on either mechanical refrigeration or
coot outside air.

A nonrefrigerated storage area will depend upon the proper use of outside air to
cool the vegetables as quickly as possible after they have been harvested and to maintain a
suitable temperature during the storage season. If problems occur when vegetables and fruit
are stored together, some of the produce may have to be stored in perforated polyethylene
bags and vegetables like onions and potatoes may have to be stored in another location.

A high humidity in the storage area is important to maintain a high quality pro-
duct. When there is a loss of humidity through mechanical refrigeration or cooling by ventila-
tion, water can be periodically poured on the floor to maintain the appropriate humidity
level. However, the floor will need to be wetted more often in the fall than during the winter
because refrigeration and ventilation requirements are greater during this period. A slotted
duckwalk, in addition to helping to provide a circulation of air under the produce that is being
stored, will keep your feet dry when you enter the storage area.

- (cont'd) -

Ahexio

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

13

-2-

Home Storage For Fruit And Vegetables (cont'd)

Moisture loss from vegetables like cabbage can be reduced by storing such veg-
etables in small perforated plastic bags. And a plastic cover over hampers, baskets and boxes
will help to prevent shrinkage.

Beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, parsnips, potatoes and rutabagas require cool
moist storage conditions. Since root crops lose moisture readily and tend to shrink in storage,
it is a good idea to keep them in perforated polyethylene bags or in containers that are
covered with polyethylene sheets. Cabbage that has been trimmed and is stored in perforated
polyethylene bags will retain its moisture and color better than cabbage that is not stored in
this way.

Potatoes should be stored at a temperature of 4.7 ° C to 1 0 ° C. They tend to be-
come sweet if they are stored at a lower temperature. And since the temperature in the stor-
age area will probably be lower than that which is best suited to potatoes, it may be necessary
to build an insulated bin for them that is vented to allow air to enter.

Pumpkins and winter squash should be stored on shelves in a heated basement,
and they should be placed so that they do not touch each other. And they should be aired for
about two weeks in a dry location at a temperature of 26.5° C to 29.5 ° C before being put
into storage.

Onions should be cured for several weeks (until their skins rustle) in a warm, dry,
well ventilated place before they are stored for the winter. They will keep for several months
in an unused room where the temperature does not drop below freezing. Although they can
be stored for a short time in a ventilated storage room, it is best to store them in a separate
location. , .

- (cont'd) -

14

- 3 -

Home Storage For Fruit And Vegetables (cont'd)

If you are interested in making a simple home storage area or in information on
storing vegetables and/or fruit ask your district agriculturist for a copy of the federal publica-
tion "Home Storage Room for Fruits and Vegetables" (Agdex 250/60). You can also get a
copy from the Print Media Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5K 2C8.

-30-

Ahex\a

AGRICULTURE

"' I Print Media Branch

October 25, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TREATS FROM YOUR HALLOWE'EN PUMPKIN

Have you ever roasted pumpkin seeds? You could roast the seeds from
your hallowe'en pumpkin and give your family a real treat.

Debbie Brekke, district home economist at Airdrie, recommends the
following roasting procedure.

Cut off the top of the pumpkin and then scoop out the seeds, discard-
ing the stringly membranes. Next rinse the seeds in water. After having brought a
saucepan of water to the boil, add several tablespoonsful of salt (make a fairly salty
solution) and then add the pumpkin seeds. Simmer the seeds for about an hour.
Then drain them and spread them on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in a
300 ° F oven for about 30 minutes or until the seeds are roasted. Stir them occa-
sionally while they are roasting and add salt and oil if desired.

Here is another idea suggested from Ms. Brekke. When Hallowe'en is
over cut your Jack-O-Lantern into pieces, removing any portions that may have been
blackened by the candle flame. Then steam or bake the pieces in an oven until they
are very tender. Discard the outside peel and mash the pulp for use in pies, cookies,
pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins. If you squeeze or drain away all excess
moisture, the pulp can be frozen for later use.

And here is still another pumpkin suggestion from Ms. Brekke. It is a
pumpkin milk shake which can be made with a half a cup of pumpkin pie filling.
Stir it into a tall glass of cold milk and sprinkle the mixture with a quarter of a
teaspoonful of pumpkin pie spice.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

y<llb6rra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

16

October 25, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST APPOINTED

J. Wilson Loree, head of Alberta Agriculture's farm business manage-
ment branch in Olds, has announced the appointment of Douglas E. Barlund to the
position of agricultural economist within the financial management section of the
branch.

Mr. Barlund graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc.
(agriculture) in 1973. He has considerable experience in agricultural credit and farm
management as a result of the positions he has held with the Farm Credit Corpora-
tion in Alberta and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Barlund will be helping the branch to develop materials on farm
credit management.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

ydlbcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

BHATNAGAR M. MRS.
LIBRARY

MAIN FLUGR, AGRICULTURE 8LDG.
9718 - 107TH STREET
EDMONTON ALTA

T5K 2C8 (BLDG.) AGN

'^IBERU AGRICULTURE
fOMOHTON. ALBtRTA

1040002

November 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Alberta Bull Does It Again 1

Provincial Contribution To Canada-Alberta

All-Risk Crop Insurance Progrann Increases 3

Canadian Cattle Outlook — An Alberta Perspective 5

Western Hog Outlook • 7

Livestock And State Of The Economy "'^^ .". . . .9

Annual Beef Marketing Seminar — Ponoka 10

One-Day Seminars On Farm Financial Management Scheduled 12

Grain And Oilseed Marketing Seminar 14

Snow Mold Control Begins Before Freeze-Up 15

Fall Garden Sanitation Controls Diseases 16

ADC Agribusiness Staff Appointments 17

ADC Appoints New Loans Off icer At Peace River 18

AGRICI

I

November 1 , 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA BULL DOES IT AGAIN!

Rcniiiull M^murch J 6 M

An Alberta-bred polled Hereford bull, Remitall Monarch 16 M has again made
showing history in Britain by winning the Bull of the Year award for the second consecutive
year. •

According to Remitall Monarch's owner, Harry Coates of H.W. Coates Ltd. of
Leicestershire, England, this is the first time that a bull has ever won this award twice, and,
just as amazing, is the fact that Remitall Monarch won it with the maximum number of points.

To celebrate Remitall Monarch's incredible second Bull of the Year Award,
Mr. and Mrs Coates presented Alberta's Agent General in London, Jim McKibben, with a
beautifully framed picture of this now world famous Alberta bull. And the picture will be
prominently displayed in Alberta House for all visitors to see. Cliff Wulff, executive director
of Alberta Agriculture's international marketing group, and Doug Hill, associate trade director,
were on hand for the presentation.

'4031 427 ? 1 21

- (cont'd) -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

-2-

2

Iberta Bull Does It Again! (cont'd)

Last year Remitall Monarch won the supreme championship at the Royal Show
England, the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Royal Welsh Show in Wales, making
m a triole crown winner, before being declared Bull of the Year 1981. This year he again
Dn the supreme championship at the Royal and Highland shows before being declared Bull
the Year 1982. He was also declared the Poll Bull of the Year in 1981 and 1982 after
iving won the supreme championship at the National Poll Show.

This fantastic animal (born February 12, 1980) was bred and raised by Louis and
an Latimer of the Remitall Cattle Company in Olds. He was sold to Mr. Coates in 1980
r $30,000. His dam, Remitall Gloria, was also almost unbeatable during her show career
Dm 1976 to 1980 when she won nine first prizes and as many championships at the major
astern Canadian exhibitions. His sire, Remitall Jamboree, was grand champion at Farmfair
•79 in Edmonton and at the Red Deer M.O.E. Show, and his first calf crop has produced
yeral champions.

- 30-

3

November 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROVINCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO CANADA - ALBERTA ALL-RISK
CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM INCREASES

Alberta Agriculture Minister Dallas W. Schnidt has announced that the province
will expand its contribution to the Canada -Alberta All-Risk Crop Insurance Program.

The change means the maximum premium producers will now pay for 60 per
cent coverage will not exceed 6 per cent. The maximum premium for 70 per cent coverage
will be between 7.5 and 8 per cent.

"In reafitV we're covering the additional premium that some producers had to pay
for farming in a high-risk area," said Mr. Schmidt. "This will also reduce the impact the current
soil classification system has on the premium structure."

In high risk areas, producers at the 60 per cent coverage level currently pay the
first 6 percent and one-half of the remaining premium. The province matches that one-half
and pays the administrative costs of the All-Risk Crop Insurance Program. The federal govern-
ment matches the premium costs.

For example, a farmer in a high-risk area might have a premium as high as 16
per cent. He currently pays 6 per cent plus one-half of the remainder for a total of 1 1 per cent.
The province pays 5 per cent and the federal government pays 16 per cent. With the new
contribution the producer in this example would pay 6 per cent, the province would contribute
10 per cent and the federal government would match them with 16 per cent.

"Reducing the maximum premiums for crop insurance will, we hope, improve
producer participation in the program, "said Mr. Schmidt. "In particular, it should encourage
those in higher risk areas to take out crop insurance instead of taking chances with the weather.

- (cont'd) -

!hone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

-2-

4

rovincial Contribution To Canada - Alberta
Jl-Risl< Crop Insurance Program Increases (cont'd)

"Considering the recent difficulties we have experienced in sonne areas with
iconsistent weather, I would suggest this might be a good opportunity for many producers
) take a closer look at providing themselves with adequate insurance for 1983 and future
ears. All-risk crop insurance premiums are a small price to pay for some excellent protec-
on," said the Minister.

For further information on all-risk crop insurance and the new high-risk premium
eduction program, farmers should contact local offices of the Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance
orporation.

- 30-

November 1, 1982 5
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANADIAN CATTLE OUTLOOK - AN ALBERTA PERSPECTIVE

"We have to develop a conservative attitude with respect to price prospects".

This statement was made by Bill Gray at Alberta Agriculture's Taking Stock Out-
look Conference, which was held in Red Deer recently. Mr. Gray is a research analyst with the
Royal Bank of Canada and he thinks that available supplies of slaughter cattle will be sufficient
to meet the likely demand for Al , A2 steers in Calgary at prices in the low to mid-$70 dollar
range between now and the second quarter of 1983.

He also thinks that seasonal demand and supply considerations should spur an
upward rally in prices in the spring but that such a rally will be short-lived.

In forecasting feeder prices, Mr. Gray cautioned cow-calf operators against expect-
ing further price support arising from a reduction in costs of feed grain and interest rates.
These two costs have already supported higher feeder prices than those prevailing in the prev-
ious year and will continue to do so.
U.S. Situation

Regarding U.S. cattle, Robert Price of the Western Livestock Marketing Informa-
tion Project in Denver, Colorado said: "Lower trending interest rates, reduced supplies of
feeder cattle, and relatively inexpensive grain are all favorable factors for feeder cattle prices".
However, he added "There are two major negative forces currently at work regarding fed
cattle price prospects in the U.S. The lagging rebound in the economy weighs heavily on the
demand for beef, and the fed cattle industry is developing a potential backlog of over-finished
cattle which it can ill afford at a time when more and more cattle will be coming on shov;
lists".

In reviewing the 1982 livestock markets, Mr. Price suggested that dismal equity
positions of many cow-calf operators coupled with extremely disappointing cattle prices

(cont'd) -

^one: (403) 427-21 21

y<llb6rra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

-2-

6

Canadian Cattle Outlook — An Alberta Perspective (cont'd)

during the winter quarter resulted in increased cow and heifer slaughter and substantially more
heifers placed in feedlots. "There appears to be little doubt", he said "that U.S. cattle pro-
ducers have made radical adjustments in their future plans".

Mr. Price also pointed out that low pork production, and little if any increases in
poultry are positive signs for fed cattle price prospects. He added, "If cattle feeders can head
off a possible backlog and regain a current stance, the prospects for fed cattle later in 1982
and in the early part of 1983 may still be quite favorable".

- 30-

I

November 1, 1982

7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WESTERN HOG OUTLOOK

"Continued good hog prices and margins and low hog numbers can be expected
by Canadian hog producers", according to Greg Whalley, economist, Alberta Pork Producers
Marketing Board, Edmonton.

Mr. Whalley made this statement at Taking Stock, Alberta Agriculture's livestock
outlook conference which was held in Red Deer, recently. He also said that "Pork producers
would have to receive about $160.00/cwt today in order to give them the same magnitude of
profits they received in September of 1973." And he continued by saying, "The problem
stems from poor consumer demand. But just how high are retail pork prices? "Relatively
speaking pork is less expensive to the average worker now than in 1973.

"Canadian hog numbers will continue to contract, but certainly not to the extent
of the U.S. contraction," Mr. Whalley said. And he added, "While this indicates moderate cut-
backs in production, we must bear in mind that the co-existence of large grain stocks and good
margins in hog production could result in a very rapid turn-around in production. Hog
numbers, however, will still be low for some time yet."

Mr. Whalley suggested that an abundance of cheap food this fall and next spring
could, in fact, make hog production very profitable indeed, but of course this sets the stage for
another round of rebuilding and the accompanying oversupply and low prices.

For the remainder of 1982 and the first quarter of 1983, Mr. Whalley expects
hog prices to fall in the low to mid $90/cwt range.
U.S. Situation

Glenn Grimes, professor of agricultural economics at the University of Missouri-
Columbia, U.S.A., said he expected hog marketings for the fourth quarter to be 15 to 18 per

- (cont'd) -

hone: (403^ 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

8

-2-

^stern Hog Outlook (cont'd)

It below those recorded in 1981 . He said this larger reduction in marketings than in
irket hog inventories of the 60 to 180-pound weight category compared with 1981 is
^ported by slaughter levels during September.

When and at what rate the American breeding herd will be increased continues
be one of the most asked questions about the hog situation, Mr. Grimes said. He continued
ur gilt data indicate a slightly larger than normal retention in June and July, but a slightly
\jer than normal retention in August and during the first three weeks of September." He
Dects some growth in the breeding herd this fall but doubts that the herd will be any larger
December 1 , 1 982 than it was on December 1 , 1981 .

He said that farrowing intentions for the September-November quarter are
orted to be 10 per cent less than last year, and that intention for the December-February
irter are reported to be 4 per cent less than a year earlier. "I believe", he said, "a reduction
r 10 per cent for the September-November quarter has a high probability of occurring but
eve the December-February quarter farrow may be near a year earlier.

"With demand at the 1982 level, we would expect prices in the second quarter
1983 with a 10 per cent reduction in marketings to be in the upper $50's or stronger. For
third quarter of 1983, a long-range forecast is for prices to be in the U.S. $50's to low
I's, with marketings at the 1 982 level, and demand equal to or stronger than 1 982."

Mr. Grimes expects American feeder pig prices to continue at record or near
)rd levels during the next six months.

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9

November 1 , 1 982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LIVESTOCK AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY

by Andy Birch
District Agricultrist, Stettler

Forbearance, caution, planning and adaptation are key elements in the message
that the president of Lakeside Farm Industries Ltd., Brooks, Alberta, delivered at Alberta
Agriculture's recent Taking Stock Conference in Red Deer.

Garnet Altwasser said that philosophically what we are experiencing today is
nothing new in that our ancestors, society and civilization have faced the same social and
economic forces. He made reference to economic cycles, their repetitiveness and their predict-
ability. And he pointed out that if you believe in those cycles, the current senario of high
interest rates, inflation and recession were predictable. The so called "K" cycle (Kondratieff)
indicates we are in for a long period of economic decline, with lowering interest rates. As a
consequence, Mr. Altwasser predicted livestock markets will be erratic and unpredictable and
will be accompanied by sonrle violent and unforeseen swings.

He advised producers to watch for and take advantage of market opportunities.
And he emphasized that intelligent marketing can bring greater economic returns than efficient
production. In other words: buy and sell right. Mr. Altwasser also believes that hedging
commodities on futures markets should be a part of the game plan.

Rising, burdensome taxes are a looming threat to the industry as municipal govern-
ments struggle for additional resources to meet onerous demands, he said, and he warned the
audience that unless managers respond appropriately to changing circumstances by preparing,
planning and anticipating change, they will not survive. The game plan is to survive — reduce
debts to as low a level as possible, cut out waste and become more efficient.

10

November 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANNUAL BEEF MARKETING SEMINAR - PONOKA

"Meeting the Challenges of the Times" will be the main feature of the 5th annual
beef marketing seminar in Ponoka on November 19, 1982.

Every year a new planning meeting is organized with cattle producers to identify
areas of concern in the beef industry. This year the producers had concerns about profitability
during uncertain times and rapidly changing demand.

The input cost of beef production will be outlined by Dwayne Couldwell, regional
marketing economist at Airdrie. He spent a number of years as a grain buyer with Cargill
Grain before joining Alberta Agriculture and will cover the grain supplies and price outlook for
the coming year.

Rapidly changing consumer eating habits and the companies advertising meat
products have triggered concern on the part of producers about the market share of beef.
Alberta Cattle Commission will cover this subject with a number of speakers. Areas that will
be discussed will include Consumer Demands by Kathy Keeler, Beef Information Centre; Beef
Promotion by Rob Mitchell, Pincher Creek; Marketing Options (finished beef.-^xed beef,
export beef) by Sten Berg, Ardrossan; and Beef Supplies and Projected Prices by Chris Mills,
manager, Alberta Cattle Commission.

Since both backgrounder and finished cattle are dependent upon a large amount
of borrowed capital, the changing interest rate has been of concern from the point of view of
cattle profitability. In this connection, Ed Baskier, assistant manager of agriculture, national
Toronto Dominion Bank will outline projections on interest rates, cash flow requirements,

- (cont'd) -

/I O 7-0 1 9 1

Print Media t

11

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Annual Beef Marketing Seminar - Ponoka (cont'd)

bank lending trends and the current bank policy on dennand loans. He will also discuss the
^vay the general economic clinnate affects the bank's lending policy.

A panel of cattle producers, made up of Lawrence Johnson of Wetaskiwin, Jack
Olson of Red Deer, Bill Hartell of Strathmore and Pat Fisher also of Strathmore, will talk
about the various marketing techniques they use to maximize producer returns on the sale of
cattle.

Sandy Bennett, a cow-calf producer in the Ponoka area, will discuss methods of
marketing calves in the fall. These will include preconditioning, direct sales, auction markets
and lot sales.

The seminar will finish with a discussion on "What are the Buyer's Criteria in Buy-
ing Cattle" by Ralph Void of Void Jones Void Auction Market, Ponoka. It will be held in the
i^onoka community and recreation centre, 5013 - 46 Avenue, on November 19. Registration
A/ill be at 8:30 a.m. The registration fee will be $20 per person or $30 per couple (husband
and wife).

Rick Williams, district agriculturist at Ponoka, asks those who plan to attend the
seminar to contact the district office in Camrose, Lacombe, Ponoka, Rimbey or Wetaskiwin.
Movember 17 is the deadline for preregistering.

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November 1, 1982

12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ONE-DAY SEMINARS ON FARM FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT SCHEDULED

Agricultural Management — A Closer Look is the theme of four one-day seminar;;
to be held on farm financial management at four locations in rural Alberta.

The seminars will focus on a closer look into farm financial management by con-
centrating on three areas; Risk Management, Market Management and Financial Management.
Economic recovery, the cost of money, farm business approaches, financial procedures, etc.
will be the topics dealt with by resource personnel from the accounting sector, financial insti-
tutions (banks) and tH'^'farm operator.

Each seminar will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4;30 p.m. and will consist of
presentations with 30 per cent of the time being set aside for audience participation in ques-
tion and answer periods.

Locations and dates for the seminars are:

Grande Prairie (Golden Inn) - November 23
Innisfail (Country Lodge) — November 24
Camrose (Norseman Inn) — November 30
Westlock (Westlock Inn) — December 1
The resource people and speakers who will appear at one or more of the seminars
will be: Patrick Moncrieffe, senior manager, Agricultural Department, Bank of Montreal
(Toronto); Pat Killoran, regional sales manager, Bank of Nova Scotia (Calgary); John Prentice,
Standard Hog Farms Inc, (Calmar). A speaker to be announced, Agricultural Department,
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Calgary); Don Hoover, partner in charge of consulting
practice, Deloitte Haskins & Sells (Edmonton); Darrell Toma, consultant, Deloitte Haskins &
Sells (Edmonton).

- (cont'd) ^

one: (403) 427-21 21

A\\xx\a

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

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13

One-Day Seminars On Farm Financial Management Scheduled (cont'd)

The seminars are being sponsored by: Alberta Agriculture, the Bank of Montreal,
the Bank of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Alberta Treasury
Branches and IST-Canfarm Inc. and co-ordinated by the Rural Education and Development
^ssociation (REDA) Edmonton. ;

The cost of these one-day seminars is $4D per person, $20 per spouse and $20 per

iuest{s).

Brochures on the seminars can be obtained from any of the sponsors listed above
•r from REDA at 451-5959.

30

14

NovemLor 1, 1982

FOR 1^ /lED -TE RELEASE

GRAIN AND OILSEED MARKETING SEMINAR

Keeping your Options Open — Grain and Oilseed Marketing is tlie nanne of a free
seminar, sponsored by Alberta Agriculture's Leduc district office, that will be held in Holburn
Hall, (near Stony Plain) on Novennber 16 and in the county building in Leduc on November
17.

The agenda will be as follows:

1 2:30 p.m. - 1 :00 p.m. — Registration and Coffee

1 :00 p.m. - 2.00 p.m. — Situation and Outlook for Canadian Feed Grains,

Board Grains and Oilseeds

- Les Lyster, Grain Marketing Economist, Alberta
Agriculture

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - The ABC's of Futures Marketing

- Dwayne Couldwell, Regional Economist, Alberta
Agriculture

3:00 p.m. - 3: 1 5 p.m. — Coffee Break

3: 1 5 p.m. - 4: 1 5 p.m. — "How I Use the Futures Market and Producer Cars

to Improve Cash Flow"

- Patrick McArthy, Farmer and Grain Buyer,
Westland Grain

Further information can be obtained from the district office in Stony Plain or

Leduc.

