^1 i8l9B4 September 3, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Agriculture Minister Asks CWB To Remove Quotas From Feed Grains 1 Low Roughage Rations For Beef Cows 3 Weak Calves And The Nutrition Of The Cow 5 Applications For Farming For The Future Funding Invited 7 Custom Herbicide Application Fees In 1984 8 "Rat" Sightings Reported 10 Manure Management Systems 11 Equitana Canada To Be Held Near Calgary 13 Sources Of Farm Business Credit In Alberta 14 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch September 3, 1984 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRICULTURE MINISTER ASKS CWB TO REMOVE QUOTAS FROM FEED GRAINS In a telex to the Honorable Lloyd Axworthy, federal nninister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, Alberta's agriculture minister, LeRoy Fjordbotlen, has asked that the Canadian Wheat Board remove quotas from non-board feed grains. The telex noted that a similar request had been made earlier in light of the tight feed supply for drought areas. Removing quotas would allow the free flow of feed grain to accommodate buyers and sellers, Mr. Fjordbotten said. However, that request was not granted. In the telex Mr. Fjordbotten said: "The Canadian Wheat Board unilaterally changed the feed grain policy when it changed price basis for domestic feed grain west of Scott, Saskatchewan to Vancouver rather than Thunder Bay. A more recent press release from the Canadian Wheat Board Advisory Committee implies that feed users should make commitments to purchase before they are given any preference in treatment. We respectfully submit that forward commitment is not possible through the board system as the system does not provide a price for purchases in the future." Mr. Fjordbotten went on in his telex to say that Alberta has argued for some time that Canadian Wheat Board quotas are not necessary for non-board feed grains. "In fact," the minister said, "they impede marketing efficiency." "The counter-argument that retaining quotas and in particular setting low quotas would offer greater security of feed stocks for the domestic market is asking the feed grain producer to shoulder the burden for the livestock producer," the telex read. "Grain farmers are in no position to assume further burdens." - (cont'd) - Phone: (403) 427-21 21 /dibcrta AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch - 2- 2 Agriculture Minister Asks CWB To Remove Quotas From Feed Grains (cont'd) The minister suggested that each grain company could administer its own quotas if it were deemed necessary to control available elevator space. Mr. Fjordbotten listed some of the measures the Alberta government has taken in response to the drought. Relief programs have been announced, feed and forage exchanges are in operation, reduced rail rates for feedstuffs are being negotiated and space at Alberta Terminals Limited is being made available. "Removal of quotas would lend greater impact to these actions and do more to facilitate feed movement and availability. It is an opportune time to deregulate the system and monitor the results," the minister concluded. -30- September 3, 1984 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOW ROUGHAGE RATIONS FOR BEEF COWS With forage sources in short supply in many areas of Alberta, beef producers should consider feeding their cows rations with a mininnLim amount of roughage. Since transporting hay is expensive, Dale Engstrom, ruminant nutritionist with Alberta Agriculture, recommends a low-roughage diet. Mr. Engstrom cautions, however, that some roughage in the animal's diet is necessary. "Roughage provides some bulk and stimulation to the digestive system. While researchers have fed rations that contain little or no roughage, this is not practical for winter- ing beef cows on most farms." Y The nutritionist recommends that cows receive at least one per cent of their body weight as hay or straw daily. "In other words, an 1 100-pound cow should have a minimum of 1 1 pounds of hay, straw or greenfeed each day. Three pounds of silage provide the same amount of roughage as one pound of hay on an as-fed basis." For producers using low roughage - high grain rations, Mr. Engstrom suggests keeping the following points in mind. Change to low roughage rations gradually-, allowing cows time to adjust to the different feeds and feeding system. ■ . Provide enough grain and supplement to meet the nutrient requirements of the cows. Increase the grain allowance during cold weather and for the last six weeks of preg- nancy. Grain has almost no . calcium or vitamin A so. be sure to balance the ration for these nutrients. Although it's difficult, try td make sure all cows in the herd get an even dis- tribution of grain mix. Effort must be made to ensure that the timid covys get their shSre and the aggressive cows don't consume too much grain and get sick. » ■ - (cont'd) - /dlborra AGRICULTURE Phone:(403)427-2121 Print Media Branch Low Roughage Rations For Beef Cows (cont'd) Feed the grain and roughage in some type of feedbunk to minimize waste and the consumption of soil or sand. Soil and sand do not pass easily through the digestive system and can be responsible for impaction. Feed at least half of the roughage in the long form. Ground or finely chopped roughage, especially silage, is thought to be at least partly responsible for twisted stomachs in dairy cattle on high grain rations. Cattle may feel empty, hungry or bored on low roughage rations even though their nutrient needs are being met. This often leads to odd behavior such as stripping bark from trees or eating wood fences. Mr. Engstrom says some producers have solved this prob- lem by mixing wood shavings or sawdust in the grain mix. Others have cut and hauled trees in to minimize damage to corrals. Mr. Engstrom encourages producers faced with a feed shortage this year to have their feed supplies analysed and balanced rations formulated. "This will help minimize any waste of nutrients and ensure that the nutrient needs of livestock are met," he says. -30- September 3, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEAK CALVES AND THE NUTRITION OF THE COW The middle three months of pregnancy is a critical period during which the nutri- tion of the cow shouldn't be neglected. The usual emphasis on feeding the pregnant beef cow centres on the last three months of pregnancy and, as a result, feeding during the middle three months is often overlooked. Dr. George Klavano of Alberta Agriculture's animal health division says the result of improper nutrition during those three months could be a "weak calf". He explains that at approximately the fifth month of pregnancy, the placenta normally weighs the same as it does at the end of pregnancy, "Between six and nine months of pregnancy, growth of the fetus is accelerated and there is a fourfold increase in weight during this period." He adds, "There is little addi- tional change in the weight of the placenta but there is an increase in the blood supply, with increased output of the heart of the developing fetus." If normal placental development is retarded as the result of poor nutrition, there may be growth retardation of the developing calf, or a calf which has reduced viability at birth. If either of these conditions is present during delivery, a "weak calf" may be the result. A "weak calf" is often associated with slow or prolonged delivery and this, coupled with a placental deficiency induced by inadequate feeding during the fourth to sixth months of pregnancy, can produce a calf suffering from oxygen starvation. Dr. Klavano says when such a calf is exposed to cold, it seems to become hypothermic and this further in- creases oxygen starvation. In an oxygen starved, chilled calf, there is retardation of some of the processes, especially tliose involving the heart and lungs, that allow for a transition from intra-uterine liie to life after birth. (cont'd) /diberra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch -2- 6 Weak Calves And The Nutrition Of The Cow (cont'd) For these reasons, Dr. Klavano stresses that it is important that beef brood cows and heifers be fed correctly during the fourth to sixth months of pregnancy, which in many animals occur during September, October and November. During those months, many cows continue to graze on pastures which are inadequate because they are dry, overgrazed and frozen. "That's a combination that leaves a great deal to be desired in terms of the supply of protein and energy for both cow and calf," says the veterinarian. "Many cows in this neg- ative feeding period lose weight and, at this time, such weight loss impedes normal devel- opment of the placenta. This entire process can result in one of the factors leading to the development of the "weak calf" syndrome." -30- September 3, 1984 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APPLICATIONS FOR FARMING FOR THE FUTURE FUNDING INVITED Alberta Agriculture invites interested researchers to make submissions for Farm- ing for the Future research