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tone: (403) 427-21 21

y^lbcrra

AGRICULTURE

'"'tint Media Br ;

15

November 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNOW MOLD CONTROL BEGINS BEFORE FREEZE-UP
Crop Protection Newsletter, Alberta Agriculture

The most effective way to control snow mold is to apply a suitable fungicide to
the grass just before the arrival of a permanent snow cover.

One of the few remaining registered uses for mercury-containing fungicides
pertains to snow mold control. Mercuric chloride (corrosive sublimate, bichloride of mercury),
mercurouschloride (calomel) and organic mercury compounds (e.g., phenyl mercuric acetate)
are effective against all of the common snow mold pathogens which occur in Alberta.
Benomyl, chlorothalonil and chloroneb are registered for the control of specific types of snow
mold and do not have as wide a spectrum as the mercurial fungicides. If you are in doubt
about the type of snow mold you are dealing with, an organic or inorganic mercury fungicide
may be your best choice. When using a mercurial fungicide wear protective clothing and be
careful not to allow it to come in contact with your skin. Since some forms of mercury are
corrosive to metal, sprayers should be thoroughly washed after use.

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O 1 O 1

Print N/loH

16

November 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FALL GARDEN SANITATION CONTROLS DISEASES
Alberta Horticulturist, Alberta Agriculture

Fall is the time to start a disease control program for next year's garden.
Since many plant diseases and insect pests survive the winter on plant refuse, future
problems can be greatly reduced if the debris is removed before winter sets in.

Among the vegetable diseases that can be reduced with good fall sanit-
ation are white and grey mold, bacterial soft rot, powdery mildew, root rot and
other leaf spots and blights. Fireblight, powdery mildew, cane blight and leaf spots in
tree and bush fruits can also be controlled by a good sanitation program. Removal of
plant debris is especially important in a small garden where diseases are more-4^kely to
build up because crop rotations are either not feasible or are limited.

Plant debris that is diseased or infested with insects should not be used as
compost material, and compost material should not be applied to the garden until all
the plant debris has completely decomposed. This precaution is intended to avoid
the spread of disease.

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r\a- IAr\'7\ /I 97-9 1 9 1

Ax

AGRIC

Print Mprli?

17

November 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADC AGRIBUSINESS STAFF APPOINTMENTS

J. Harold Hanna, chairman and managing director of the Agricultural Devel-
opment Corporation (ADC), has announced the appointments of Winston Williams and David
Wiebe to the positions of agribusiness analysts.

Mr. Williams brings to his new position a considerable amount of experience in
the agricultural credit field. He holds a B.Sc. (agriculture) from the University of Saskatch-
ewan, Saskatchewan, and he was employed by the Jamaica Development Fund from 1973-
1 981 . He recently worked for the Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr. Wiebe is currently employed by ADC as assistant manager of loan adminis-
tration, where he is responsible for the administration of delinquent guaranteed and direct
loans. He has a farming background and has been employed as a grain buyer, however, his
principal employment has been centred in the credit union field in Eastern Canada. He moved
to Alberta in 1980, when his family purchased a retail book store business in Camrose, and he
commenced employment with ADC in 1 981 .

The addition of Messrs. Williams and Wiebe to the agribusiness section of ADC
is a reflection of the corporation's continuing efforts to improve service to prospective clients
in the lending activity area.

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Ax

AGRIC

•^''a: (403) 427-? 1 2 1 Print Medi

I

17

November 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADC AGRIBUSINESS STAFF APPOINTMENTS

J. Harold Hanna, chairman and managing director of the Agricultural Devel-
opment Corporation (ADC), has announced the appointments of Winston Williams and David
Wiebe to the positions of agribusiness analysts.

Mr. Williams brings to his new position a considerable amount of experience in
the agricultural credit field. He holds a B.Sc. (agriculture) from the University of Saskatch-
ewan, Saskatchewan, and he was employed by the Jamaica Development Fund from 1973-
1981 . He recently worked for the Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr. Wiebe is currently employed by ADC as assistant manager of loan adminis-
tration, where he is responsible for the administration of delinquent guaranteed and direct
loans. He has a farming background and has been employed as a grain buyer, however, his
principal employment has been centred in the credit union field in Eastern Canada. He moved
to Alberta in 1980, when his family purchased a retail book store business in Camrose, and he
commenced employment with ADC in 1981 .

The addition of Messrs. Williams and Wiebe to the agribusiness section of ADC
is a reflection of the corporation's continuing efforts to improve service to prospective clients
in the lending activity area.

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/4lb6

AGRIC^

(dD'^i 4.97-9 1 9 1 Print Media

18

November 1, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADC APPOINTS NEW LOANS OFFICER AT PEACE RIVER

Frank Blush, the Agricultural Development Corporation's (ADC) regional
manager for the Peace River region, has announced the appointment of Dave Beckman to the
position of loans officer in the Peace River district office.

Mr. Beckman grew up on a mixed farm in the Edberg district south of Camrose.
He attended high school there and in Red Deer before enrolling in the University of Alberta.
He graduated from the latter in 1970 with a B.Sc (agriculture), having specialized in animal
science.

Following graduation, he joined Alberta Agriculture's extension division as a
district agriculturist and received his training in the Lamont district office. He later worked as
a district agriculturist in St. Paul, Wetaskiwin and Fairview.

During the periods 1975-77 and 1979-81, Mr. Beckman was employed by the
Canadian International Development Agency in the capacity of livestock and pasture officer
on a rural development project in Lesotho, Africa. Later he worked for the Food and Agricul-
ture Organization of the United Nations in an advisory capacity to the Ministry of Agriculture
in Mozambique, Africa.

Mr. Beckman's extensive experience will provide a valuable addition to ADC's
lending staff in the Peace River office. He is married and has three children.

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/^Iberra

AGRICULTURE

(403)427-2121 Print Media Branch

November 8, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

The Outlook For Interest Rates And The Exchange Rate 1

Project Coordinator Appointed In The Agricultural Processing

Development Branch 3

Alberta Environmental Centre Seminar 4

Grain Marketing And Information Meeting Scheduled 5

Canola Marketing Seminars 6

In Depth Grain Marketing Seminar 7

Sheep and Lamb Outlook 9

Alberta Hog Prices And Supplies 10

Alberta Cattle Prices And Supply 11

The International Meat Trade Situation 13

ADC Appoints New Loans Officers In Peace Region 14

Novembers, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE OUTLOOK FOR INTEREST RATES AND THE EXCHANGE RATE

Interest rates should come down over the next year, but slowly, and the exchange
rate should remain stable at just above U.S. 80c ■

These predictions were made by Dr. Tom Powrie, professor of economics at the
University of Alberta, in a recent address he gave at Alberta Agriculture's Taking Stock
Conference in Red Deer.

He said the government sector is putting a heavy strain on interest rates and will
continue to do so because the federal deficit of well over $20 billion will be far the largest single
demand for loans. Provinces get less publicity, but their deficits and resulting borrowings will
increase because their tax revenues are depressed these days. Even the Province of Alberta,
although still running a surplus if one counts additions to the Heritage Fund, is running a
smaller surplus and thus providing a smaller contribution to the supply of loanable funds in
Canada.

Regarding the business sector, Dr. Powrie reported that corporate profits are
sharply down, and that corporate profits are a major source of savings. They are a form of
saving that is typically not loaned out. Instead, they are normally reinvested in the company
that earns them. And, the more internal savings it has, the less the company needs to borrow
externally, and the less upward pressure it puts on interest rates. For this reason, high corporate
profits would help to ease interest rates, and the low profits now available are another reason
for interest rates to stay high.

However, Dr Powrie pointed out that although business savings are down, there is
also a reduced demand for financing. He said in today's depressed economy, all sorts of projects
have been postponed or cancelled or have not been planned in the first place, and that the

(cont'd)

Phone: (403) 427-2121

AhexiQ

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

2

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The Outlook For Interest Rates And The Exchange Rate (cont'd)

demand for financing for them has disappeared. He advised this is the only item in the list so
far that puts downward pressure on interest rates, even if for an unfortunate reason.

So far, on balance, the list suggests no change in interest rates because increased
government borrowing will be roughly offset by reduced business borrowing. However, there
are two powerful influences on Canadian interest rates that are still to be reckoned witli, they
are inflation and American interest rates.

Dr. Powrie says interest rates are bound to stay higher than the rate of inflation
because lenders will insist on some real return. Interest rates did fall below the rate of infla-
tion in Canada sometimes in the 1970's, but that seems very unlikely to happen again. Interest
rates will stay several percentage points above the rate of inflation. However, he expects some
modest slowing of inflation, which will permit some modest fall in interest rates over the next
year or so.

Regarding the exchange rate. Dr. Powrie says the central bank has recently
seemed to try for a level of interest rates that would keep the Canadian dollar near U.S. 80 c
To do so, they have had to follow U.S. interest rates fairly closely and to keep the Canadd-U.S
differential neither too large nor too small.

Dr. Powrie thinks the exchange rate is a good "place to stand" m the fight agiiinst
inflation . He says it is a very important price to the Canadian economy, and a weakening of it
would raise the cost of all imported goods and services in Canadian dollars. A stable exchange
rate will also tie our prices more closely to those in the U.S., a desirably anti-inflationary step
when the U.S. seems to be having more success than we are in cooling inflation.

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/dlberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2 1 2 1 Print Media Branch

3

November 8, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROJECT COORDINATOR APPOINTED IN THE
AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING DEVELOPMENT BRANCH

Dr. Bill Ballantyne, head of Alberta Agriculture's agricultural processing
development branch, has announced the appointment of Ross Lipsit to the posit,on of
project co-ordinator in the project development section.

Mr. Lipsit will be responsible for encouraging the development of processed food
capability in the province. He will place emphasis on vegetable and specialty crop processing
as well as the manufacture of complex food items.

Mr. Lipsit graduated with a B. Sc. (agriculture) from the University of Guelph
m Ontario. He also has an M. S. (horticulture) from Michigan State University, U.S.A.

Prior to joining Alberta Agriculture, he worked with manufacturers of agnculu.ral
chemicals. He joins the project development section after a number of years with Alberta
Agnculture during which time he provided marketing services to the province's special crops
sector.

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Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

1

t

4

November 8, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE SEMINAR

"Environmental Contaminants — Scientific Assessment of Impact on
Man and the Environment" will be the theme of an Alberta Environmental Centre
seminar that will be held in the main conference room at the centre on Novembei 24.

'The talk will deal with the federal perspective of environmental toxicology
and exposure assessment and its relevance to chemicals of concern in Alberta. And it
will be given by Dr. George Becking who is chief of the environmental and occupa-
tional toxicology division of Health and Welfare Canada in Ottawa.

Further information on the seminar can be obtained from Dr. S.
Ramamoorthy, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta, TOB 4L0 (Telephone; 632-6767).

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/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403)427-2121 Pnnt Media Branch

5

November 8, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRAIN MARKETING AND INFORMATION MEETING SCHEDULED

A Grain Transportation and Marketing Information Meeting will be held m the
Byemoor Community Hall on November 18 from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Topics wilt include:
. An Overview of the Gilson Report
. Alberta Feed Barley Future's Market
. Feed Grain Marketing and the Private Grain Trade
. Can Orderly Marketing Meet the Challenges of the 80's?
. Improving the Open Market System

The registration fee will be $10 per person and will include lunch. Pre-registration
is requested so that arrangements can be made for lunch.

Additional information can be obtained from Andy Birch, district agriculturist,
at Stettler - Telephone; 742-4481.

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/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

November 8, 1982

6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELE/\SE

CANOLA MARKETING SEMINARS

What is the price of canola likely to be in the coming year? What
factors influence canola prices? What is the current situation in the canola crush-
ing industry? What are the alternatives I have for delivering and pricing canola? And
what are my legal rights when I sell canola to a buyer?

These questions and others will be discussed in seven one-day seminars
jointly sponsored by the Alberta Canola Association and Alberta Agriculture, which
will be held at various locations across the province. The general outline of the
seminars will be as follows:

- Factors Influencing Canola Prices

- Market Outlook For Canola

- Current Situation in the Crushing Industry

- A Producer's Legal Rights When He Sells Grain

- Pricing and Delivery Alternatives for Canola

The Seminars will be held at -:

The Castor Community Hall, Castor November 15

The Westlock lnn,Westlock November 18

The Log Cabin, Falher November 22

The Chateau Dining Hall, Vegreville November 25

The Christian Education Center, Innisfail November 29

The Moose Hall, Taber November 30

The Wheatland County Inn, Strathmore December 1

The Seminars will begin at 9;30 a.m. and a registration fee will be
charged at the door. For more information contact your local Alberta Canola
Growers Association director, your district agriculturist or your regional farm
economist.

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Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

7

November 8, 1982

FOR IMMED'ATE RELEASE

IN DEPTH GRAIN MARKETING SEMINAR

Grain Marketing Into the 1980's — An Overview of the System. That is the theme
of a seminar that will be held at the community hall in Rimby on December 2.

According to Gordon Bacon, district agriculturist at Rimby, the seminar has been
organized to provide participants with an indepth understanding of the grain marketing industry
and its complex structure. He says "We are fortunate to have the top people who represent the
key elements in the marketing structure for grain in Western Canada on our program".

Following is a list of the speakers and their topics:

Dr. H. F. Bjarnason, executive director. Planning Directorate, Canadian Wheat
Board (CWB) who will discuss the responsibilities of the CWB and its commitments in world
markets.

A senior member of the inspection staff of the Canadian Grain Commission in
Winnipeg, Manitoba, will outline the legislation that governs the grain industry and the rules
that protect and affect farmers.

Don Bousquet, general manager of the Farm Market Network, Inc., Winnipeg,
Manitoba, will discuss Canada's role in the international market place for cereals and oilseeds
as well as the world yield outlook and the supply and demand for competitive crops. And he
will try to interpret what the signals are saying.

Marvin Nakonechny, district agriculturist at Camrose, will discuss the implications
of grain marketing at the producer level and explain where to get up-to-date information and
how to interpret it.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

ydlbcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

8

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In Depth Grain Marketing Seminar (cont'd)

After lunch there will be a panel discussion on the quota system. Dr. Bjarnason
will explain the present system, and Bob Klassen, a farmer from Ferintosh, will present an
alternative to the present system. There will be other discussion periods during the day.

Since the number of participants is limited to 200, the deadline for advance registr-
ation will be November 26. The fee, which will include lunch, will be $15 per individual and
$25 per couple (husband and wife).

To pre-register or to obtain additional information on the seminar, please contact
the district office in Camrose (6724411), Ponoka (783-4476), Wetaskiwin (352-1240) or
Rimby (824-2201)

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Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

November 8, 1982

9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHEEP AND LAMB OUTLOOK

Alberta lamb prices are expected to decline to seasonal lows in the mid to upper
$50-range during the fourth quarter of this year and then to begin to climb again as supplies
diminish prior to the 1983 lamb crop. ^ \

In making this prediction, Deb Thorsen, marketing economist with Alberta
Agriculture's market analysis branch, said that slaughter volumes during the final quarter of
this year are expected to remain considerably above those of the same period last year, and
that heavy runs usually occur in September, October and November.

According to Ms. Thorsen, lamb prices at the Lambco plant in Innisfail are
traditionally higher than prices at the Edmonton stockyards because the former purchases
stock that is consistent in quality and in number delivered. She says that Lambco 's prices
averaged $62.73 to $64.20 from July through September, which was only 22C to $2.1 5 below
the year ago level.

Total sheep and lamb numbers in Alberta were 205,000 head on July 1 of this
year, which represents a 4 per cent increase compared with the same period a year ago. Ms.
Thorsen reports that the number of sheep one year and older increased to 106,000 head this
year compared with 95,800 head last year, or by 1 1 per cent. However, lamb numbers
declined by 2 per cent during this period, indicating a smaller lamb crop than in 1981. Ms.
Thorsen says the increase in sheep numbers suggests that more ewes are being held on farms
because of an increase in breeding intentions.

The Canadian sheep and lamb inventory as of July 1 , 1982 totalled 816,900 head,
up by 3 per cent compared with 1 981 . This increase, says Ms. Thorsen, was the result of a 5
and one per cent increase in inventories in eastern and western Canada respectively. While
the number of lambs one year and under declined by one per cent, the number of sheep one
year and older increased by 7 per cent from last year.

The above article is based on information that was available at the end of September, 1982.

A\\xx\a

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

November 8, 1982

10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA HOG PRICES AND SUPPLIES

First quarter 1983 Alberta hog prices are expected to range between $84 and $87
per hundredweight and to be in the low $80 range after that.

This is the opinion of Gordon Herrington, livestock econonnist with Alberta
Agriculture market analysis branch, who says that Canadian hog production intentions, apart
from the overriding influence of U.S. production trends, will be substantially influenced by
farmers' perception of the grain market outlook and the availability of feed. He also says that
all indications point to a plentiful supply of feed grain and low grain prices for the foreseeable
future. Hence, he expects hog output declines, which have been a feature of production (during
1982, to abate in the fourth quarter of this year, and he expects the beginning ot an
expansionary hog production phase to become evident in the early part of 1983. Although
regional output differences will remain, farm economic factors in general are becoming
increasingly more favourable for an expansion in the hog inventory.
U. S. Intentions

As indicated in the United States Department of Agriculture's, September 1,
Ten State Hog Report intentions are for fourth quarter 1982 and early 1983 marketings to rim
1 2 per cent below what they were a year earlier. The same report also indicates that December
1 982 - Feburary 1 983 farrowing intentions will be only 4 per cent below farrowings in the same
period a year earlier.

Mr. Herrington reports that assuming unchanged consumption trends, prices in the
U. S. Seven Markets should be in the US$59-$60 per hundredweight range (Index 100
equivalent: CDN$91 -$92.50) for the fourth quarter and remain in this price range during the
first half of 1983. However, if herd expansion should occur at a faster rate than anticipated,
price expectations should be lower, Mr. Herrington says. After that they would move still
lower.

- 30 -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

November 8, 1982

11

FOR IMMEDIATE RElEASE

ALBERTA CATTLE PRICES AND SUPPLY

"Fed cattle prices will improve from the low level that was recorded in mid
October, but supply prospects, including possible U.S. imports, will preclude their gomg much
above $72 per hundredweight for A1 and A2 steers in Calgary until the spring of 1983."

This assessment was made by Gordon Herrington who is a livestock economist with
Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch. He says that although Canadian slaughter during
the whole of this year has been above that of 1981, the major portion of the increase has been
in the slaughter of cows and heifers. Consequently, the pool of animals available for feeding
and slaughter is not likely to be reduced. And Mr. Herrington does not think there will be
a reduction in cattle slaughter numbers below the level that would trigger a significant pnc3
change even if the present heavy slaughter is not sustained for much longer.

"Another factor against a upward shift in fed cattle prices in the near future",
says Mr. Herrington, "is the traditional falling off of demand that normally takes place during
the winter".

Next spring and early summer's demand for beef should increase fed cattle prices,
but Mr. Herrington says the level of that demand will very much depend upon the general
economic outlook at the time. He also says that, on the basis of current indications, it is
unlikely that consumer demand and available beef supplies will support fed cattle prices
above the April to June levels of this year. And the age of the cattle and the timing of their
finishing and slaughter will be critical from the point of view of maximizing prices during this
relatively short-lived period of higher prices.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

ydlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

12

Alberta Cattle Prices and Supply
Feeder Demand

Mr. Herrington expects the supply and quality of feed available for feeding cattle
to increase buyer inte^'est in feeders, even though short-keep feeder prices will be closely tied
to fed cattle prices. He says fed cattle prices during the spring and sumnner of 1983 will prob-
ably somewhat dampen buyer price offers for this year's calf crop, but that buyer needs will
be strong. This factor alone could well generate premium prices of above $80 per hundred
weight for steer calves and reduce the discount on heifer calves.
U.S. Supply Situation

Mr. Herrington believes that U.S. fed cattle prices will only improve margmally
this winter, that the relatively abundant short-term supply of cattle in that country will
continue to dominate North American fed cattle prices, and that little help will be afforded to
Canadian fed cattle prices even if the American economy improves in early 1983.

The cbove article is based on information that was available at the end of September, 1982.

-30

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

13

November 8, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE INTERNATIONAL MEAT TRADE SITUATION

Canada's international trade in livestock is confined to the "regional bloc" under
the leadership of the U.S., said Dr. Joe Richter, professor of economics at the university of
Alberta. Speaking at the Taking Stock Conference in Red Deer recently, he said that the
international meat trade, unlike the grain trade, is regionalized and much less globally inter-
dependent.

He pointed out that the trend during the 1970's was towards the development
of these large regionalized trading blocs with clearly protectionist attitudes. He said that
meat output within these regional groupings has been rising and that the preference will be
for countries to become self-sufficient In their meat production and to import feedsiuffs if
the need arises.

Dr. Richter concluded by saying that the industry will have to cope with negative
factors in a trade environment which has little opportunity for liberalization and expansion.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

14

Novembers, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADC APPOINTS NEW LOANS OFFICERS IN PEACE REGION '

Frank Blush, the Agricultural Development Corporation's regional manager for
the Fairview region, has announced the appointments of Bill Olive and Glen Sveinunggaard
as loans officers in the Falher and Fairview district office respectively.

Mr. Olive was born and raised in Edmonton. He attended high school there and
in Calgary before enrolling in the business administration program at the Northern Alberta
Institute of Technology. He graduated in 1968. And from 1967-68 he was employed as
the northern Alberta representative for Laurentide Financial Corporation out of Edmonton.

From 1968-78 he worked for North West Feeds in Edmonton as general manager.
And he completed his third year of the registered in industrial accounting program through
the University of Alberta.

Following this Mr. Olive served as general manager of Cormie Ranches Ltd.,
Tomahawk, Alberta, until 1981. From 1981-82, he was employed as general manager for
Seisform Drilling (1957) Ltd. in Wetaskiwin.

During the course of his working career, he has visited various farming enterprises
throughout Canada, the mid-western U.S., Mexico and South America . His extensive agri-
cultural-related experience will be of considerable benefit when he is dealing with the financial
requirements of farmers and agribusinesses in the Falher area.

Mr. Olive is single and will be making his home in the Falher district-

Mr. Sveinunggaard was raised on a grain farm near Wanham and attended high
school there and in Grande Prairie. He subsequently enrolled in the commerce program at the
Grande Prairie regional college for a one-year term.

(cont'd)

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

15

-2-

ADC Appoints New Loans Officers In Peace Region (Cont'd)

He graduated fronn the University of Alberta with a B. Sc. (agriculture) in 1982,
having specialized in agricultural economics.

Mr. Sveinunggaard's fanniliarity with agriculture in the Peace River area will be
a definite asset in his new position.

He is single and will be making his home in Fairview.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

I

I

November 19, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Four Alberta Firms Receive Government Funding 1

Wheat Situation 2

Feed Grain Price and Supply Situation .4

Canadian Canola Situation 6

World Wheat Crown Goes To Alberta 8

More Projects Approved For On-Farm Demonstration Program 10

Crown Issue Information Meeting 12

Pesticide Safety Preached 13

Reda Winter Information Programs 15

Manage Your Money Wisely Seminar 17

Manager of Agribusiness Lending Appointed 18

ADC Appoints New Loans Officer At Red Deer 19

1

October 15, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOUR ALBERTA FIRMS RECEIVE GOVERNMENT FUNDING

Two northern Alberta and two southern Alberta plants will receive financial assistance
under the Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assistance.

The Fort Saskatchewan Bakery Ltd. will receive $16,333 to purchase a new oven, a
mixer and other baking equipment. The estimated capital cost of the modernization is
$82,000.

Pentex Holdings Ltd., operating as H & M Meats, will receive $25,500 to modernize
its packing plant in Grande Prairie. After modernization the plant hopes to increase its
sausage production and its sale of graded beef sides. The total cost of the project is expected
to be $170,000.

Trans Canada Freezers Ltd. and Canada Packers Inc. (York Farms Division) will receive
a total of $157,104 to modernize and expand their vegetable processing plant in Lethbridge.
The financial assistance will be used to construct a building to house expanded processing lines
and to install new refrigeration conveyor lines. Total cost of the project is estimated to be
$873,000.

Duchess Meat Processors Ltd. will receive $1 1 ,463 to modernize and expand its abattoir,
which is located about three kilometres north of Duchess. The modernization and expansion
will increase both the hog-killing and cooling capacity of the facility, and it will include the
addition of a sausage kitchen. Total cost of the project will be approximately $57,000.

The Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assistance is cost-
shared and jointly administered by the federal Department of Regional Economic Expansion
and Alberta Agriculture.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

October 15, 1982

2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELE^^SE

WHEAT SITUATION

In the opinion of Les Lyster, grain marketing economist with Alberta Agriculture,
final payments for the top grades of red spring wheat and durum wheat will be meagre at best
for the 1982-83 Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) pool accounts.

He also says that no final payment is expected for Canada Feed Wheat because
current CWB asking prices are well below the CWB's initial payment. In fact, cross subsidization
from the sales of higher grade wheat will occur to cover the deficit on Canada Feed Wheat, but
cross subsidization cannot occur between pool accounts.

Alberta's 1982 wheat crop is currently estimated to be 5.84 million tonnes or 6
per cent below the record 1981 crop. This year's wheat acreage, estimated at 6.85 million acres,
was 2 per cent above the province's 1981 acreage, and the largest since 1950. And at the
present time Alberta's average wheat yield is estimated at 31 .3 bushels per acre, which would be
2.8 bushels per acre below the province's record 1981 yield.

Mr. Lyster says that Statistics Canada's September estimates put the Canadain
wheat crop at 26.87 million tonnes or 8 per cent above the record 1981 crop and made it the
second successive record wheat crop. However, widespread frost and adverse harvesting weather
have reduced its quaility, and it is currently expected that only about 60 per cent of the wheat
will be eligible for the top two grades. On the other hand, since virtually all of Canada's carry-
over stocks were top quality wheat, the total mix of wheat supplies available in 1982-83 should
be such that they do not cause any particular marketing problems.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

1^

3

-2-

Wheat Situation (cont'd)

World Situation

According to Mr. Lyster, world wheat production for 1982-83 is expected to be
453 million tonnes, which would be virtually identical with that recorded in 1981-82. He says
that except for Australia, wheat production in each of the major exporting countries is at or
near record levels, and that world wheat carryover stocks for 1982-83 are estimated o
be 91 million tonnes, which would be up by 9 per cent compared with 1981-82, and the highest
since 1978-79. Mr. Lyster believes that world wheat prices will remain weak for the rest
of the 1982-83 crop year, and he expects them to move lower between now and the summer of
1983.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dlberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

[

I

>

4

October 15, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEED GRAIN PRICE AND SUPPLY SITUATION

The final payment from the 1982-83 Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) feed barley pool
account is expected to be small at best and probably non-existent. And country elevator bids
for non-board feed barley are expected to be mainly in the $85 per tonne range by the spring
of 1 983.

Les Lyster, grains marketing economist with Alberta Agriculture, expects a small
recovery in world feed grain prices by the summer of 1983, but he is not optimistic about a
final payment from the 1982 - 83 CWB feed barley pool account.

Regarding non-board barley prices, Mr. Lyster thinks they have bottomed out for the
current crop year, and that they will remain generally depressed until at least next spring.

Canada's 1982 barley crop is estimated at 13.6 million tonnes, which represents a
decline of only one per cent from the record 1981 barley crop. Mr Lyster says total Canadian
barley supplies for 1982-83 are estimated to be a record 17.7 million tonnes, up by 4 per cent
from the previous year's level. "We expect barley exports, including barley products," say Mr.
Lyster "to be around 5.5 million tonnes, which down be won by 0.5 million tonnes from the
record 1981 -82 level. And we expect barley carryover stocks on July 31 , 1983 to be a burden-
some 5.2 million tonnes or 1.1 million tonnes higher than they were in July of 1982."

Alberta's 1982 barley crop is estimated at 6.3 million tonnes or 9 per cent lower than
the province's record 1981 crop. Alberta farmers planted 4 per cent fewer acres of barley this
year than in 1981. And according to Mr. Lyster, the province's average yield is estimated at
46.8 bushels per acre, which would be nearly 3 bushels per acre below that of last year.

- (cont'd) -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2121 Print Media Branch

5

-2-

Feed Grain Price and Supply Situation (cont'd)

Mr. Lyster says the United States is in the process of harvesting its second successive
record corn crop, and that total U.S. corn supplies for 1982-83 are estimated at 10.7 billion
bushels or about 16 per cent above the near record level of 1981-82. Carryover stocks of U.S.
corn for 1982-83 are projected to be an extremely burdensome 3,332 billion bushels, up 41
per cent compared with 1981-82, Mr. Lyster says.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

Ahexfo

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

October 15, 1982

6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANADIAN CANOLA SITUATION

Although canola prices are expected to remain generally weak between now and next
summer, a modest strengthening, with prices in the $285 to $295 range, is anticipated between
now and mid-winter.

According to Alberta Agriculture's grains marketing economist, Les Lyster, Canadian
canola supplies for 1982-83 will not be adequate to meet historical crush and export levels.
This situation is in sharp contrast with the world oilseed situation where supplies are more than
adequate to meet the expected demand. Mr. Lyster says Canada's 1982 canola crop is currently
estimated at 2.07 million tonnes, up 12 per cent from the 1981 level.

Alberta's 1982 crop is estimated to be 873,000 tonnes, up 15 per cent compared with
1981. Farmers planted 1.85 million acres, 28 per cent above the average planted in 1981.
However, the provincial average yield is estimated to be more than 2 bushels per acre below
what it was in 1981 or 20.8 bushels per acre. Mr. Lyster says drought and frost in northern
Alberta were responsible for the decline in yield, but that frost damage in this province was not
as severe or as widespread as it was in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Consequently, the average
quality of the Alberta crop is above that of the eastern Prairies.

Total Canadian canola supplies for 1982-83 are estimated to be 2.745 million tonnes,
which is 13 per cent lower than last year's supplies. In fact, this estimate represents the lowest
supply level since the 1977-78 crop year.

Mr. Lyster says the Canadian crush and exports will be limited by available supplies
during 1982-83. And he says this situation will be further aggravated by the large quantity
of low quality seed. Carryover stocks of canola at the end of the 1982-83 crop year will be
extremely tight.

- (cont'd)

Phone: (403) 427-2121

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

7

-2 -

Canadian Oil Seed Situation (cont'd)

Total U.S. soybean supplies for 1982-83 are estimated to be a record 2.568 billion
bushels, up 11 per cent from 1981-82. And the United States Department of Agriculture
projects the 1982-83 soybean crush and exports to be up by 5.8 and 3.3 per cent respectively.
Carryover stocks as of September 1, 1983 are projected to be a record 430 million bushels
or 60 per cent higher than they were in September of this year.

- 30 -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

alberta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

8

November 10, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORLD WHEAT CROWN GOES TO ALBERTA

Alberta has captured the world wheat championship at the Royal winter Fair in
Toronto. Jim Miklos of Wrentham, south of Lethbridge won the title with a sample of
Canuck, a hard red spring wheat variety.

Mr. Miklos made history in the competitions this year by winning first place in
open hard red or white spring wheat category as well as placing first in the pedigreed hard
red spring class. Agricultural officials say to their knowledge this is the first time these
classes have been won by the same person.

In addition to a cash prize, Mr. Miklos wins a trophy donated by the Canadian
Seed Growers Association.

Other winners at this year's Royal Winter Fair include:

Pedigreed Barley 2 row - 1st place John Holmen (Wayne)

4th place Jeirry Kubik (Wrentham)
7th place John Huvenaars (Hays)

Pedigreed Barley 6-row - 5th place Frank Kastelic (Sangudo)

6th place Jerry Ratke (Stony Plain)
7th place Frank Kastelic (Sangudo)

Pedigreed Flax - 2nd place Doug Campbell (Coaldale)

6th place Stan LaValley (Lethbridge)
7 th place Jerry Kubik (\^h:entham)
9th place Robert Luco (Lethbridge)
10th place John Holmen (Wayne)

-(cont'd)-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

I

WORLD WHEAT CRCWN GOES TO ALBERTA

Pedigreed Oats

Pedigreed Hard Red
Spring Wheat

Pedigreed Duram Wheat

Pedigreed Alfalfa Seed

Pedigreed Brome Grass
Pedigreed Fescue

Pedigreed Rapeseed/
Canola

Pedigreed Timothy Seed

Pedigreed - Other

Species of Grass Seed

Pedigreed - Other
Species of Forage
Legume

1st place Richard Mueller (Barrhead)
2nd place Charles Ingles (Wetaskiwin)

-1st place Jim Miklos (Wrentham)
2nd place Jerry Kubik (Wrentham)
6 th place Lanny & Wallace Holmen (Wayne)
9 th place Jerry Kubik (Wrentham)

-1st place Harold Hierath (Milk River)
2nd place Jerry Kubik (Wrentham)
3rd place Robert Luco (Lethbridgc)

- 1st place Steve Merkl (Brooks)
2nd place Elmer Larsen (Tilley)
3rd place Jorgen Larsen (Tilley)
6th place Jorgen Larsen (Tilley)

-1st place W. B. Fulton (Rockyford)

2nd place Jim Crone (High River)
3rd place Dietrich Pankow (Woking)

2nd place Glen Kvamberg (Calmar)
3rd place Jerry Kubik (Wrentham)
5th place Diane Schatzke (Stony Plain)
9th place Albert Schatzke (Stony Plain)

1st place Ernest Kvamberg (Calmar)
5th place Frank Kastelic (Sangudo)

- 3rd place Ken Long (Cards ton)

- 1st place Frank Kastelic (Sangudo)

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

I

10

October 15, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE PROJECTS APPROVED FOR ON-FARM DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM

To date, 37 projects have been offered awards under Alberta Agriculture's On-Farm
Demonstration Program, which is a sub-program of Farming for the Future.

Grants offered under the program are intended to assist farmers and farm organizations
in the on-farm testing and demonstration of projects concerned with new concepts and new
technology in agriculture. And the funds may be used to purchase materials, equipment and
supplies or they may be put towards the costs of travel, labor, data analysis, etc.

The 37 awards total $99,202, with an average of $2,681 being awarded per project.

Since the last listing of demonstration projects in the August 30, 1982 issue of Alberta
Agriculture's publication, "Agri-News", the following new projects have been approved.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

><llbcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

-2-

11

More Projects Approved ForOn-Farm Demonstration Program (cont'd)

Project Title

Applicant and

District

Agriculturist

Location of

Project in
Alberta

Savory Grazing Method,
Taber and Fort Macleod

B. & M. Holtman
(D.A. - C. Rex
and A. Toly)

Taber and
Fort Macleod

Semi-Automated Gravity (Irrigation)
Distribution System

A. E. Eckert
(D.A. - G. Frank)

Duchess

Soil Moisture Conservation

B. Sommerville
(D.A. - G.Werner)

Endiang

Soil Moisture Conservation Practice

L. Penosky
(D.A. • G.Werner)

Botha

Liming and Ripping Acid Solonetzic
Soil

D. Hughes

(D.A. - H. Goudreau)

Wetaskiwin

Dairy Pasture Demonstration

E. Siemens
(D.A. - G. Berger)

Rochester

Two Four-Wheel Drive Tractors
Hooked in Tandem to be Operated
by One Operator

J. Bauer

(D.A. - J. Vanderleest)

Thorhild

Chaff Evaluation,
Athabasca District

D. Bencharsky
(D.A. - G. Berger)

Boyle

Farmers who are interested in submitting demonstration proposals should contact their
local district agriculturist.

More information on a particular project or on the On-Farm Demonstration Program
can be obtained from the Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Alberta, Alberta Agri-
culture, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

October 15, 1982

12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CROW ISSUE INFORMATION MEETING

An information meeting on the Crow Issue will be held in the
Three Hills Community Centre on Wednesday, Novemberl 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Representatives of the Alberta Wheat Pool and the Commodity
Coalition will be on hand to express their views on this important issue, and Lee
Melvill, district agriculturist at Hanna, will look at some of the background data on
the Crow Issue. The meeting, intended to provide information, not to convert
people to one point of view or another, is being sponsored by the Kneehill local of
Unifarm.

Further information can be obtained from Jack Hazelwood,
district agriculturist at Three Hills.

- 30 -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

October 15, 1982

13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PESTICIDE SAFETY PREACHED

"We are one step ahead of everyone regarding pesticide safety", says Dr. Moe Hussain,
pesticide issues coordinator for Alberta Agriculture.

He was connmenting on recent articles in the press which stated that farmers should be
told about the hazards of pesticides and about the safety precautions that should be taken while
using them. Dr. Hussain says "We have for many years now been urging farmers through
courses, meetings, pamphlets and fairs to use safety precautions to reduce pesticide exposure".

Since most farmers want to know why they should use precautions. Alberta Agriculture
has been working since last summer on a new program to provide them with information about
the short-term and long-term hazards of pesticides. "We want to impress upon farmers the need
to take precautions", says Dr. Hussain "and we feel that if we point out the potential hazards
farmers will be more willing to take the necessary measures to prevent such hazards". At the
present time there is a small percentage of farmers who are aware of the potential hazards of
these chemicals, and Alberta Agriculture is hoping to expand this awareness so that most
farmers will take precautionary safety measures.

In commenting on the recent death of a British Columbia farmer who drank Monitor,
Dr. Hussain points out that the pesticide is a very toxic one, and that it will kill very quickly
if a tablespoonful is taken by mouth. He says "That particular pesticide is used on a very small
scale in Alberta and users are urged to take precuationary measures to avoid any kind of
exposure. With minimum precautions, it is not likely that enough of the chemical would be

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

Abex\G

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

14

-2-

Pesticide Safety Preached (cont'd)

absorbed, for example, through the skin to cause any symptoms of poisoning, much less death.
But if anyone drinks a good portion, whether accidentially or deliberately, he will die".

Since farmers in Alberta do not use many chemicals which are highly toxic, poisonings
from chemical exposure are not very common in this province. However, many low toxicity
chemicals have the potential to cause long-term health problems and farmers should, therefore,
take all prescribed safety measures.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

15

October 15, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REDA WINTER INFORMATION PROGRAMS

"Transportation 1990" is the title of one of 10 papers being offered in the Rural
Education and Developnnent Association's (REDA) adult Winter Infornnation Program.

Written in three parts by three different authors, this paper presents three views of
what lies ahead for the transportation of agricultural commodities. The authors are Howard
Falkenberg, President of Unifarm, Dr. J.J. Richter, Faculty of Rural Economy, University of
Alberta; and Ross Walker, Vice president, Mountain Region, Canadian National Railways.

The other nine papers are entitled: "Farm Computers — A look at Present and
Future"; "Surviving the Credit Crunch in Agriculture"; "Getting Volunteers and Keeping
Them"; "Tax Planning for Farmers (Update 1982)"; "Housing Ourselves — An Introduction to
Co-op Housing"; "Rural Women as Community Leaders"; "Is this Really It" (Responsibilities
of Being Independent for Young People); "Water Conservation"; and "The Touch of Her
Hand (The Changing Role of Rural Women)".

REDA also provides a Winter Information Program especially for young people. This
year there are eight papers which have been designed to meet the needs and problems of
today's youth.

Subscribers to either the adult or youth Winter Information Program may choose two
papers free. The rest are available at $1 each in the adult program and for 50^ each in the
youth program. Orders of 25 or more under either program will receive a 20 per cent discount.

- (cont'd) -

^Ibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

I

-2-

16

RE DA Winter Information Progranns

REDA, now in its 17th year of the Alberta Rural Development Studies Program, is
designed to provide information to individuals, families and groups on current trends and
problems in the economic and social development of rural Albertan towns and farms. It is
supported by Alberta Agriculture; Unifarm; Federated Co-operatives Ltd.; the Co-operators
and the Credit Union Central (Alberta).

You can obtain further information on REDA's Winter Information Programs from the
Rural Education and Development Association, 14815 - 119 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5L 2N9 (Telephone: 451-5959).

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

17

October 15, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANAGE YOUR MONEY WISELY SEMINAR

Alberta Agriculture's district office at Leduc will be sponsoring a free seminar on
Managing Your Money Wisely at the community hall in Ardrossan on December 2, at the
Ukrainian Hall in Thorsby on December 3, and in the Provincial Building in Drayton Valley on
December 4, 1982.

At each place the program will commence at 9:30 a.m. with registration and

coffee. The seminar will get underway at 10 a.m. with the following topics and speakers:

, Managing your Records for Positive Cash Flow —
Ron Cuthbert, Supervisor, Farm Records Analysis, Farm Management Branch,
Olds.

, The Strategy of Borrowing Money
Gary Shufelt, Research Officer, Farm Credit Corporation, Edmonton.

, How to Keep more Money in Your Own Pocket —
Bob Winchell, Regional Farm Economist, Barrhead.

. The Team Approach with 1ST Canfarm
Sam Fialkow, Marketing Manager, Alberta, plus Resource Assistants.

. Panel Discussion on Money Management —
the four previous speakers will summarize the day's discussions.

Coffee will be provided for those who bring a bag lunch.

For further information and advance registration contact your local district
office at Sherwood Park, Leduc or Drayton Valley.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

Ahex\Q

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

18

October 15, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANAGER OF AGRIBUSINESS LENDING APPOINTED

Robert Thompson, general manager of lending at the Agricultural
Development Corporation (ADC), has announced the appointment of Mike McCarty
to the position of manager of agribusiness lending.

In his new position, Mr. McCarty will supervise and direct the agri-
business lending section of the corporation. And he will be responsible for managing
and monitoring the corporation's agribusiness portfolio, researching the credit needs
of the agribusiness industry, and recommending and subsequently implementing new
or revised programs and policies.

Mr. McCarty has been involved in the agribusiness field for the past 10
years in British Columbia where his most recent position was general manager of
Otter Co-op. Otter Co-op is the 10th largest co-op in Western Canada.

With his expertise in administration, agribusiness and finance, Mr.
McCarty will be a valuable addition to the senior management staff of ADC and
an asset to the Camrose community.

Phone: (403) 427-2121

-30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

19

October 15, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADC APPOINTS NEW LOANS OFFICER AT RED DEER

Stu Church, the Agricultural Development Corporation's (ADC), regional
manager for the Red Deer regional office has announced the appointment of Marlene
Christians as loans officer there.

Ms. Christians grew up on the family farm (beef and grain) in the Donalda
area, and attended school in Donalda before taking her high school in Stettler and
Camrose. She graduated from the Camrose Lutheran College in 1977, and then
enrolled at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Commerce. She graduated in
1981 with a B. Com, having majored in finance.

Following graduation she worked with two accounting firms in Edmonton
before joining the Agriculture Development Corporation.

Ms. Christians will be training in the Red Deer regional office, and will sub-
sequently assume responsibility for a district office.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

CANADIANS

JAN V. .

November 22, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

ADC First Half Lending Results 1

Federal Grant Helps With New Farm Investments 3

Purchasing Sprinkler Irrigation Systems 4

Hiring an Accountant 6

Irrigation Water Use In Alberta 8

Christmas Tree Thefts 10

Certified Preconditioned Feeders Sale Slated For Edmonton 11

Research Highlighted In Television Special 12

New Director Of Research Appointed 13

ADC Head Office Management Appointment 14

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dberta

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branr.h

November 22, 1982

1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

■ / :■ :-■ . .. ' : ■:. 'j-

. :. - 'i • . :■/■?.;. ■ ■:

ADC FIRST HALF LENDING RESULTS

J. Harold Hanna, chairman and managing director of the Agricultural Develop-
ment Corporation (ADC), has announced the coporation's results for the six month period
ending September 30. 1982. '

Direct farm loans for the first half of the present fiscal year numbered 869 for a
total of $121 million, compared with 833 for a total of $122 million during the same period
in 1981. Of the 869 loans, 666 were approved for beginning farmers and they amounted to
$96 million. These figures are down from 727 beginning farmer loans and $110 million
recorded in the first half of the 1981 fiscal year. Conversely, an increase in the number of
loans made under the corporation's other direct farm loan programs occurred, due largely to
the increased demand for financial restructuring.

Direct agribusiness loans in the current year numbered 25 for $7 million
compared with 19 for $5 million in the same period of 1981 .

Alberta Farm Development loans (AFDL) guaranteed by ADC in the six month
period in 1982 numbered 2937 and amounted to $41 million, compared with 2,700 and $36
million in the same period last year. Specific guaranteed loans to farmers and agribusinesses in
the first six month of the current fiscal year numbered 41 loans and totalling $27 million
compared with 32 and $12 million in 1981

During the first half of the fiscal year ADC's incentives accrued or paid to
Alberta farmers amounted to $11 million compared with $5.5 million for the same period of
1981.

Mr. Hanna says that the levelling out in direct farm loans in the current year
can be attributed to the general economic downturn and to future uncertainty. However,
the more recent decline in interest rates generally, and the introduction of the new Alberta

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

- (cont'd) -

/dlberra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

-2-

2

ADC First Half Lending Results (cont'd)

interest shielding programs should have a positive effect on the overall provincial economy,
and agriculture in particular, Mr. Hanna added.

He indicated that the corporation is currently working on improvements to the
loan application process as well as modernizing internal methods and systems.

ADC's lending continues to be funded through the sale of debentures to the
Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.

-30-

November 22, 1982

3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEDERAL GRANT HELPS WITH NEW FARM INVESTMENTS

The Small Business Investment Grant Program, announced in the federal government's
June 28, 1982 budget, applies to small businesses which borrow to finance new investment or
to finance research and development, and it provides for an interest rebate of up to four
percentage points over two years

Dan Hilsenteger, agricultural economist with Alberta Agriculture's farm business
management branch, says loans made to small businesses by financial institutions will qualify
for these grants providing the loans are used for the following purposes:

• to finance purchases made after June 28, 1982 and before March 31, 1983 of new
depreciable property which will be used in an active business in Canada. A new tractor or a
new hog barn are examples of depreciable property that would qualify for such a grant.

• to finance expenditures on scientific research made after June 28, 1982 and before
March 31, 1983.

Mr. Hilsenteger says to be eligible for these grants a loan must be for at least $10,000
and for not more than $500,000. And he says the grant will be reduced in cases where it or
any other assistance would reduce the interest on the loan to less than 12 per cent.

So, if you plan to build a new hog barn etc. in the near future, you should apply for
a grant as soon as possible. And remember, the money you borrow must be completely
disbursed before March 31 , 1983 for the total amount of the loan to qualify for a grant.

You can obtain an application form and additional information of the federal Small
Business Investment Grant Program from your local banker, credit union, treasury branch
farm credit office or machinery finance company.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

^Ibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

November 22, 1982

4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PURCHASING SPRINKLER IRR IGATION SYSTEMS

Are you planning to buy a sprinkler irrigation system in the near future? Even though
we are presently experiencing a buyers market, you should examine your proposed purchase
carefully before signing on the dotted line. !

This advice comes from Alberta Agriculture's systems engineer, Len Ring, who points
out that sprinkler irrigation dealers are forced to come up with a system at as low a cost as
possible when business competition is very strong, and that they sometimes have to cut corners
to do this. He says this does not mean that there are not good buys around for the shrewd
purchaser, but it does mean that you should evaluate bids from competing dealers very care-
fully. For example, the purchase price of an irrigation system could be lower from one dealer
than from another, but the system's annual operating and maintenance costs could be so high
that they would more than offset the saving in capital cost. A more specific example might be
the difference in the cost of operating a seven-inch and an eight-inch irrigation mainline. The
difference might not appear to be very great, but, according to Mr. Ring, the extra energy
required to pump water through the smaller pipe could be extremely high under certain
circumstances.

He also says that there are many subtle differences in irrigation systems which may not
be immediately apparent, buy which can be responsible for a cost difference from one system
to another. He stresses that you should know the pressure rating and the exact dimensions of
the various pipelines so that you can compare systems of equal quality. For instance, PVC
pipe comes in different dimensions, and eight-inch PIP pipe has a smaller inside diameter than
eight-inch IPS pipe. Hence, the former is cheaper but it results in a higher friction loss Mr.
Ring says it may or may not be suitable for an irrigation project depending upon the specific

»

situation.

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

- (cont'd) -

AhextQ

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

Purchasing Sprinkler Irrigation Systems (cont'd)

Some manufacturers make pipe that is 20 feet long, but that covers slightly less
than 20 feet after it has been assembled, while other manufacturers make their pipe more
than 20 feet long so that it has an installed length of 20 feet. Mr. Ring says such minor
differences should be taken into account when bids from competing dealers are within a few
percentage points of each other.

Dealer sen^/icing is also extremely important and should never be overlooked when
purchasing an irrigation system. According to Mr. Ring, centre pivot irrigation systems will
almost certainly require some servicing. Hence, anybody who buys one should make sure that
the firm selling it can and will provide adequate service. Again, if the dealer has been
forced to reduce the price of his irrigation equipment as much as possible, he may not be able
to provide his customers with as good service as he was able to do when his profit margin was
larger. Another thing that Mr. Ring recommends comparing when evaluating irrigation systems
is the type of protection used on the pipe and other parts of the machine (galvanized, epoxy-
coated, special alloys etc.).

If you are contemplating buying an electric pumping unit, be sure to check the
type and quality of the switch-gear used in the electrical control system. Mr. Ring says that the
cost of the electric controls in most irrigation systems is approximately equal to the cost of
the motor itself, and yet we often overlook the importance of the quality of this part of the
system. He recommends that you make sure that all the components are suitable for the
horsepower and the current that will be used to run the system. Be sure that all the electrical
work on the pumping unit and on the centre pivot system has been performed in accordance
with the provincial electrical code.

In summary, Mr. Ring says this is a good time to buy a sprinkler irrigation system,
buy he emphasizes that you should know what you are buying before you sign anything.

If you need help to decide on the type of irrigation system you need or to
compare proposals from different firms, contact your nearest farm irrigation services branch
office. Offices are located in Airdr'e, Strathmore, Brooks, Vauxhall, Medicine Hat, Taber,
Lethbridge and Bow Island.

- 30-

6

November 22, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIRING AN ACCOUNTANT

The conning of the New Year means taxation time will soon be upon us again. Do
you have a competent accountant? If not, you would be wise to find one because an account-
ant's services are invaluable in the complex world of farm tax law.

Since choosing the right accountant for your needs is a project in itself, you should
proceed with care. Write down a few selection criteria and then interview three or four
accountants. It is a good idea to press them on specific questions pertaining to your operation.

Remember that an accountant who boasts that his clients never get audited may
actually mean that he is just too conservative to take a chance with the gray areas of the tax
code. A good accountant should be able to work legitimately for you, and he should be able to
explain why he suggests that you follow a certain procedure. And remember, if he cannot
explain it to you, he will not be able to explain it to Revenue Canada!

Phil Dixon, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House,
thinks one of the most important questions to ask an accountant is whether he will be able to
give you advice on a year-round basis or whether he will only be able to work on your tax
return at the end of each year. "At the minimum, he should suggest a tax planning session for
October or November that is designed to help you to save money before the year end." says
Mr. Dixon. "He should be able to project a rough income total and tax liabilities, and perhaps
suggest either delaying payments or prepurchasing supplies to reduce your taxable income."

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

7

-2-

Hiring An Accountant (cont'd)

A good accountant will have an inquiring nnind. And when he has your records for
previous years, he should be able to provide you with information on your rate of return to
capital, your optimum debt load, etc.

So hire the accountant that best suits your needs, and use him all the year round.
Once you have found him, stick to him. You will find it well worthwhile.

If you would like more information on this subject you will find it in our Alberta
Agriculture publication entitled "How to Select An Accountant and Obtain Maximum Benefit^'
( Agdex818 - 14). It is available from District Offices and the Print Media Branch, Agriculture
Building, 8th Floor, 9718 107 Street, Edmonton, Alta., T5K 2C8

- 30-

November 22, 1982

8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRRIGATION WATER USE IN ALBERTA
by Alfred Birch

Resource Economist, Alberta Agriculture ;

How well does irrigation make use of the water? Almost 95 per cent of the off-
stream use of water in southern Alberta is accounted for by irrigation and, since this water is
a valuable resource, its efficient management is very important.

The amount of water required by irrigated crops currently amounts to more than
50 per cent of the water diverted from rivers for irrigation. This percentage, which is called
the overall irrigation efficiency, is the product of the efficiency of the irrigation water distribu-
tion system (which currently averages about 70 per cent in Alberta) times the efficiency of
farm water management (averaging approximately 75 per cent).

Higher irrigation efficiency will make more water available for both irrigation and
other water uses, but improvements can be costly. The important question is: At what point
does the cost of improving either distribution or farm irrigation efficiency begin to exceed the
benefits from that improvement? It is more important to maximize the total benefits minus
costs from better water management than to maximize the physical efficiency of irrigation in
the same way that a farmer seeks to maximize profit rather than yield per acre.

Recent studies have shown that many of the opportunities for the rehabilitation
of the irrigation system in Alberta will produce benefits greater than their costs. The direct
benefits to farmers from a series of rehabilitation alternatives which were examined were in
the order of 125 to 150 per cent of the associated total costs. Total benefits to the farmer
plus estimated benefits to non-farmers in southern Alberta were approximately 175 to 225 per
cent of the costs of rehabilitation.

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

9

7

Irrigation Water Use In Alberta (cont'd)

Opportunities for improving the efficiency of the irrigation distribution system
involve such things as the lining of canals and the replacement of canal control structures.
Canal lining reduces seepage and thus lowers the amount of water lost from the canal and, at
the same time, often reduces the damage done to adjacent land caused by salt build up. In
some cases the use of pressurized pipelines rather than canals may be warranted.

Irrigation efficiency will never reach 100 per cent, because of such losses as
evaporation. Nevertheless, the rehabilitation of the irrigation system in southern Alberta can
reduce water loss, and, at the same time, create significant net benefits for the region and the
province.

- 30 -

10

November 22, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHRISTMAS TREE THEFTS

Two people who had pleaded not guilty last December to stealing a
Colorado blue spruce Christmas tree, valued at $325, from the Alberta Tree Nursery
and Horticulture Centre changed their plea to guilty recently and were fined accord-
ingly.

One received a fine of $50 for petty trespassing. The other was fined
$350 for trespassing and theft, and he had to pay $325 to the Crown for the tree,
making a total cost to him of $675. He also had to pay all the associated legal costs
and too had to serve spend one day in jail.

In reporting this case, the director of the Alberta Tree Nursery and
Horticulture Centre's, George Grainger, said another individual who was also appre -
hended last December for stealing a Christmas tree pleaded guilty at the time and was
fined $850. He too had to serve one day in jail.

The moral of the story is that it does not pay to try to get something
from nothing! In both of the above cases the Christmas trees turned out to be very
expensive !

-30 -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2 1 2 1 Print Media Branch

November 22, 1982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

»

CERTIFIED PRECODITIONED FEEDERS SALE SLATED FOR EDMONTON

An Alberta Certified Preconditioned Feeders sale will be held at the
Edmonton Public Stockyards on December 10.

This sale will replace two sales that were planned for the Modern Live-
stock Auction Market .m Clyde on November 15 and December 13. Those sales

f

had to be cancelled because the facilities burned down in early November.

Rick Bjorge, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Westlock, says
there should be a very good buyer turnout at the Edmonton sale because the
Edmonton Public Stockyards started a Canada-wide promotion campaign for the
sale almost a month ago. It will start at 10 a.m. on December 10.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

November 22, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTED IN TELEVISION SPECIAL

"Research — Improving the Odds" is a 30-minute documentary television
special that looi<s at the roie that agricultural research and development plays in
improving the odds against the risks that every farmer inevitably faces.

It has been said: "You need to be a gambler to be a farmer". This is true,
and, like the river boat gambler, the farmer is continually looking for ways to
improve his odds.

"Research — Improving the Odds" reviews the success stories of wheat
and canola, and features scientists like doctors Helm, Strubble and Rennie who
discuss their work on barley breeding, sex pheremones and nitrogen fixing in cereals.
The program also shows how the $200 million spent each year by the federal
and provincial governments on agricultural research help to improve the position of
the farmer and how they pay dividends to the consumer.

"Research — Improving the Odds" was produced by Tom Dodd of
Alberta Agriculture and will be seen in the following places on the following dates
and on the following channels.

Edmonton

Tuesday

Dec.

7

7:00 p.m.

CFRN

Channel

3

Grande Prairie

Tuesday

Dec.

7

7:00 p.m.

CFRN

Channel

13

Medicine Hat

Tuesday

Dec.

7

7:30 p.m.

CHAT

Channel

4

Red Deer

Tuesday

Dec.

7

6.30 p.m.

CKRD

Channel

6

Calgary

Thursday

Dec.

9

7:00 p.m.

CFAC

Channel

2

Lethbridge

Thursday

Dec.

9

7:00 p.m.

CFAC

Channel

7

Lloydminster

Thursday

Dec.

9

7:00 p.m.

CKSA

Channel

2

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

30

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

13

November 22, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH APPOINTED

Dr. A. 0. Olson, assistant deputy minister responsible for research and adminis-
tration, has announced the appointment of Dr. James P. Mahone to the position of director
of Alberta Agriculture's new research division.

The research division, responsible for coordinating departmental research efforts
and administering major research funding programs such as Farming for the Future and the
Alberta Department of Agriculture Research Fund, became operational on November 15.

Jim Mahone, who joined Alberta Agriculture as the department's reproductive
physiologist in 1980, received his Ph.D in animal science and physiology from Michigan
State, U.S.A. in 1977. Prior to joining Alberta Agriculture he was an assistant professor in
the Department of Animal Science at Macdonald College, McGill University, Montreal,
between 1978 and 1980.

A specialist in livestock management systems. Dr. Mahone brings to his new
position experience gained in both basic and applied research while teaching at the University
of Alberta and at McGill University as well as from his postdoctoral work at Purdue University
in the United States in 1978.

A native of New York, Dr. Mahone received his B.Sc. in naval architecture and
marine engineering at the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1967. After five years of
service in the United States Coast Guard he started his career in agriculture with postgraduate
studies at the University of Arizona, U.S.A. in 1972.

-30-

/dlborra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

i

November 22, 1982

14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADC HEAD OFFICE MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENT

Paul Stanley, manager of the Alberta Agricultural Development Corpor-
ation's (ADC) loan administration, has announced the appointment of Bill Gialet as
assistant manager of loan administration at the head office in Camrose.

Bill Gialet was born and raised on a farm south of Camrose, in the
Ferintosh area. He spent 27 years in the banking business with the latter years being
spent in senior management. For the past three years he has been in the real estate
industry and latterly in management positions.

With his years of experience in the banking business, Mr. Gialet has a
solid background in all credit areas, and he is familiar with all types of securities,
including mortgages and debenture financing. He is married and has three children,
and he intends to take up residence in the Camrose area.

-30-

/diberra

JAN 2 81983

November 29, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

International Agricultural Exchange Program For Rural Youth 1

Year-End Planning To Reduce The Farm Tax Bite 3

W. 0. Mitchell Hosts Television Special 9

Market Garden Courses Scheduled For New Year 11

Two Family Farm Workshops 13

Wildlife Management Seminar 14

The Recovery Of Energy and The Utilization Of Solid Wastes Seminar 15

Trade Director Appointed For Europe, North Africa and Israel 16

Appointment To International Marketing 17

Associate Trade Director Appointed 18

Forage and Special Crops Specialist Appointed For Northeastern Alberta 19

District Home Economist Appointed To Two Hills 20

Phone: (403) 427-2121

.^Ibcrial

agriculture!

Print Media BranchI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR RURAL YOUTH

Pauline Hellyer, who hails from New Zealand, spent two weeks in Alberta recently
promoting the International Agricultural Exchange Association (IAEA).

She arrived in the Maritimes in September from Denmark
where she has been working with IAEA for the past two years,
and travelled across Canada giving presentations and interviews
at agricultural colleges, universities, etc, and to the news media on
the marvellous opportunities that are available to young rural
Canadians through IAEA. After Alberta she went on to
Vancouver Island in British Columbia and from there she was
going to Great Falls, Montana, U.S.A. where she will be open-

Pauline Hellyer

ing up an IAEA office.

In case you are wondering what IAEA is, it is a non-profit organization that was

formed in 1963 to operate exchange study programs in agriculture for young men and women
from Canada, the United States, Europe, Iceland, Australia and New Zealand - there are 18
member countries in all. Its main objectives are; to provide rural youth with an opportunity
to study agricultural methods in other parts of the world; to develop an understanding of life
and cultural patterns in other countries; and to strengthen and improve mutual understanding
among the countries involved through experience and personal contacts between the exchangee
and his or her host family. IAEA has close links with many young farmers' movements around
the world.

To be eligible to participate in an IAEA exchange program, applicants must be between
the ages of 19 and 28, age, and they must have some practical farming experience. They may
choose the type of farm training they wish to participate in, and they will be placed
with a host family where, in most cases, they will live and work as members of the family.
They will receive free room and board and will be paid a training allowance, which will be set
by the host family association of the country involved.

- (cont'd) -

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

/dbcrra

-2-

2

International Agricultural Exchange Program For Rural Youth (cont'd)

There are four categories of work available under the IAEA progrann. They are
referred to as Agricultural Trainee, Horticultural Trainee, Home Management Trainee and
Agri-Mix Trainee. To be eligible for the first category an applicant (male or female) must
have sufficient experience to undertake general farm duties. Participants in the second
category must have enough experience in horticulture to work in an orchard, on a
vegetable farm and/or in a greenhouse. Participants in the home management category
will do household duties and may also be required to look after children and/or help in
the garden. In the Agri-Mix category, participants will be expected to spend about 50 per
cent of their time in the home and 50 per cent doing general farm work. This category is
intended for people who have only limited agricultural and horticultural experience.
. ■ ... Ms. Hellyer says in the past Canadians appeared to favor Australia and New
Zealand when choosing an exchange country, but that now the most popular countries
seem to be in Europe. She believes this is because of the great variety of work and travel
experiences that are possible in Europe. Up to the present time, 362 young Albertans have
worked in the countries which are members of IAEA.

Ms. Hellyer, who, incidentally stayed with a host family in the Champion area of
Alberta in 1979, says young people who participate in the IAEA program buy a package
which includes group travel, a work permit, placement on an approved farm, orientation
seminars, insurance, etc. in another country for anywhere from four to 1 3 months,
depending upon the country, etc. And she advises anyone who is interested in going to
Europe under the IAEA program to apply in January or February 1983 and anyone
interested in going to Australia or New Zealand to apply before June 1983.

For further information contact your district agriculturist or contact IAEA,
121 1 - 1 1th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T3C 0M5.

-30-

November 29, 1982

3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YEAR-END PLANNING TO REDUCE THE FARM TAX BITE
by Merle Good and Dan Hilsenteger,
Financial Management Section, Alberta Agriculture, Olds

With 1982 commg to a close, farmers should be seriously thinking about income
tax management. To reduce this year's high interest costs, some farmers may have sold addi-
tional inventory and/or made capital sales to pay off loans.and the revenue from these trans-
actions will be included in income for 1982. Remember, only interest is deductible as an
expense on loan payments. The loan principal payment is not an expense. And keep in mind
that you may experience a 1982 year-end that has a tight cash flow and/or a small bank
balance, but still have a high tax bill.

check your income and expense positions now. Be sure that:

• All expense items have been included in your records. Out of pocket purchases
are often misspd, which can result in minor items having an effective cost of
considerably more than the original cost. For example, if a farmer fails to claim a
$1.00 purchase, the net cost of that item (assuming a 25% tax bracket) would be
$1.33.

• Individual tools and equipment purchased for more than $200 have been depre-
ciated. Remember, purchases costing under $200 are fully deductible in the year of
payment; not just 50 per cent deductible as thought after the Nov. 12, 1981
Budget.

• The business portion of various expenses has besn included. Remember that
a quarter of house maintenance and utility expenses and up to two-thirds of car
expenses, including depreciation, can usually be claimed as a business expense.

• Annual accounting and legal fees for farm management and income tax purposes
have been deducted. Legal, appraisal and accounting fees associated with buying
land or equipment should be added to the capital cost of the asset.

To avoid an unpleasant surprise when you finalize your tax return next spring,

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

-2

4

Year-End Planning To Reduce The Farm Tax Bite (cont'd)

• Government subsidies or rebates that were received have been reported as income
for the year, even if they were designed to reduce expenses or compensate for
income losses in previous years.

• Proper procedures have been followed when reporting income from unusual
sources, such as patronage dividends, insurance proceeds, commodity trading and
oil and gas lease revenues. A publication entitled "Reporting Unusual Farm
Income for Tax Purposes" (FS 837 - 10) discusses these and other unusual sources
of income. It is available from district agriculturists and the Print Media
Branch, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8.

• A reasonable sum of money has been deducted as a business expense for business
travel and to cover up to two conventions per year if applicable. Eligible expenses
include travel, registration fees, meals and lodging. Make sure you have receipts
to document these expenses.

Remember that since the Nov. 12, 1981 Budget, only one-half of the normal
capital cost allowance (CCA) is deductible in the year that a depreciable asset is purchased.
The deduction is made on the difference between the purchase price of the asset and any
applicable trade-in value.

Once you have determined what your projected taxable income is likely to be, the
question is: "Do I want to adjust it, and if so, in which direction?".

TAX STRATEGIES FOR A HIGH INCOME YEAR

Strategy

• Purchase supplies at year-end

Comments
Even with high interest rates, it may
pay to borrow additional funds to
take advantage of significant tax
deductions, early purchase discounts,
etc.

(cont'd)

5

Year-End Planning To Reduce The Farm Tax Bite (cont'd)

• Use deffered grain tickets to both
reduce income and to increase
expenses

• Pay your spouse and children a salary
for work performed on the farm

Buy machinery if needed so that you can
take advantage of the capital cost write-off
and investment tax credit on new
purchases

Endorse any tickets and give them to
your supply dealer as a type of post-
dated cheque. The result will be a
deductible expense in 1982 and a
deferral of income until 1983 when
the dealer cashes your deferred grain
tickets.

A salary of approximately $6,000 will
not attract a tax liability in 1982,
In a 30 per cent tax bracket, the net
effect of claiming a $6,000 salary
versus using the spousal marriage
deduction would be an $867 tax
saving.

Children under 18 can earn $2,320
and children 18 and over can earn
$2,440 before a reduction in your
exemption claim for them will occur.

This strategy is no longer as useful as
it was because of the new one-half
rate rule on CCA as explained earlier.
However the investment tax credit is
still available and has been extended
to new trucks with a gross vehicle
weight of over 26,001 pounds.

• Pay dividends if you are incorporated

- (cont'd) -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

Approximately $40,000 of dividends
can be earned tax free assuming no
other source of income. However,
1982 is the last year in which divi
dends can be earned without having to
pay the new 12.5 per cent dividend

distribution tax.

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

Year-End Planning To Reduce The Farm Tax Bite (cont'd)

6

• Contribute to a registered retirement saving

Plan (RRSP), especially if you can earn
more than $1 ,000 of interest income or
dividends

• Consider loaning funds to your spouse and
children on an interest free demand note.
Have them invest the money so each earns
up to $1 ,000 of interest income per year.

The use of an RRSP for income aver-'--

aging is on the rise. Contributions
are deductible and there are no
restrictions on withdrawals except a
small withholding tax.

The loan aspect of the transaction will
override the income attribution rules
and thus allow the interest to be taxed
in the hands of the recipient of the
loan.

Use cash to retire any personal loans,
and, if necessary, reborrow the funds
under a business loan

Under a business loan the interest will
be deductible and the net effect will
be the exchange of a non-deductible
interest loan for a deductible interest
loan.

If you want to increase your income to facilitate the full use of personal exemp-
tions and Canada Pension Plan contributions or to claim previous business losses, consider the
following strategies that will increase net or taxable income.

TAX STRATEGIES FOR A LOW INCOME YEAR

Increase your income by selling inven-
tories, postponing the payment of
expenses and deducting less than the
maximum allowable CCA

Use the livestock inventory provision
to artifically boost income for 1982

If personal exemptions cannot be
claimed each year, they are lost until
a five-year block average is filed.

A farmer who has livestock may add
to his current year's income any
amount up to the fair market value
of the livestock. However, the
amount added to income in one year
must be deducted from the income of
the following year. See the public-
ation "Tax and the Livestock Invent-
ory Provision" (FS 837-9). It can be
obtained from district agriculturists
and the print media branch.

- (cont'd) -

-5-

7

Year-End Planning to Reduce The Farm Tax Bite (cont'd)

Consider withdrawing all or part of your
RRSP

Cash grain tickets, take cash advances or
sell assets that trigger capital gains

Consider block averaging

Claim the maximum CCA deduction
in conjunction with the livestock inventory
provision if you are a livestock
producer

Remember, if last year was a good year,
you can carry losses from 1982 back one
year and ahead five

A withdrawal of an RRSP in a low
income year may result in overall tax
savings. Although a withholding tax
will have to be paid wheh withdrawing
money from your RRSP, it will be
credited to your income tax that is pay-
able for that year.

More income will be brought into the
tax year which can facilitate a redu-
ction of debt and interest costs without
triggering a corresponding tax liability.
The use of the block averaging tech-
nique may produce a refund of taxes
paid in one or more of the past five or
six years. Investigate the "quirk" in
the income tax rules which allows an
investment tax credit to be claimed
twice when using the block average
technique.

By claiming the maximum CCA deduc-
tion and artificially adding income
through the livestock inventory provi-
sion, a livestock producer can generate
a larger deductible expense in a sub-
sequent high income year.

By applying losses back against 1981,
you will be able to recover some of the
tax you paid in that year. Losses can
also be carried forward and provide an
extra deduction until used up by 1987.

(cont'd)

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

-6-

8

Year-End Planning to Reduce The Farm Tax Bite (cont'd) ' -

SUMMARY

If you monitor your net farm income throughout the year, unpleasant surprises on April
30th should become things of the past! A good set of records will tell you and your account-
ant what your specific situation is, and you can use this information for choosing the tax
strategy that will be best for you. The advice of a good accountant is becomong invaluable
in view of the complexities of our present income tax system, and remember, your objective
should always be to maximize profit; not to minimize tax.

30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

W. 0. MITCHELL HOSTS TE LEVISION SPECIAL

Alberta Agriculture is pleased to present W. 0. Mitchell as the host and narrator
of a television special entitled "The New Breed", which is a sort of "fighting back" look at
the problems facing today's young farmers.

The program will feature a group of young
Albertans addressing our economic problems and their
possible solutions in the company of our "poet
laureate". W. 0. Mitchell. The young people do not
necessarily think "anything" is possible, but they do
think that a lot of things are possible and they are
"fighting back".

Hence, "The New Breed" is not a pie-in-
the-sky look at the difficulties facing Albertans on the
land; it is an examination of how individuals are facing
their problems and how they are planning to overcome
them. Some grouch once wrote: "An optimist is
somebody who isn't paying attention!" The youth who appear in "The New Breed" quickly
dispell this notion. They are examples of tough, hard-nosed realists who are making their way,
sometimes with difficulty, through the thicket just beyond their neatly tilled "Back 40".

W. O. Mitchell

- (cont'd) -

/diborra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Pnnt Media Branch

10

- 2-

W. 0. Mitchell Hosts Television Special (cont'd)

Their names are: Pat Shimbashi, who runs a large growing, processing and packag-
ing agribusiness in Taber; Sylvester Mertz, who is a 25-year old poultry raiser in Redwater;
Dwight Woody of Coronation, who was Canada's 1981 "Young Farmer of the Year", and
Harry Haney of Haney Farms in Picture Butte who, with his family, runs a seed and feedlot
business in southern Alberta.

Following is a list of the places, dates, times and channels on which "The New
Breed" will be seen.

Edmonton

Tuesday, Dec. 14

7:00 p.m.

CFRN

Channel

3

Grand Prairie

Tuesday, Dec. 14

7:00 p.m.

CFRN

Channel

13

Medicine Hat

Tuesday, Dec. 14

7:30 p.m.

CHAT

Channel

4

Red Deer

Tuesday, Dec. 14

6:30 p.m.

CKRD

Channel

6

Calgary

Thursday, Dec. 16

7:00 p.m.

CFAC

Channel

2

Lethbridge

Thursday, Dec. 16

7:00 p.m.

CFAC

Channel

7

Lloydminster

Thursday, Dec. 1 6

7:00 p.m.

CKSA

Channel

2

-30-

11

November 29, 1952

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARKET GARDEN COURSES SCHEDULED FOR NEW YEAR

Alberta Agriculture's horticulture branch will sponsor market garden short
courses in Edmonton, Calgary and Bonnyville at the following locations on the following
dates m the New Year.

Edmonton — at the Exhibition Grounds from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on January 11, 12 and
13, 1983.

Calgary — at the Highlander Motor Inn from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on January 25, 26, and
27, 1983.

Bonnyville - at the Northlander Motor Hotel from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. on February 2,
1983, and from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 3, 1983.

The topics that will be covered during the first day of the Edmonton and Calgary
short courses will include vegetable marketing, planning and managing a market garden and
market garden equipment. Guest speakers will discuss vegetable production and marketing.
The second day will feature early crop production (transplants, plastic mulches and tunnels),
vegetable varieties and culture, weed control, disease and insect control and presentations
by established market gardeners. The third day will cover such topics as vegetable storage
and design, irrigation, strawberry and raspberry production, accounting and taxation.

At Bonnyville, the first day of the short course will include vegetable marketing,
planning and managing a market garden, market garden equipment, early vegetable crop
production and grower presentations. The second day will feature vegetable varieties and
culture, weed control, disease and insect control, vegetable storage and design and strawberry
and raspberry production.

- (cont'd) -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

-2-

12

Market Garden Courses Scheduled For New Year (cont'd)

Ralph Trimmer, extension horticulturist with the horticulture branch, says the
above courses are all designed for people who grow vegetables and/or fruit on a commercial
basis and for people who are seriously considering going into the market garden business.
They are not intended for the home gardener.

The registration fee for the courses m Edmonton and Calgary will be $10 per
person per day or $25 for the three days. The fee for the Bonnyvillecourse will be $10 per
person per day.

You can obtain further information on the market garden short courses and
application forms from Lloyd Hausher, Alberta Horticultural Research Center, Bag Service
200, Brooks, Alberta, TOJ OJO (Telephone: 362-3391) or from Ralph Trimmer, Alberta
Tree Nursery and Horticulture Centre, R.R. 6, Edmonton, Alberta, T5B 4K3 (Telephone:
973-3351).

-30-

13

November 29 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TWO FAMILY FARM WOR KSHOPS

Dr. Ron Hanson, an internationally known speaker on "Two Family Farms"
will address rural families at Barrhead, Stony Plain and Westlock in mid-December.

As an associate professor of farm management and agricultural finance in the
Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska, U.S.A., he has earned
international recognition for his outstanding teaching ability and his work with students.
He is a widely travelled speaker who delivers a powerful and inspirational message in a highly
entertaining and motivational manner on true-to-life human relationships and the personal
problems which can develop among family members when a son comes home, with a new
wife and says he wants to start farming.

Dr. Hanson will be giving a workshop at the Barrhead Inn from 9:30 a.m. to
4 p.m. on December 16. His theme will be "Can Two Generations Farm Together?".

In the evening (from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.) of the same day, he will attend a supper
meeting at the Garden Valley Hall near Stony Plain where he will discuss "Harmony on the
Farm".

On December 17 he will be at the Westlock Inn where he will hold a workshop
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This time his theme will be "Weather It Out".

Dr. Hanson will be assisted at the two workshops by Gal Bradley, agricultural
law solicitor with Alberta Agriculture, and Bob Simmermon, leadership and training specialist
with Alberta Agriculture. At the supper meeting he will be assisted by Cal Bradley.

You can register for workshops and/or the supper meeting by telephoning the
Barrhead office at 674-3351, the Stony Plain Office at 963-6101 or the Westlock office at
349-4465.

- 30 -

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

14

November 29, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

The Alberta Environmental Centre in Vegreville will present a seminar
entitled "Wildlife Management and Research Programs in New Zealand" in its main
conference room at 2:30 p.m. on December 7.

The seminar will be given by Professor Gordon R. Williams who is head
of the Department of Entomology at the University College of Agriculture in
Canterbury, New Zealand. He was formerly director of the New Zealand Wildlife
Service.

Further information on the seminar can be obtained from Dr. S.
Ramamoorthy, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta, TOB 4L0 (Telephone: 632-6767).

30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

i

15

November 29 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE RECOVERY OF ENERGY AND THE UTILIZATION
OF SOLID WASTES SEMINAR

"Organic Recycling - Environmental and Renewable Resource Manage-
ment" is the title of the seminar that the Alberta Environmental Centre in
Vegreville will be presenting in its main conference room at 2:30 p.m. on
December 15.

The seminar will be presented by Dr. T. M. Paul who is director of the
National Institute of Waste Recycling Technology in India and an international
consultant on waste management by recycling. He is currently on a lecture tour in
North America, and his talk, which will include a film on biogas production, will
deal with the recovery of energy and the utilization of solid wastes.

Further information on "Organic Recycling - Environmental and
Renewable Resource Management" can be obtained from Dr. S. Ramamoorthy, Bag
4000, Vegreville, Alberta, TOB 4L0 (Telephone; 632-6767).

-30-

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

November 29, 1982

16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRADE DIRECTOR APPOINTED FOR EUROPE, NORTH AFRICA AND ISRAEL

Cliff Wulff, executive director of Alberta Agriculture's international market-
ing, has announced the appointment of Douglas Hill to the position of international

trade director for east and west Europe, French-speaking North Africa and Israel.

Mr. Hill will be responsible for the continued development for Alberta's high
quality commodity and processed agricultural products. He has an extensive and diver-
sified background in agricultural processing and in processing development in Alberta.
And he has recently been responsible for commodity and market development in
Mexico, South America and Europe.

Prior to his present appointment, Mr. Hill was associate trade director for the
area for which he is now trade director.

- 30-

ydlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone:(403)427-2121 Print Media Branch

17

November 29, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APPOINTMENT TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETING

Cliff Wulff, executive director of Alberta Agriculture's international
marketing has announced that Fran Cullen has joined his staff as trade director
responsible for trade shows and consultants.

In her new position, Miss Cullen will be helping Alberta agriculture and
food exporters to promote their products in international trade shows as well as
helping the province's consulting industries to promote their talents and services
in various parts of the world.

She was born in Prince Edward Island and obtained her B. Sc. from
St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia in 1966. Following graduation she
joined Alberta Agriculture as a district home economist in Vulcan. She later
became the first home economist to do urban extension work. At that time she
was taking part in a pilot project.

Miss Cullen became commissioner of the food marketing branch in
1972 and retained that position until her present appointment. That branch
helps Alberta's food industry to develop and expand marketing opportunities for
its products in the retail and food service markets in Alberta and across
Canada.

-30-

^Iborra

(403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE

18

November 29, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASSOCIATE TRADE DIRECTOR APPOINTED

L. A. Normand, international trade director with Alberta Agriculture,
has announced the appointnnent of Bryan D. Walton to the position of associate
trade director.

As associate trade director, Mr. Walton will work closely with the inter-
national trade director in the developnnent of export markets of Alberta's agri-
cultural commodities, processed products and technical services in Latin America,
Africa and the Middle East.

Mr. Walton was born in Westlock and obtained his B. Sc. in 1975 and his
M.Sc. in 1979, both from the University of Alberta. Between his degrees, he
worked for Renewal Resources Consulting Services Ltd. in Edmonton. After
obtaining his M.Sc, he became executive assistant to the minister of agriculture,

Dallas Schmidt, and held that position until his present appointment.

Mr. Walton's experience as executive assistant to the minister of agri-
culture has provided him with excellent knowledge and a broad exposure to most
aspects of the agricultural industry in Alberta. And his participation in a number
of foreign missions has given him good exposure to international marketing.

- 30-

A\bex\o

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 PHnt Media Branch

19

November 29, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORAGE AND SPECIAL CROPS SPECIALIST APPOINTED
FOR NORTHEASTERN ALBERTA

Douglas Cooper, head of Alberta Agriculture's field crops branch, has announced
the appointment of W. M. (Mike) Doggart to the position of forage and special crops
specialist for northeastern Alberta. His headquarters will be in Vermilion. '

Mr. Doggart's main responsibilites will be to communicate forage technology to
extension workers, farmers and forage assocations and to stimulate forage production and
pasture management in northeastern Alberta. He will also promote and evaluate special crops
within the area.

He was born and raised on Vancouver Island, and he obtained his B. Sc. Agriculture
from the University of British Columbia, having majored in soil management. His minor was
forage management.

Following graduation in 1978, Mr. Doggart promoted pasture management in the
central, interior and Peace River regions of B. C. During this period he provided technical
assistance to the regional field crops specialist in Prince George, B. C, and he worked with
the range branch of the B. C. Ministry of Forests in Prince George. Here his duties covered
range improvement proposals under the Agricultural Rural Development Subsidiary Agree-
ment.

From 1980 until his present appointment, Mr. Doggart was a field agrologist
with B. C. Federation of Agriculture in Prince George where he was in charge of a three-year
fertilizer crop response correlation project for the central interior of B. C. Perennial forage
stands for hay and silage and cereal silage were the crops involved.

-30-

>4lbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

20

November 29, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISTRICT HOME ECONOMIST APPOINTED TO TWO HILLS
The head of Alberta Agriculture's home economics branch, Shirley

Myers, has announced the appointment of LonaLeiren to the position of district
home economist at Two Hills.

Ms. Leiren was raised near Bawlf, Alberta, and obtained her B. Sc.
(home economics) from the University of Alberta in 1981 . Her major was in cloth-
ing and textiles.

In 1980 she worked in Spirit River as a summer assistant with the home
economics branch. She joined Alberta Agriculture in October 1981 as a district
home economist-in-training and took her training in Leduc. She then worked in
the Morinville office for six months.

-30-

AhcxtQ

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 PHnt Media Branch

.ca:

JAN ^ b \m

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Egg Grading Station Opens Near Red Deer 1

j Farm Cash Receipts 2

j Alberta Livestock Operations Increase In Size 4

I

Correction 5

I Financial Assistance Available To Alberta Farmers .6

Order Breeder Seed Now 7

Alberta Ram Test Data 8

I

Agriculture And The Environment Symposium Proceedings Available .9

Cross Metric Bakeware Off Your Xmas List 10

Assistant Deputy Minister Of Planning And Economic Services Appointed 12

Supervisor Of Home Economics Specialists Appointed 13

V

1

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EGG GRADING STATION OPENS NEAR RED DEER

Van Slyke Farms Ltd., a fainily poultry operation located seven kilometres west
of Red Deer, recently marked the official opening of an egg grading station.

The general manager of Van Slyke Farms Ltd., Floyd Van Slyke, says his egg
grading machine can turn out 70 cases of eggs per hour, and he estimates that its annual
grading capacity is almost 20 million eggs.

The grading process involves passing the- eggs through a washer and candling them
to detect cracks and other imperfections. These eggs are removed and the remaining eggs
are conveyed to scales where they are graded by weight before being placed in boxes or
cartons and stored in a cool room for shipment.

Van Slyke Farms will market the eggs under the brand name of "Echo Eggs" and
will serve an area of about 50 kilometres around the city of Red Deer. Customers will include
hotels, restaurants, grocery stores and institutions.

The egg grading station cost $74,000 to construct and Van Slyke Farms Ltd.
received financial assistance in the form of an SI 8,408 grant under the Canada-Alberta
Nutritive Processing Assistance Agreement.

This agreement is jointly funded and administered by the Federal Department of
Regional Economic Expansion (DREE) and Alberta Agriculture. Since the agreement was
signed in 1975, nutritive processors in Alberta hav( benefitted from assistance totalling more
than $20 million.

Further information on the Van Slyke Farms Ltd. egg grading station or on the
Canada-Alberta Nutritive Processing Assistance A]reement can be obtained from Dr. Jim
Wiebe, Alberta Agriculture, 9718 - 107 Street, Ec monton, Alberta, T5K 2C8 (Telephone:
427-4287).

(403) 427-21 21

-30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 6, 1982

2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FARM CASH RECEIPTS

Alberta farm cash receipts from the sale of both crops and livestock products are
forecast to be down by $80 million in 1982 and to show a further decline of $190 million
in 1983.

Chuck Sterling, the head of Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch, reports that
Alberta grain marketings will be down from last year, and that the decline in grain prices has
resulted from an abundance of world supplies. He says the present level of grain stocks on
Alberta farms exceeds the record level that was set i i 1970 by more than one million tonnes.

Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) final payments to Alberta farmers in January 1982
were down by $115 million compared with 1981, and the CWB's initial payments for 1982-83
are below those of the 1981-82 crop year for both barley and oats. And some reductions are
anticipated in initial payments for the 1983-84 crop year.

Mr. Sterling expects CWB final payments in the first quarter of 1983 to be less
than 60 per cent of those paid m 1982. Hence, even though Alberta grain producers have
record stocks of grain on hand, their income outlook is not favourable!

A combination of lower prices, less deliveries than Alberta's record wheat market-
ings in 1981 and smaller CWB payments will result in lower wheat receipts in 1983, Mr.
Sterling says. He also says that cash receipts from feed grains, particularly barley, will not
increase in 1983 even with an increase in marketngs. However, flaxseed deliveries, and, to
an even greater extent, canola deliveries will provide additional cash receipts in 1983.

In contrast to the situation faced by grain producers, the income picture for
Alberta livestock producers improved in 1982. According to Mr. Sterling, both cattle and
hog prices rose in the first half of the year with hog prices achieving record levels last summer.
However, they have slipped back since that time. Although cattle prices are down from their
seasonal highs in May and June, they are still expocted to average out above those recorded
in 1981.

/dibcrfa

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

3

-2-

Farm Cash Receipts (cont'd)

Mr. Sterling says higher prices combined with some increase in marketings pro-
vided an additional 9 per cent increase in Alberta's farm cash receipts from both livestock and
livestock products. He also says that part of this increase came from the province's Beef
Cattle and Sheep Support Program which provided beef cattle and sheep producers with
more than $141 million.

"Farm cash receipts from hogs", says Mr. Sterling "will show the largest increase
of all livestock when compared with 1981. They increased steadily from the low $60-range
in January 1982 to average more than $90 per hundredweight during the summer and early
fall of this year, and they are expected to remain near their current level into 1 983".

However, Alberta's livestock receipts for 1983 are projected to be somewhat
lower than those of 1982 because of fewer cattle marketings and no real change in prices.
Alberta hog slaughter figures for 1983 should remain similiar to or above those of 1982 with
1983 prices averaging near those recorded in 1982. However, Mr. Sterling does not anticipate
that this year's record hog prices will be exceeded in 1983. He predicts that prices will
improve moderately for those livestock products that are regulated which, in turn, will
provide a moderate improvement in livestock cash receipts.

- 30 -

Phone: (403) 427-2121

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

4

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS INCREASE IN SIZE

Livestock operations in Aiberta are gradually shifting from smaller to larger
holdings, according to statistics from the 1976 and 1981 Census of Agriculture.

Michael Adam, Agriculture's livestock statistician, reports a total of 2,962 oper-
ations accounted for 36 per cent of the province's cattle in 1976 compared with 2,836 oper-
ations accounting for 42 percent in 1981 . Significantly, in 1976 the largest 3 per cent of cattle
operations accounted for 20 percent of the cattle population compared with 25 per cent in
1981 . The data for hog and sheep operations revealed similar trends, according to Mr. Adam.

The following table shows the magnitude of increase in average herd size in the

province.

Number of Head per Operation
1976 1981 Increase (%)

Cattle 104 113 9

Pigs 70 120 71

Sheep 79 86 9

Mr. Adams says the increases in average herd size resulted from a combination of
reduced farm numbers and larger animal populations, as in pigs and sheep, or from a greater
percentage decline in farm numbers in relation to animal numbers, as in cattle.

Along with the increase in average herd size, the value of products sold per
operation rose between the two census dates. From the comparison below it is clear that
many livestock operators increased their income, despite inflation.

- (cont'd) -

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone:(403)427-2121 " Print Media Branch

5

Alberta Livestock Operations Increase in Size (cont'd)

1976

Percent of operations with sales over $35,000:

Cattle

24%

Pigs

21%

Sheep

16%

1981

Percent of operations with sales over $50,000:

Cattle

34%

Pigs

30%

Sheep - 23%

Mr. Adam reports that a considerable percentage of producers in each type of
operation made more annualsales in 1981 than they did in 1976.

-30-

CORRECTION

The market garden short course scheduled for Bonnyville on February 2 and 3
will be held at the Lakelander Motor Hotel riot at the Northlander Motor Hotel as previously
announced.

/dibcrra

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

6

December 6 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO ALBERTA FARMERS

The new edition of the publication entitled "Assistance Available to Alberta
Farmers" contains an update of existing programs that are available to farmers from the
provincial and federal governments and features seven programs that have been added to
the list since the May 1982 edition was published.

Dan Hilsenteger, agricultural economist with the farm business management
branch, says the publication outlines the terms for some forty-five financial assistance pro-
grams and states who qualifies for each. He also says that all farmers, regardless of their area
of specialization, will find the programs of interest, and he draws special attention to the
following new programs.

• Alberta Heritage Fund Mortgage Interest Reduction Program
. Canada Mortgage Renewal Plan (CMRP)
. Canada Homeownership Stimulation Plan (CHSP)
. Alberta Pioneer Repair Program
Small Business Investment Grant

To find out more about these and the oi^er programs, you can get a copy of
"Assistance Available to Alberta Farmers" (Aydex 871) from your district agriculturist, the
Farm Business Management Branch, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta TOM IPO or from the Print
Media Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8

-30 -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

7

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORDER BREEDER SEED NOW

Applications for obtaining breeder seed through the Canadian Seed Growers'
Association (CSGA) Select Plot Program must be received by Alberta agricultures' field
crops branch in Lacombe before December 31 , 1982.

The maximum plot size allowed for a Probationary Select Seed Grower is one-
half hectare (about one acre), and the minimum is one-quarter hectare (about half an acre).

The maximum plot size for a Select Seed Grower 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 may not exceed one
hectare.

Seed growers who wish to participate in the Select Plot Growing Program must
have successfully produced the same predigreed crop for the last three years or have success-
fully produced 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 that they have had experience in growing.

Growers who wish to obtain breeder seed of a SeCan variety must apply directly
to the SeCan Association, 885 Meadowlands Drive, Suite 512, Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3N2.
Probationary growers who wish to produce SeCan varieties must first be approved by the
Alberta Stock Seed Distribution Committee.

Application forms for ordering breeder seed and additional information regarding
the Select Plot Growing Program can be obtained from: Bill Witbeck, Secretary, Alberta Stock
Seed Distribution Committee, Bag Service No. 47, Lacombe, Alberta TOC ISO (Telephone:
782-4641).

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

AGRICULTURE

dia Branch

8

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA RAM TEST DATA

If you have purebred she(3p and would like to have rams tested at the Alberta
Ram Test Station in 1983, it would be a good idea to book space at the station now.

John Knapp, manager of the station, says a total of 1 15 rams from 28 contribu-
tors were entered in this year's test which culminated in July with the sale of 49 rams. Only
animals that are equal to or above the station's average for average daily gain are considered
for sale. Animals that are below average either in quality or performance are culled, which
means that only about 40 per cent of the rams that are tested make the annual sale.

The 49 rams that were sold last July grossed $18,980, and the top indexing
animal had an average daily gain (ADG) of 0.595 kg per day. It came from the Suffolk flock
of Dan Jenkins in Sherwood Park and was bought by Sudon Suffolks of Edberg for a record
price of $1,100. The second highest indexing ram had an ADG of 0.576 kg per day and sold
for $725.

Following is a summary of the performance and sale results of rams entered in the
Alberta Ram Test Station this year.

Breed Number Tested ADG (kg/day) Number Sold Average Price High Price

Suffolk 81 0.47 34 $430.00 $1,100.00

Hampshire 15 0.46 7 $301.00 $ 475.00

Dorset 14 0.40 6 $290.00 $ 375.00

Columbia 3 0.41 1 $250.00 $ 250.00

Rambouillet 2 0.48 1 $270.00 $ 270.00

To book space for the 1983 Alberta Ram Test, which runs from February 1983

until June 1983, contact John Knapp, Bag Service No.1, Airdrie, Alberta, TOM OBO (Tele-
phone: 948-5101).

- 30-

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

9

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE

Proceedings of the Agriculture and the Environment Symposium,
sponsored earlier this year by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists —
Alberta Chapter, are now available.

They contain papers that were authored by representatives of industry
and government and public interest groups, and they address a wide range of inter-
actions between agricultural activities and the natural environment. The issues
discussed include; land reclamation, the effect of sulphur deposition on livestock,
conflicts between agricultural development and wildlife, the preservation of agri-
cultural land and the potential impact of water management schemes.

The proceedings can be obtained for a fee of $10 from the Canadian
Society of Environmental Biologists — Alberta Chapter, P.O. Box 1 2, Substation 11,
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E0.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

ydlberta

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

10

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :

i

CROSS METRIC BAKEWARE OFF YOUR XMAS LIST

Are you thinking of giving metric bakeware presents this Christmas? According to
Catherine Sinnott of Alberta Agriculture's home economics laboratory, you can cross them
off your Christmas list.

She concedes that more and more metric recipes are being developed and she also
concedes that there will probably be an even wider variety of metric festive recipes this Christ-
mas than in the previous years. However, she points out that it is a misconception to think
that it is necessary to have metric bakeware to bake metric recipes. And she further points out
that the difference between conventional bakeware and metric bakeware is that the former is
designated by dimension (example 9 x 9-inch pan) while the latter is designated by volume
(example 2.5h).

All you have to do to find the metric volume of a conventional pan is to take your
metric liquid measure and measure the amount of water it takes to fill the pan This" says
Ms. Sinnott 'will give you the metric volume of the pan. When you have established its
volume, mark it on a piece of adhesive tape and stick the tape to the bottom of the pan for
future reference

The following chart, submitted my Ms. Sinnott, lists the metric volume and approxi-
mate metric dimensions of some common bakeware items. You will see that the 2 L square
cake pan is similar to the old 8 x 8-inch cake pan and that the 2.5 L square cake pan is similar
to the old 9 X 9 inch pan.

- (cont d) -

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

-2-

11

Cross Metric Bakeware Off Your Xmas List (cont'd)

DIMENSIONS

ITEM VOLUMy. (Approx)

Rectangular

Cake pan

3.5

L

33

X

23

X

5

cm

3

L

28

X

18

X

5

cm

Jelly roll

pan

2

L

38

X

26

X

2

cm

Loaf pan

1.5

L

21

X

11

X

7

cm

2

L

23

X

13

X

8

cm

Round

Layer cake

pan

1.2

L

20

X

A

cm

1.5

L

23

X

4

cm

Tube pan

3

L

22

X

10

cm

4

L

25

X

11

cm

Pie plate

1

L

23

X

3

cm

1.2

L

25

X

3

cm

Square

Cake pan

o

L

20

X

5

cm

2.5

L

2 3

X

5

cm

OATMEAL CARMELITAS

32 caramels
75 ml milk

250 ml all-purpose flour

250 ml rolled oats
175 ml brown sugar

Preheat oven to 1 80 C

2 ml baking soda
1 ml salt

1 75 ml butter or

margarine
250 ml chocolate chips
125 ml chopped walnuts

Melt caramels in milk, cool slightly

In a large bowl combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking
soda, salt and butter. Press half of crumbs into a 2.5 L cake
pan

Bake at 180 C for 10 min; remove from oven. Sprinkle with
chocolate chips and walnuts. Spread carefully with caramel
misture. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture

Bake at 180 C for 15 to 20 min, or until lightly browned.

Chill 1 to 2 h. Cut into bars.

Yield: 36 dainty bars

30-

><llberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

12

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER OF PLANNING
AND ECONOMIC SERVICES APPOINTED

H. B. McEwen, Alberta's deputy minister of agriculture, has announced the
appointment of C. Douglas Radke to the position of assistant deputy minister (ADM)
responsible for planning and economic services.

Mr. Radke assumes this position after having been acting co-ordinator of the
federal Grain Transport Authority (GTA) since January 1979. During that time he led the
GTA in its attempts to expand and improve Canada's grain transportation and handling
system. Canadian grain exports in 1981- 82 totalled more than 43 per cent above the export
level average in the 1970's.

As ADM of planning and economic services, Mr. Radke will oversee a staff of 90
whose activities are directed at meeting the needs of the department and the agricultural
industry at large. They include providing a broad range of economic services such as financial
and farm business management, statistics, market analysis, production and resource
economics and research and analysis of policy issues and problems facing agriculture in
Alberta.

A graduate of the University of Alberta and holder of an M.A. in public adminis-
tration from Carleton University in Ontario, Mr. Radke brings considerable public sector
experience to his new position; experience that was gained at both the provincial and federal
levels. Prior to joining the federal government in 1979, he held the position of chairman of
the Alberta Motor Transport Board. His previous positions include director of research and
planning for Alberta Transportation, executive assistant to the Alberta Minister of Transport-
ation, executive assistant to the Alberta Minister of Agriculture, board member and secretary
of the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council and executive assistant to the
director of Alberta Agriculture's Program Development Division.

ydlberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone:(403)427-2121 Print Media Branch

V

13

December 6, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUPERVISOR OF HOME ECONOMICS SPECIALISTS APPOINTED

The director of Alberta Agriculture's home economics and 4-H division, Irene
Leavitt, and the head of the home economics branch, Shirley Myers, have announced the
appointment of Aileen Whitmore to the position of supervisor of home economics specialists.

In this position, Ms. Whitmore will be located in Edmonton, and she will be
responsible for assessing client needs for home economics information and education as well
as for developing short and long-term policies, plans, and strategies related to the effective
implementation of home economics programs across the province. These will be in the areas
of family resource management, foods and nutrition, family living and clothing and textiles.
She will also be responsible for co-ordinating home economics resource materials and for
developing specialized information for distribution to the public.

Ms. Whitmore was born and raised in Taber. She obtained a B.H.E. from the
University of British Columbia in 1957 and a Professional Teaching Certificate from the
University of Saskatchewan in 1964. She obtained an M.Sc. from Oregon State University
in the United States in 1979, having specialized in foods and nutrition and rural sociology.

After graduating from the University of British Columbia and until 1966, Ms.
Whitmore was employed as a home economist by the Saskatchewan Power Corporation in
Regina. She spent the next two years teaching school, including high school home econom-
ics. She spent the following two years as an independent consultant. From 1970 until her
present appointment, Ms. Whitmore was provincial food and nutrition specialist at Alberta
Agriculture's home economics laboratory in Edmonton.

-30-

/dlbcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2 1 2 1 Print Media Branch

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Alberta Agriculture's Marketing Sector Reorganized 1

Canola Plant At Sexsmith Modernized 2

Four Central Alberta Firms Benefit From Federal-Provincial Agreement 3

Farm Expenses 4

More IBT Pesticides Cleared 6

Update On Sources Of Farm Business Credit In Alberta 7

A Simple Cow Herd Selection Program 8

Alberta Honey Situation 11

Lime Seminars 13

Dairy Farmworkers' Training Program Begins At Olds 14

Sav-A-Life (Animal) 15

Choosing A Christmas Turkey 16

Phone: (403) 427-2121

Axxtd

AGRICULTURE]

Print Media Branch!

1

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA AGRICULTURE'S MARKETING SECTOR REORGANIZED

Barry Mehr, assistant deputy minister of marketing, has announced the reorganiz-
ation of Alberta Agriculture's marketing sector so that it would more effectively serve
Alberta's food system.

In the reorganization, market development and support services to the province's
agriculture and food products industry will be increased through the utilization of all of
the department's resources in program development. The marketing sector will provide
services to Alberta's producers, processors and marketers to ensure that a supply response is
generated for opportunities that are identified as being achievable. And the marketing sector
will consist of a highly skilled and a highly specialized group that will encourage a market
orientation to the department s efforts in assisting the agrifood industry to take advantage of
all opportunities.

The marketing services division of the marketing sector, under its director, Dennis
Glover, will support and encourage the growth and development of Alberta's agriculture and
food industry through the provision of comprehensive services of a specialized nature to
assist the province's agrifood industry in meeting its market development objectives. This
will be achieved through the marketing sector's agriculture processing development branch, the
business analysis branch, the food laboratory branch and the newly created agrifood develop-
ment branch.

The market development division, under its executive director, Cliff Wulff, will
provide market development assistance to Alberta's agriculture and food products industries
And the division will develop, coordinate and implement services and support policies and
programs to optimize the development and penetration of markets in Alberta, Canada, the
U.S.A. and abroad for agricultural commodities, processed food and feed products and techn-
ical services.

Phone: (403) 427-2121

-30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

2

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANOLA PLANT AT SEXSMITH MODERNIZED

The Northern Alberta Rapeseed Producers Cooperative Ltd. (NARP)
will receive financial assistance under the Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreennent on
Nutritive Processing Assistance valued at $233,564 to upgrade its canola processing
plant in Sexsmith.

Of the total assistance, $109,123 will be used to upgrade the flaking
mill, to replace conveyors and to improve the seed receiving facilities. The
estimated cost of this part of the upgrading project is $546,000

Another $43,424 will be used to increase the plant's capacity by
replacing and relocating its meal cooler. The estimated capital cost of this part of
the project is $217,000.

Finally, $81,017 will be used to Im )rove the plant's office and labor-
atory facilities. This renovation is estimated to cost $506,000.

The Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing
Assistance is equally funded and jointly administered by the federal Department of
Regional Economic Expansion (DREE) and Alberta Agriculture. A new three-year
agreement, worth $28 million, was signed by the two governments just over a year
ago.

You can obtain further information on the Canada-Alberta Agree-
ment on Nutritive Processing Assistance from Dr. Jim Wiebe, Alberta Agriculture,
9718 -- 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8 (Telephone: 4274287).

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 13, 1982

3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOUR CENTRAL ALBERTA FIRMS BENEFIT FROM

FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL AGREEMENT !'

Four central Alberta firms are to receive financial assistance under the Canada-
Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assistance. They are Thompsenbilt
Homes Ltd. of Rocky Mountain House, Quality Feeds (Alberta) Ltd. of Lacombe, Sinnamon
Brothers Holdings Ltd. of Camrose and the Lone Ridge Dairy near Falun.

Thomsenbilt Homes Ltd. will receive $13,287 to build a sausage processing plant
18 miles southwest of Rocky Mountain House. The owner, John Thomsen, who has been
making sausage for 14 years, says the plant is estimated to cost $40,000, and that it will
produce specialty sausages, weiners and salami. It is expected to employ two people.

Quality Feeds (Alberta) Ltd. will receive $9,273 to install a high pressure boiler in
its feedmill in Lacombe. The new boiler, which is expected to improve the quality of the
rolled and pelleted products, is estimated to cost $46,000.

Sinnamon Brothers Holdings Ltd, will receive $3,224 to establish a sprout process-
ing plant in Camrose, which will process and package alfalfa, wheat and bean sprouts for
local supermarkets. The estimated cost of the plant is $13,000 and five jobs are expected to
be created.

Lone Ridge Dairy, which produces yoghurt and cheese from goat's milk, will
recieve $1,470 to expand its plant so that it can pasteurize goat's milk. Total cost of the
project is estimated to be $7,300.

The Canada-Alberta Subsiciiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assistance is
equally funded and jointly administered by the federal Department of Regional Economic
Expansion (DREE) and Alberta Agriculture. Since the agreement was signed in 1975 almost
$20 million have gone to nutritive processors in Alberta.

You can obtain further information from Dr. Jim Wiebe, Alberta Agriculture,
9817 - 107 Street Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8 (Telephone : 427-4287).

- 30

Phone:(403)427-2121 ^

y<llbcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FARM EXPENSES

Total farm operating expenses and depreciation charges for Alberta farnners in
1982 are forecast to be up 2 per cent, but to drop back by 1 .3 per cent in 1983.

Chuck Sterling, head of Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch, says that increases
in farm costs, inflation, interest charges, energy and energy related costs have all continued to
erode farm incomes and to create cash flow problems for Alberta farmers because they have
not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in cash receipts. He reports that cash
operating costs are now nearly $700 million more than they were in 1979, and he expects
total operating and depreciating charges to increase by $45 million or to exceed the $3 billion
mark in 1982. This figure would represent nearly 80 per cent of Alberta farmers' total cash
receipts in 1982.

Mr. Sterling says many Alberta farmers were caught unprepared for the present
economic situation and are now implementing all possible ways of holding costs in line
with anticipated incomes. Purchases of farm machinery and equipment, for example,
dropped dramatically in 1982, and some farmers had to refinance their debts to match their
debt payments with their incomes. Still others either have or will be cutting back on their
inputs to keep their costs down. And present land price trends and the reduction in land
sales are further indications of the tight money situation that has been caused by higher
expenses and lower incomes.

According to Mr. Sterling, interest costs are still the largest single expense to most
Alberta farmers, even though rates have continued to fall in 1982. Projections of total
interest costs to farmers, which include the refunds from Alberta's Small Business and Farm
Interest Shielding Program, show them to be below those of 1981. Further declines and
fewer loans being taken out next year are expected to further reduce interest costs in 1983.

- (cont'd)

Phone: (4031 427-21 21

/dlbcrta

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Branch

-2-

5

Farm Expenses (cont'd)

Total farm machinery expenses, including farm fuels and other petroleum pro-
ducts, will reach $570 million in 1982 compared with $490 million in 1981. In 1982 farmers
''epaired and upgraded older equipment as opposed to purchasing new machinery.

Fertilizer, lime and other crop expenses increased by near 3 per cent in 1982 com-
pared with 1981, despite a 3 per cent drop in fertilizer usage. However, fertilizer prices
increased by more than 5 per cent in 1982. Projections for 1983 show a slight increase in the
costs of pesticides, herbicides and crop seed. Although there will be a marginal reduction in
their use, prices will rise.

Feed and other liviestock expenses will prove to have been lower in 1982 because
of lower feed grain prices compared with 1 981 . And as farmers cut costs, a further reduction
in feed expenses is expected to occur in 1983.

Depreciation charges on buildings and machinery are forecast to have decreased by
6 per cent for buildings and to have increase by 3 per cent for machinery by the end of 1982.
And a substantial reduction in new purchases is expected for 1983.

Taxes, gross farm rent, wages for farm labor and utility expenses for 1982 will
remain similar to those of 1981 . While the cost of some of these inputs has risen during the
past year, an expected decrease in the amount of farm labor and gross farm rent will keep the
total expenditure at $404 million compared with $406 million in 1981 .

Mr. Sterling reports that total operating expenses and depreciation charges are
expected to be $40 million lower in 1983 than they were in 1982. If this is the case, it will be
the first time that Alberta farm operating and depreciation charges have decreased since 1970.
However, in terms of constant dollars, the cost of operating a farm in Alberta today is double
what it was in 1970.

- 30-

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6

MORE IBT PESTICIDES CLEARED

Federal Health and Welfare Minister, Monique Begin, declared in a recent press
release that another 16 of the 97 pesticides that were involved in the Industrial Bio-Test
(IBT) scandal have now been cleared of health hazard concerns.

This brings the total nunnber of pesticides that have been cleared to date to 54.
Another 43 are still being reviewed, but most are expected to be cleared within the next year.

In 1977 the U.S. firm, Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories, was found to have falsi-
fied the safety data on many of the pesticides that it had been asked to test for health
hazards by the manufacturers. Since that time, Canada's Health and Welfare Department has
been reviewing the IBT data, and the manufacturers have been asked to repeat the tests when
the data have been suspect. As the results of the new tests are received, health and welfare
officials review the data and clear the product when applicable.

However, many of the pesticides that are still under review are widely used for
agricultural purposes in Alberta. Until they are cleared, they will continue to carry labels
which are designed to alert users to the fact that they should take extra safety measures when
handling them.

According to Dr. Moe Hussain, Alberta Agriculture's pesticide issues coordinator,
farmers in this province were notified last spring of the status of the IBT pesticides, and they
were warned to read and follow the label directions very carefully.

Regarding the possible presence of IBT-tested pesticides in food. Dr. Hussain
points out that Ms. Begin said in an April 1982 press release that: "My department has con-
tinued to conduct extensive investigations for pesticides in domestic and imported food
samples. Residues have been detected only at very low levels in a small percentage of these
analyses". And she assures us that: "Canadians receive extremely limited exposure to IBT
chemicals".

A further update on the I BT situation is expected in March, 1 983.

/dlberia

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

7

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE ON SOURCES OF FARM BUSINESS CREDIT IN ALBERTA

Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch has released a new edition
of the publication "Sources of Farm Business Credit In Alberta". It is designed to
provide information on the agricultural credit programs that are available to Alberta
farmers through government agencies, chartered banks ana credit unions.

Harry Warne of the farm business management branch reports that some major
changes in program outlines have taken place since the April 1982 edition of "Sources of
Farm Business Credit in Alberta" was published. Of special note are the following:

. The Agricultural Development Corporation has raised the maximum loan limits

under its AFDL guaranteed loan programto $1 00,000 from $75,000.
. The Farm Credit Corporation has introduced a special farm financial assistance

program for farmers who are in financial difficulty.
, The Farm Credit Corporations' interest rates on regular loans for the period October
1, 1982 to March 31, 1983 has been set at 15 3/4 per cent, and the corporation has
introduced a penalty for the early repayment of loans.
• The Canadian Wheat Board has provided a new schedule for determining wheat board
advances and refunds for the 1982-83 crop year.

To find out more about these and other agricultural credit programs, you should
get a copy of "Sources of Farm Business Credit In Alberta" (Agdex 832) from your district
agriculturist, the Farm Business Management Branch, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM IPO
or the Print Media Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5K 2C8.

- 30 -

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

8

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A SIMPLE COW HERD SELECTION PROGRAM

Most commercial beef producers in Australia are apparently using simplified
record of performance programs.

Peter Speers, a livestock specialist exchangee from New South Wales, Australia,
who was with Alberta Agriculture last summer, said a large percentage of commercial beef
producers in his country are using modified, less sophisticated performance programs as altern-
atives to the national record of performance program. This is because they feel the latter
entails too much recording, they do not feel at home with the computer print-outs and they
do not feel that their national program is flexible enough. Also, they dislike the extra stock
handling that the program necessitates, and they say that the record of performance reports
are received too late to help them with their cullmg and marketing decisions.

According to Mr. Speers, the modified programs that commercial beef producers
have adopted are based on the premise that a heifer's early performance is closely correlated
with her lifetime average performance. Hence, the program concentrates on heifer selecticn
rather than on cow selection. Mr. Speers said "The objective of such programs is to maintain
productive animals and to ensure genetic improvement, while, at the same time, minimizing
record keeping, extra work and animal stress. Selection is based on yearling weight, fertility,
confirmation and milk production".

Although there are a number of variations to the programs, the one outlined
below is probably the most popular. It is concerned with evaluating heifer calves from birth
until they wean their first calf, and it involved eight steps.

The first step entails weighing and ear tagging all the heifer calves in the cow herd
at branding time.

- (cont'd) -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

A Simple Cow Herd Selection Program (cont'd)

The second step entails culling weaned heifer calves for obvious conformation
faults (about 5 per cent) and culling about 5 per cent of the shiniest, fattest and heaviest heifer
calves. The reason for the latter culling is that Australian beef producers believe that these
animals are unlikely to breed and rear top quality progeny because of too much fat or because
they are too masculine.

The third step takes place when the heifers are 14 months old. At this time they
are weighed and their branding time weight is subtracted from their present weight. From 20
to 30 per cent of the lowest gainers (depending upon the emphasis placed on yearling weight
in the selection program) are culled.

The fourth step involves breeding. The heifers are bred earlier than the cow herd,
using four bulls for every 100 heifers, over an eight to 10-week period.

Step five is the pregnancy test and all "empty" heifers (about 5 per cent) are
culled at this time. In herds where the fertility level is good, this step is often omitted.

Step six relates to calving. Heifers that have difficulty calving are examined, and
if the problem is believed to be theirs (not due to such factors as a leg turned back, breech
birth, etc.), they are culled.

Step seven involves weighing and tagging at branding time all the calves from these
first-calf heifers. The Australians would prefer to weigh the calves at birth, but this is rarely
practical. However, the age range among the calves is only about six weeks.

Step eight involves weighing the calves again at weaning time and deducting their
branding time weights. The lowest gaining heifer and steer calves are put back with the heifers
where they return to their dams, thereby identifying the poor milkers which are then culled.
Usually about a third of the steer and about a third of the heifer calves are "mothered up" in
this way.

- (cont'd) -

10

-3-

A Simple Cow Herd Selection Program (cont'd)

Mr. Speers said the above steps usually mean that from 13 to 15 per cent of the
cow herd is made up of replacement heifers. And he pointed out that the replacements have
been selected for all the important commercial traits — growth rate, fertility and milk produc-
tion - which they are likely to continue to display throughout their lives.

He also said that the only reasons mature cows are culled under the above progr m
are for failure to conceive and for physical breakdown. The culling age is optional in most
Australian commercial beef herds.

-30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 P.int Media Branch

■!-:.r

,1 . ■ .•.«-■»,

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA HONEY SITUATION

Producer prices for Alberta bulk honey in 1982 are expected to average between
$1.30 and $1.38 per kg, which would be slightly lower than the average price in 1981. This
situation is expected to prevail despite the lower level of production that will be recorded for
1982.

However, according to Fred Boyce of Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch,
continued strong export sales of honey, plus the expected recovery in the world economy,
could initiate some price improvement early in 1983.

Mr. Boyce reports that Alberta's 1982 h )ney production is estimated at 8.3 million
kg, which would be down by 21 per cent compared with 1981 's record production level
of 10.5 million kg and down by 10 per cent compared with the provincial 10-year production
average of 9.2 million kg.

Honey yields in the northern half of the province were substantially reduced by a
late spring combined with extremely dry weather until July. The Peace River region, where
drought and a reduced clover acreage limited the nectar flow and the availability of bee
pastures, was the most seriously affected. Mr. Boyce says the honey yield in that area dropped
to 36 kg per colony, which is only half the last five-year average yield. The yield in the north-
ern ea of the province dropped by nearly 8 kg per colony compared with the 1981 yield, and
compared with the long-term average for the area, again due to drought conditions. Honey
yields in central and southern Alberta were generally in line with the long-term averages.

Canadian's 1982 honey crop is estimated at 31.9 million kg, which represents a
drop of 8.3 per cent from the 1981 level of 34.8 million kg. In addition to Alberta, a large
production decrease was reported in Quebec and smaller decreases were reported in the
Maritimes.

- (cont'd) -

y^lberra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch

-2-

12

Alberta Honey Situation (cont'd)

Mr. Boyce says the export potential for Canada's 1982-83 crop year is favorable
at the present time. Several major exporting countries have experienced weather related honey
production problems, and these have been particularly significant in Mexico, Australia, New
Zealand and to a lesser extent China. However, these production decreases have been partial Iv
offset by production increases in the United States, Brazil and Argentina. Mr. Boyce thinks
that lower production on a world basis should improve export opportunities, but he warns that
currency considerations, especially the appreciation of the Canadian dollar in relation to
currencies other than the United States dollar, and the depressed world economy, could limit
price improvements.

-30-

13

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LIME SEMINARS

"Liming Your Soils" will be the topic of discussion at seminars that are
scheduled to be held at Eckville, Rocky Mountain House, Sundre and Rimbey in
January 1983.

The guest speaker at each seminar, Doug Penney, Alberta Agriculture's
soil fertility specialist, will discuss the theory of pH and lime as they relate to the
soil, and present experimental data to show crop responses that have been obtained
from liming. He will also cover the various aspects of lime materials and lime
quality.

The seminars at each location will include a discussion of government
liming programs by the local district agriculturist. These programs are called the
Lime Freight Assistance Program and the Range and Soil Improvement Program,
and both are designed to reduce the cost of liming.

The seminars are scheduled as follows.

• Eckville — Community Centre 7.30 p.m. — January 1 1

• Rocky Mountain House Dovercourt Community Hall — 1 p.m. — January 12

• Sundre - McDougall Hall - 1 .30 p.m. January 13

• Rimbey - Provincial Building - 7 p.m. — January 13.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

^Iberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

14

December 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DAIRY FARM WORKERS' TRAINING PROGRAM BEGINS AT OLDS

Olds College is accepting applications for their 14-week Dairy Farm Workers'
Training Program that starts on January 7, 1983.

The program was developed in response to requests from dairymen, and is designed
to train people to handle the milking operations and related tasks on a modern cairy farm. An
advisory committee, made up of dairy farmers, dairy experts and Alberta Agriculture dairy
specialists, developed the curriculum, and they continue to have an input into the program.

The program covers the care and feeding of dairy cows, breeding, housing and the
day-to-day management of a dairy herd. Participants will learn how to produce high quality
milk through good milking practices, how to properly maintain and use dairy facilities and
equipment and how to rear dairy herd replacements. There will also be a two-week session on
artificial insemination training, and this year the program will include a two-week period that
will be devoted to practical experience. To facilitate this experience, the college will place
students with local dairy farmers.

And to ensure a personal approach to the training, only 12 applicants on a first
come, first served basis will be accepted. No experience in dairying is necessary, but applicants
must have a grade 10 education or the equivalent.

Further information and application forms can be obtained from the Registrar, Olds
College, Olds, Alberta, TOM IPO.

-30-

Ahexia

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

I

15

Decern oer 13, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAV-A-LIFE (ANIMAL)

Many people who drive a car have struck an animal which is crossing
the road in front of them, often with disastrous results to both the animal and the
car. Now there is a gadget on the market that will reduce the chances of such a
mishap occurring.

Arnold Stearman of Alberta Agriculture reports that the March 1982
issue of the "Society for Range Management Newsletter" contains an article that
describes the gadget, which is called Sav-A-Life and which was recently introduced
into the United States from Australia.

It is a 5-cm long, bullet-shaped object that is mounted on the front of
the car. At speeds of more than 50 km/hr air rushing through the cylinder produces
a sound that is audible to most animal species for a distance of almost half a kilo-
meter. The sound is ultrasonic and inaudible to human beings, but it apparently
frightens off most animals. For some reason sheep and camels are less responsive
than other animal species.

As far as is known there is no outlet in Canada for this gadget, but it
can be obtained from Marcia Sales Inc., Suite 10 M, 382 Central Park West, New
York, NY. 10025, U.S.A. Sav-A-Life costs $16.95 plus $1.25 for mailing - US
funds.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 13, 1982

16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHOOSING A CHRISTMAS TURKEY

Are you aware that the orily difference between a Canada Grade A Christmas
turkey and a Utility turkey is that the latter has a small defect like a piece of torn skin, a piece
of missing wing, a crooked breast-bone, etc. Since the quality of the meat is the same in both
categories of birds, the utility bird is the best buy because it is normally about 4.5 per kg less
than a grade A bird.

Grade A turkeys are often packed with such options as a butter-basting or a "pop-
up" indicator that shows when the bird is cooked. Remember, however, you will pay quite a
lot extra for these options.

Linda St. Onge, Alberta Agriculture's assistant food and nutrition specialist,
suggests allowing approximately 0.2 to 0.3 kg (1/2 to 3/4 pound) per person when choosing a
turkey. Hence, if you are expecting 12 people for your Christmas dinner, you would need a
bird that weighs between 2.7 and 4 kg. For 20 people, you would need a bird that weighs 4.5
and 6.8 kg.

If you plan on buying a fresh turkey, do not buy it more than two or three days
before you intend to cook it, Ms. St. Onge says. And you should allow 10 hours thawing time
per kg, which means a 5 kg turkey would take two days to thaw. If you have to thaw your
turkey at room temperature because of lack of space in the refrigator, or a shortage of thawing
time, be sure to either cook or refrigerate it as soon as it has thawed. When thawing it at room
temperature, allow three hours per kilogram. Ms. St. Onge says you will get a more even thaw
if you wrap the turkey in newspaper (leave the plastic wrap on as well), and then put it in a
paper bag.

She also says you should either stuff your turkey just before you cook it or else
cook the stuffing separately. And for safety's sake, never stuff your turkey the night before.

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

-30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2121 Print Media Branch

December 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS WEEK

Minister Of Agriculture's Christmas Message 1

British Show Great Interest In Canadian Cattle 2

Alberta Net Farm Incomes 3

A Brucellosis - Free Province 4

A New Era Unfolding 5

Feedlot Production Seminar 6

Farm Safety Poster Contest Winners 7

Principles Of Law For Rural Alberta 8

Life Insurance 9

Entertaining With Alberta Wines And Cheese 12

Use Caution When Handling Animals 13

Microwave Cooking Publications 14

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

.V. •>

December 20, 1982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

There aren't too many occasions
during the year when we can relax a little and forget
the tensions of the day. In fact, there is only one
such time that I know of and that's the Christmas
season.

Whether you're a farmer, student,
housewife, laborer - in fact it makes no differ-
ence what you do - Christmas and New Year's are
a time to enjoy life, to reflect on what has passed
and what is to come. It's a time to review things LeRoy Fjordbotten

calmly and rationally, and to look at the mistakes we've made and the opportunities in
front of us, as well as what we can do to make the most of the 365 days that lie ahead.

In many ways agriculture is no different than any other aspect of our

economy. It has troubles. It has opportunities. The bottom line is we will survive. I

can think of no better reason than that to start each day or each year with optimism because

I know we are an industry that has the will to meet challenges, to be productive to

survive!

To all those in agriculture, and we're all involved as producers or consumers,
I extend best wishes for a very happy and blessed holiday season and a prosperous and
productive New Year

LeRoy Fjordbotten
Minister of Agriculture

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRITISH SHOW GREAT INTEREST IN CANADIAN CATTLE

The first Canadian-style auction of cattle with Canadian bloodlines
took place recently in Kendal in the United Kingdom. Most of the animals were

either the progeny of Canadian stock or were imported from Canada.

Buyers apparently came to the sale from all parts of Britain, and those
from Ulster were out in full force to take advantage of Northern Ireland's recent
decision to allow the importation of both live cattle and beef again.

George Ballantyne, secretary of the North British Hereford Breeders
Association said after the sale that it is evident that top United Kingdom breeders
are interested in Canadian cattle, and that they are prepared to pay the extra price
to obtain them.

Doug Hill, trade director with Alberta Agriculture's market develop-
ment division, says Canada's influence on the Hereford breed in Britain has
increased during the past few years as breeders have sought to increase the size of
their cattle.

Further proof of the United Kingdom's interest in Canadian bloodlines
was evident during a recent visit of United Kingdom cattle buyers to Alberta.
They purchased about $600,000 worth of Alberta Hereford and Angus cattle.

-30-

/dlborra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

December 20, 1982

3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA NET FARM INCOMES

Alberta farmers' net incomes in 1982 and 1983 will be substantially lower than
they were in 1 981 .

The head of Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch, Chuck Sterling, reports thav
farm operating expenses and depreciation charges for 1982 are forecast to have increased 1.5
per cent faster than total cash receipts, which are expected to have dropped by just over 2
per cent when compared with 1981 receipts. And total cash receipts in 1983 are expected to
drop by $190 million even though operating expenses and depreciation charges are expected
to fall by $40 million.

Also, the value per tonne of the record stocks of grain held by Alberta farmers has
fallen. However, an anticipated improvement in the grain stock position by the end of 1983,
and a possible improvement in prices during the same period, should result in a less negative
value of inventory change for 1983.

According to Mr. Sterling, the cash flow situation of Alberta farmers as reflected
in realized net income is grave. He forecasts net realized income for 1982 wilt be $835
million, which would be down by 13 per cent from 1981. He also expects a further decline
of 18 per cent for 1983. This means that an individual farmer can expect to have 20 per cent
less cash available after he has paid his cash expenses in 1983 than he had in 1981 .

Net farm incomes in Alberta are projected to be $735 million for 1982 and $630
million in 1983. The first figure represents a reduction of 25 per cent compared with 1981
and the second figure represents a further decline of 14.3 per cent.

"Expressed in terms of purchasing power", says Mr. Sterling, "the 1983 net farm
income of $630 million will be the lowest recorded in Alberta for 25 years. The previous low
was recorded in 1957 and amounted to 36 per cent of farm cash receipts at that time. The
net farm income estimate for 1983 represents only 18 per cent of total cash receipts.

-30 -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

December 20, 1982

4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A BRUCELLOSIS - FREE PROVINCE

The director of Alberta Agriculture's animal health division, Dr. R. G.
Christian, congratulates Agriculture Canada's veterinarians and staff. Alberta's
cattlemen and other members of the livestock industry for making Alberta a
brucellosis-free province.

He says that there were no cattle herds under quarantine for brucell-
osis in November, and that this situation marks an important milestone in the
elimination of the disease from Alberta's cattle population. November was the first
time since the brucellosis program was initiated many years ago that there have been
no cattle under suspicion of having brucellosis.

In addition to causing abortions in cattle, brucellosis causes undulant
fever in human beings who contract the disease.

30-

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 20, 1982

5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A NEW ERA UNFOLDING

We appear to be entering an age when biological sciences will be in the forefront
of new advances in both science and technology.

Although the past century was the age of chemistry, and man has wrought vast
changes and improvements to human existence through chemistry, there has been a strong
public outcry during the past decade against the use of chemicals, particularly concerning the
disposal of the wastes that have resulted from their manufacture. This public reaction, plus
advances in biological science, have caused the scientific community to look at biological solu-
tions for biological problems.

For example, plant pathologists, microbiologists and climatologists, working to-
gether, have discovered that certain bacteria cause plants to freeze. When these bacteria are
absent, plants can apparently withstand temperatures that are well below 0° C. A similar
group of scientists, who have been working on weather modification, have learned that certain
bacteria may be more effective than silver iodide for seeding clouds to suppress hail.

And scientific effort is being increasingly directed towards allelopathy (the ability

of one plant to affect another) and other biological controls to reduce our dependence on

chemicals in the area of weed control.

Then there are biologists who are developing methods for using aquatic plants to

purify sewage effluent, and others are working on microorganisms that will break down che-
mical wastes.

It appears that there are biological alternatives to many of the chemicals now in
use, and even though the necessary plants and "bugs" may not be available immediately, they
will be playing an increasingly important role in all aspects of agriculture and other industries
in the next 10 to 12 years.

w .

The above article was submitted by Stan Powers who recently retired from Alberta Agriculture 's li^M
weed control branch. j^'^\\xj^ui^ jC^J

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2127 Communications Division

December 20, 1982

6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEEDLOT PRODUCTION SEMINAR

The Feedlot Ration is the theme of the 5th annual feedlot production seminar that
will be held in Ponoka on January 1 1, 1983.

Dr. Tim Stanton, extension feedlot specialist at Colorado State University in the
U.S.A will discuss protein, energy and vitamin requirements in a feedlot ration as well as feed
quality, feed sources and ration cost considerations.

Dr. Roger Wyett of the International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Indiana,
U.S.A., will talk about the trace mineral requirements of feedlot cattle and deficiency
symptoms.

Ron Weisenburger, head of Alberta Agriculture's nutrition division, will talk about
feedlot rations and supplement requirements in this province and economic returns from Alberta
feedlots. He will also provide an update on feedlot demonstration projects, including those
that are being carried out under Alberta Agriculture's Farming for the Future Program.

Dr. Gary Matheson, nutritionist at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, will
report on the research he is doing on new feed additives and new growth implants.

Dr. Chris Jensen, a veterinary inspector with Agriculture Canada in Red Deer, will

discuss Iver-Mectin, a new product that is designed for both internal and external parasite
control.

Finally, a panel made up of cattle producers will give their views on the following
topics: Starting Cattle on Feed, Moving Cattle Towards Full Feed, and the Finishing Period.

January 7, 1983 is the deadline for registering for this seminar, and the registration
fee is $20 per person or $30 for a husband and wife.

You can register at the district office in Rimbey, Camrose, Lacombe, Wetaskiwin

or Ponoka.

30

/dlbcrrc

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2127 Comnnunications Division

December 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FARM SAFETY POSTER CONTEST WINNERS

Big tractors, small children and hazardous situations are some of the elements
depicted in the 1982 Farm Safety Poster Contest Winning Entries that are listed below.

Grade 1

Cameron Morton - Olds

Katie Wipf — Hanna

Fetina Snegirev — Eaglesham

James Peter Gross — Pincher Creek

Grade 3

Michelle Renee Benkendorf — Andrew
Marc Soehngen — Brooks
Peter Bos — Killam
Alwin Bouchard — Altario

Grade 2

Riley Boll - Mayerthorpe
Janine Rossler — Cochrane
Cameron Stobbe — Onoway
Shannon Kambeitz — Coal Dale

Grade 4

Shirley Fedyna — Thorhild
Doug Dammann — Alliance
James Morris — High Prairie
Crispin Bryce — Manning

Over 6,000 posters were entered in the contest by elementary school students
from across the province. The 16 winning entries listed above were chosen by Alberta Agri-
culture's farm safety branch staff for the style of their presentation, and especially, for the
relevant farm safety messages that they conveyed. The contest is sponsored every year by the
farm safety branch.

All the winning posters have been printed in a safety workbook entitled "A
Child's Guide To Farm Safety" which will be distributed throughout the province.

Farm safety branch staff have been visiting the schools of the winning students
during the last month and presenting these students with a copy of the workbook and a
special safety award.

Additional information on the poster contest and the workbook can be obtained

from:

Alberta Farm Safety Branch
Agriculture Building
9718-107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2C8

30

Phone: (403) 427-2127

/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Communications Division

December 20, 1982 8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRINCIPLES OF LAW FOR RURAL ALBERTA

The University of Alberta has recently published a booklet entitled
"Principles of Law for Rural Alberta."

Fundea by the Law Society of Alberta, compiled by lawyers and
accountants and edited by K.D. Smith, an Edmonton lawyer, and Len Bauer of the
University of Alberta, the publication consists of a collection of papers dealing with
such important topics as land law, wills and estate planning, expropriation, income
taxation and commercial law. The papers were presented at a seminar on farm law
that was sponsored by the Department of Rural Economy and the University of
Alberta's Faculty of Extension.

Copies of the "Principles of Law for Rural Alberta" can be obtained,
free of charge, from the Faculty of Extension, Corbett Hall, (82 Avenue and 112
Street) University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G4.

-30-

ydlborta

AGRICULTURE

(403)427-2121 Print Media Branch

December 20, 1 982

9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LIFE INSURANCE

What does level term life insurance mean? it means that the size of both the
death benefit and the amount payable in annual premiums do not change during the life of the
policy. However, because risk of death increases with age, insurance companies issue level
term coverage for only a short period - five years is common.

What happens when you outlive the term, and want to buy coverage for another
term? You are expected to pay a considerably higher premium for the identical death benefit
because you are now several years older. Providing the original policy was guaranteed renewa-
ble, you are automatically entitled to further coverage, regardless of your current state of
health. If, however, your original policy was not guaranteed renewable, and you want to
renew it, you will have to re-apply for coverage when your policy expires. If your health has
deteriorated in the intervening period, you may find it more difficult, if not impossible, to
obtain coverage. Hence, if you think that you will want to renew your policy at the end of its
term, make sure that your original policy is guaranteed renewable.

The other type of term insurance that is available is called decreasing term. It is
issued for a longer period — 10 or 20 years and sometimes until age 65. With this type of term
insurance the premiums remain constant during the life of the policy, but the death benefit
decreases by a fixed amount every year until it reaches zero at the end of the coverage. This
condition reflects the fact that the risk of death increases with age — the older you get, the
less protection your insurance dollar will buy.

There are two things to remember about term insurance. With both the level term
and the decreasing term, you are only buying protection. You do not receive any money if you
outlive the policy. The other thing is that if you default in any way on term insurance and
you wish to to resume coverage, you will be required to re-apply. Your success or failure when

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

- (cont'd) -

ydlborra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

10

-2-

Life Insurance (cont'd)

re-applying will be influenced by your occupation and recreational activities.

A term insurance policy can usually be converted to cash-value insurance coverage
without evidence of insurability. Cash-value is the second major type of life insurance. !t does
provide you with money if you outlive the policy.

This type of insurance is a combination of decreasing term insurance and a build-
up of reserves referred to as cash values. At any given time, the death benefit payable (called
the face value) equals the sum of the decreasing term component plus the cash value.

The most common types of cash-value insurance are whole-life policies, which can
provide coverage for the whole life and on which no further premiums are payable after age 85
or 90, and endowment policies, which are written to an age that is reasonably within one's life
span — for 20 years or until age 65.

Cash-value insurance was created to provide relief against the fact thai the cost of
protection increases with age and to combine an undiminishing death benefit with a constant
or level premium for as long as desired. Cash-value insurance is an excellent way of attaining
these two goals.

When you compare the cost of a whole-life cash-value policy with the cost of a
five-year level term guaranteed renewable policy that pays the same death benefit, you will
find that the premium for a whole-life cash-value insurance policy remains the same for its
life, while the premium for the level term policy increases every five years, if it is a five-year
renewable policy. However, the premium for the whole-life policy can be as much as four
times higher than the initial premium for the level term policy.

Hence, if you are considering buying cash-value insurance, ask yourself if you can
afford to pay the higher premium for it during your early, lower income years when you could
get the same amount of protection or death benefit for much less on a term basis.

- (cont'd) -

-3-

11

Life Insurance (cont'd)

The above information and information on disability insurance (which every
woman who works to support herself should consider) and on where to get help in this area is
contained in a publication entitled "Life Insurance and Disability Insurance — The Woman's
Point of View". It is published by the Alberta Women's Bureau and can be obtained from the
Alberta Women's Bureau, 1910 Capitol Square, 10065 - Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta,
T5J 3B1.

- 30-

Phone: (403) 427-2127

ydlborra

AGRICULTURE
Comnnunications Division

December 20, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENTERTAINING WITH ALBERTA WINES AND CHEESE

What wine should I serve with what food is a frequent question, especially at
Christmas time. Although the wine you choose will be a matter of personal taste, as a general
rule a dry red wine is recommended for such things as beef, meat sauces, meat and vegetable
soups and Italian foods. A dry white wine is usually more compatible with such delicately
flavored foods as poultry, seafood, cream soups and Chinese food. And a Rose wine is popular
with ham, veal and fruit.

Wine can also be used to enhance the flavor of foods in many other ways. For
example, you can marinate red meats in red wine and white meats in white wine to create an
interesting taste and also to tenderize them. Then you can add some red or white wine to your
salad dressing to give it extra flavor.

You do not need a special recipe to cool< with wine. All you do is substitute wine
for part of the liquid in the recipe you are using, and the amount you add will depend upon
your personal taste. Although the alcohol in wine evaporates during the cooking process, the
flavor and aroma will remain.

Alberta now has four wineries from which you can choose a good domestic wine.
They are Andre's Wines (Alberta) Ltd., Andrew Wolf Wine Cellars Ltd., Chateau Gai Wines and
Jordan & Ste. Michelle Cellars Ltd.

A publication entitled "Entertaining with Alberta Wines and Cheese" is full of
useful information that wiil simplify your entertaining. You can obtain a free copy from the
Food Marketing Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 2nd Floor, Centre West Building 10035 - 108
Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3E1 (Telephone; 427-4036) or from the Food Marketing
Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 112 - 16 Avenue N.E. Calgary, Alberta, T2E 1J5 (Telephone:
261-8452).

- 30-

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone; (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch

December 20, 1982

13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

USE CAUTION WHEN HANDLING ANIMALS

by Tracy Duncan
Alberta Farm Safety Branch

"The ox and lamb kept time pa-rum-pa-pum-pum" is a line from a
carol that describes docile animals hovering admiringly over the baby Jesus.

However, since farm animals seldom behave as predictably as this,
caution should always be used when handling them to avoid injuries.

Calm and deliberate speech should be used to avoid startling or
angering an animal. And remember, gentle handling achieves better co-operation
than rough handling or abuse, because animals will always remember rough treat-
ment and act accordingly.

Only people with plenty of strength and experience should handle a
large animal, and children should be warned to stay away.

Children need to be instructed on how to treat animals. They should
be taught not to reach into pens to feed or tease animals, and to never try
to approach a mother animal with her young.

Every year people are injured by farm animals in accidents that could
have been prevented. By following the above safety tips from the Alberta farm
safety branch injuries can be prevented and your family kept safe for the holiday
season.

-30-

/diberra

AGRICULTURE

(403)427-2121 Print Media Branch

December 20, 1982

14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MICROWAVE COOKING PUBLICATIONS

"Adapting Recipes to the Microwave" is the name of an information sheet that has
been released by Alberta Agriculture's home economics branch.

It tells you how to adapt a conventional recipe to the microwave method of cooking,
and it tells you how to estimate the microwave cooking time for a conventional recipe. One
of the ways it suggests is to allow a quarter to a half of the conventional cooking time, which
means that a casserole that would require an hour to cook in a conventional oven would require
only 15 to 30 minutes in a microwave oven.

Other points discussed in the information sheet include reducing the liquid in a conven-
tional recipe because evaporation is greatly reduced in microwave cooking due to the shorter
cooking time; reducing seasoning, again because of a reduction in evaporation, and reducing or
omitting fat in recipes. The publication also tplls you how to choose your power setting for
different types of food and it mentions a number of foods that are best not cooked in a micro-
wave oven.

"Adapting Recipes to the Microwave" (Homedex 1141-70-1) and a previously
published information sheet entitled "Microwaving Techniques" (Homedex 1140-70) can be
obtained from Alberta Agriculture's district offices or from the Print Media Branch, Agriculture
Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2C8.

- 30-

ydlberra

,.^-„.., AGRICULTURE
'*°3'^27-2l21 Print Media Branch

From the Staff of
Alberta Agriculture's
COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

Phone: (403) 427-2121

/diberia

AGRICULTURE

Print Media Brancln

December 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A STUDY ON THE USE OF LIVESTOCK MEDICINE UNDERWAY

A study to examine and evaluate the use and possible abuse of livestock
medicines in Alberta is now underway.

Dr. R, G. Christian, director of Alberta Agriculture's health of animals
division, says the study was initiated in response to a request bv the Alberta
Veterinary Medical Association. It will involve a survey of various segments of
the livestock medicine industry to obtain information on the use and risks of
medicines to the livestock population, and to find out whether or not the use of
drugs represents a significant hazard to human health.

Most of the work involved in the study will be carried out by Dr. Verna
Thompson under the direction of Alberta Agriculture's Livestock Medicine Advis-
ory Committee. The study is being funded by Alberta Agriculture and is expected
to be completed by June 1983.

- 30 -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2 1 2 1 Print Media Branch

December 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WATER QUALITY AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Any factor that makes water unacceptable to livestock and reduces their in-
take will impair their performance, according to Andy Birch, Alberta Agriculture's district
agriculturist at Stettler.

One of several factors that can influence water quality and, therefore,
water intake by livestock is its level of total dissolved salts. Research has shown that levels
of up to 7,000 ppm will not affect the gain, feed consumption or condition of cattle, but
that levels of between 7,000 and 10,000 ppm may affect these performance components.
Water that contains a salt level of 10,000 ppm is considered unsuitable for cattle.

Mr. Birch says nitrates are another possible contaminant of water quality.
They are usually an indication that organic m.aterial is present in the water. Although both
cattle and sheep can tolerate water that contains a very high level of nitrates, it is desirable
to use water that contains less than 100 ppm. A high nitrate level in cattle diets has caused
lower than normal conception rates, lower rates of gain and deaths.

Pigs are able to tolerate a much higher level of nitrates in water than either
cattle or sheep because they do not have the bacteria to convert the nitrates into nitrites,
which are toxic. However, if the appropriate bacteria are present in the water, the nitrates
may be converted to nitrites and cause problems.

Mr. Birch reports that research studies have shown that all categories of
pigs can tolerate salt water concentrations of up to 5,000 ppm. Although some scouring
occurred in the studies, the performance of the animals was not adversely affected. The

(cont'd) -

ydlberta

-2-

3

Water Quality and Livestock Production (cont'd)

studies also showed that growing and finishing pigs can tolerate salt levels of up to 7,000
ppm without any adverse effects on rate of gain or feed conversion.

Other sources of water contamination include blue-green algae, livestock
waste and the careless disposal of agricultural chemicals. These types of contamination
can be easily controlled by putting water wells and dugouts in a suitable location, and by
carefully handling, storing and disposing of pesticides and herbicides.

Anyone who has just developed a new source of water for his livestock
or who is concerned about possible contamination of an existing source of water would
be wise to submit a sample of the water to the Alberta Veterinary Laboratory in the O.S.
Longman-t bilding in Edmonton for analysis. The analysis report will show the level of salt
concentrations and any other type of contamination and state whether or not the water
is suitable for livestock consumption.

"The provision of a steady supply of good, clean, fresh water will go a
long way towards minimizing disease problems and maximizing animal performance,"
Mr. Birch says.

- 30-

Decerr.bor 27, 1982

4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANAGING THE COW FOR MAXIMUM PROFIT

A three-day seminar, entitled "Managing the Cow for Maximum Profit", the
first of its kind to be held in Alberta, is scheduled to take place next April in Banff.

The program will feature speakers from England, the United States and Canada,
ail of whom are recognized authorities in their field. And it is designed to enable dairymen,
nutritionists, extension personnel and others to stay abreast of the latest developments in
dairy production and technology. The program will also provide ample opportunity for
informal discussions with speakers and other resource people.

The first session of day one of the seminar will deal with Reproduction Efficiency.
The second session will cover Feeding for Production and Reproduction.

The first session of day two is entitled Protein Nutrition of Dairy Cattle. The
second session is entitled Labour Relations, and the third session is entitled Breeding for
Optimum Milk Production.

There will be only one session on the third day and it will cover Financial Manage-
ment.

Speakers will include:

• Dr. John Oldham, National Institute for Research in Dairying, Shinfield, England
Dr. Jack Britt, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Dr. Larry Satter, U. S. Dairy Forage Research Centre, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

• Dr. Dave Christensen, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The seminar is being sponsored by the University of Alberta, Alberta Agriculture,
the Alberta Milk Producers Association and the Alberta Dairymen's Association. And it
is hoped that it will become an annual event. The fee is $95 per person.

Further information on Managing the Cow for Maximum Profit can be obtained
from John Kelly, Department of Anin^al Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta,
T6G 2P5 (Telephone: 432-2133).

/dlborra

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..^o. ..^ AGRICULTURE
Phone:(403)427-2121 Pnnt Media Branch

December 27, 1982

5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BABY PIG LOSSES

Here are some facts about baby pigs losses in Alberta that you may or may not
know. They were submitted by Phil Dixon, district agriculturist at Rocky Mountain House.

• The provincial average for stillborn pigs is between 5 and 7 pet cent oi one pig in
every second litter.

n Only 10 per cent o^ stillborn pigs are dead when farrowing begins. The remaining
90 per cent die between the start of farrowing and birth.

• A prematurely detached placenta or the umbilical cord having being broken before
delivery are the usual causes of stillborn baby pigs. Such pigs are deprived of oxygen and
suffocate.

• The average time between the arrival of the first piglet to be born and the last piglet
to be born is 2 1/2 hours. The shortest time is about 30 minutes and the longest is about
6 hours.

• Under normal conditions baby pigs are usaully born at intervals of 15 to 20 minutes.
If the interval is longer than 20 minutes, the piglet will have less vigor when it is born and
will be less successful at sucking.

• The last three piglets born account for about 70 per cent of stillbirths.

• If an hour has passed since the last birth, or if the farrowing period has taken more
than five hours, the chances are that the sow and the remaining piglets are in trouble.

• It is not unusual for a piglet to look dead when it is actually alive;. Such a piglet has
either been born in the afterbirth or it has fetal membranes covering its snout.
Remove the membranes as quickly as possible from its nose and mouth, give it a brisk
massage, immerse it in cold water for a second, give it colostrum or glucose and put it with its
mother.

Phone: (403) 427-2121

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/diberra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA AGRICULTURE ENERGY CONSERVATION SEMINARS

The follov\/ing energy conservation seminars sponsored by Alberta Agriculture are
scheduled for early in 1983.

Topic

Retrofitting
Retrofitting

New home construction
and retrofitting

New home construction

Retrofitting

New home construction
and retrofitting

Movable Window
Insulation

New Home construction
and retrofitting

Developing the
Lower Level

Energy conference

Location

Red Deer

Provost

Vegreville

High River

Barrhead

Athabasca

Lac La Biche

Carstairs

Pincher Creek

Lethbridge

Date
(1983)

Jan 27
Feb 3

Feb 4

Feb 9
Feb 1 1
Feb 15

Feb 16

Feb 23 & 24

Feb 26

Mar 24, 25 & 26

For more information or to register, contact your district home economist.

30 -

/dibcrra

Phone: ,403) 427-2 121 Pnn, h'^T^'k

Print Media Branch

7

December 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHORT DURATION GRAZING

Interest has been growing in the Short Duration Grazing (SDG) system, also
referred to as the Savory Grazing Method, since it was discussed in 1978 at the First Inter-
national Grasslands Congress in Denver, U.S.A.

First developed to combat range deterioration from overgrazing in Rhodesia and
later introduced to Texas and New Mexico, the SDG system involves stocking pastures at a very
heavy rate for about five days and then resting them for 30 to 60 days to facilitate regrowth.

According to Ross Gould, head of the special projects section of Alberta Agricul-
ture's sheep and beef cattle branch, the idea behind the SDG system is to force the stock to eat
all the forage that is available, and, at the same time, to spread trampling, urinating and dunging
evenly over the whole pasture. The even distribution of natural fertilizer has a beneficial effect
as does disturbing the soil for a short period. It is claimed that the latter aerates the soil and
contributes to natural reseeding.

Allan Savory, who invented the SDG system, says that it will allow a stocking
rate that is two to three times higher than traditional stocking rates and still enable the condi-
tion of the pasture to improve. The short periods of extremely high stocking rates also control
brush without the aid of mechanical or chemical treatment.

However, as Mr. Gould points out, the SDG system is not without practical prob-
lems. For example, to avoid having to have a roundup every few days to move the cattle, the
fencing pattern should, ideally, resemble the spokes in a wheel with all the fences converging
on a central corral and watering facility. But such a setup might not work well in areas wfiere
there are a lot of ponds and creeks in the pasture. Another problem is the cost of the extra
fencing. The extra returns obtained from such a system would have to be carefully measured
against the extra costs incurred.

- (cont'd) -

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 2 1 Print Media Branch

-2-

8

Short Duration Grazing (cont'd)

Still another problem cited by Mr. Gould is that the SDG system has been used to
date only in areas where "warm season" grass species predominate. He says "We have no
reports on results obtained from grass species that are similar to those found in Alberta, but
Dr. Art Bailey of the University of Alberta has begun a study at the university's ranch at
Kinsella on the SDG system. And an on-farm demonstration is being conducted in southern
Alberta under Alberta Agriculture's Farming for the Future Program.

If the SDG system works here, its most attractive feature, according to Mr.
Gould, will be that it will make it possible to recommend a pasture improvement practice that
will facilitate maintaining or increasing the number of cows on pasture. He says that it has
been hard to convince farmers in the past that they can increase their long-term profits by
lowering their stocking rates to improve their pastures.

- 30-

December 27, 1982

9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGRICULTURAL TOUR OF EUROPE

Anyone who joins the Professional Association of the Departnnent of Agriculture
(Alberta) PADA 21 -day study tour to Europe next summer will see, in addition to most of the
popular sights of Europe, many places that most travellers never have a chance to see.

According to the tour coordinator, Walter Dietz, who is Alberta Agriculture's
district agriculturist at Vermilion, those who participate in this tour will visit a wide variety
of enterprises such as experimental stations; building construction firms; forestry operations;
food processing facilities; machinery factories; textile factories; vineyards; wineries; handi-
craft makers; and dairy, beef, sheep and grain farms as well as farms which produce forage
crops and horticultural products. He says participants will also have a chance to meet people
who have travelled and worked under the International Agricultural Exchange Program.

Mr. Dietz goes on to say that a visit to Europe is not complete without going
to Vienna for a dinner of wienerschnitzel and apfelstrudel and to look at the famour Lippizzan
horses. "The tour by coaches will take us on scenic drives in eight Western European
countries (Denmark, West Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, Belgium and
Holland), he adds. "And there will be visits to castles and other famous places like the place
where Mozart was born and world famous ski resorts. There will also be time for shopping".

The tour will leave Alberta by charter flight on July 12, 1983, for Copenhagen,
Denmark, and will return on August 2, 1983. It is open to anybody who would like to partic-
ipate, and it will cost $2,950 per person based on 88 participants.

Further information and application forms can be obtained from district agri-
culturists, district home economists and from Walter Dietz, PADA Tour Coordinator, Box 330,
Vermilion, Alberta, TOB 4M0 (Telephone; 853-281 1).

- 30 -

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Pnnt Media Branch

10

December 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FUN AND SAFETY COMBINED IN SCHOOL WORKBOOK

Learning farm safety is fun witli the new school workbook "A Child's
Guide to Farm Safety". It is designed to raise farm safety awareness in children
and to help reduce the alarmingly high rate of farming injuries among children.

The workbook consists of pictures in dot-to-dot form for drawing and
coloring, fill-in-the-blank quizzes, short answer questions and a checkers game
adapted to the safety theme as well as crossword puzzles.

The "dot-to-dot" pictures have been adapted from award winning
pictures which were drawn by elementary school students for the 1982 Farm
Safety Poster Contest.

Exercises and games in the workbook which is sponsored by Alberta
Agriculture's farm safety branch are challenging and fun, and are designed to suit
the interests of students up to grade six. In addition to developing safety aware-
ness in students, the workbook activities develop reasoning, writing, comprehen-
sion and motor skills.

Forty thousand copies of these books have been prmted and are being
distributed to rural schools throughout the province. A teacher's safety lesson plan
is also being distributed to enable teachers to use the workbook in the regular
school curriculum.

Additional information on "A Child's Guide to Farm Safety" is avail-
able from the Alberta Farm Safety Branch, Agriculture Building, 9418 - 107 Street,
Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8.

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Phone: (403) 427-2121

/dibcrra

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 27, 1982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBERTA AGRICULTURE WINS COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS

Four members of Alberta Agriculture's communications division have
won awards for their submissions to the 1982 Farm Writers' Communications
Awards Competition, which is sponsored each year by the Canadian Farm Writers'
Federation.

Winners are as follows:

Chris Silk, audio visiual technician, who won an award of merit (itie fop
award) for his slide presentation of forage seed production.

Barry Harris, television producer, who won honorable mention (the
second highest award) for his film clip on the late Alex Charnetski who is
a member of Alberta Agriculture's Hall of Fame.

Jack Howell, radio commentator, who won a blue ribbon for Alberta
Agriculture's daily radio program "Call of tfie Land".

Pat Davidson, public affairs officer, who won a blue ribbon for her
media kit on Alberta's annual Agriculture Week.

Alberta Agriculture also won an award of merit for its Farming for the
Future annual report.

-30-

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

Ahexfo

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch

December 27, 1982

12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WOMEN'S BUREAU INFORMATION SHEETS

The Alberta Women's Bureau is an agency of the provincial government that
provides information and referal services to citizens of Alberta and researches and prepares
information on topics of particular concern to women, which is not available from other gov-
ernment departments.

The following information sheets are available, free of charge, from the bureau.

, Ending a Marriage — The Legal Aspects of Separation, Annulment

and Divorce

, How to Prepare a Meaningful Resume

, Alberta Labour Legislation of Interest to Women in the Paid

Work Force

• Establishing a Good Credit Record

, Insurance - The Woman's Point of View

, Changing Your Name

, When You're Alone — Helping You Cope with Wiriowhood

, Wills and Estates for Albertans

« A Guide to Probate Procedure

, The Illegitimate Child

. Children — Custody and Access

. A Woman's Rights

, A Child's Lawyer

, Laws for Albertans

The address of the Women's Bureau is 1910 Capitol Square, 10065 - Jasper
Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3B1 (Telephone: 427-2470).

-30-

Ahexia

AGRICULTURE

Phone: (403) 427-2121 P^mt Media Branch

13

December 27, 1982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADC APPOINTS NEW ASSISTANT MANAGER OF FARM LOANS

Randy W. Niven, manager of the Agricultural Development Corpor-
ation's farm lending section, has announced the appointment of Herbert C.
Andersen to the position of assistant manager of farm loans in the Camrose head
office.

Mr. Andersen was raised on an irrigated farm near Brooks. Upon
completion of high school in Brooks, he obtained his B.Sc. (agriculture) from
the University of Alberta, and then obtained a Master of Business Administration
degree from the University of Western Ontario.

He brings to the corporation the experience he gained as an agricultural
economist and as a credit officer with the federal Business Development Bank, as
well as experience in management positions with Manalta Holdings Ltd. and C. J.
Griffin and Associates Ltd.

Mr. Andersen is married and has two sons. He and his family will be
making their home in Camrose.

Phone: (403) 427-21 21

-30-

AWxxta

AGRICULTURE
Print Media Branch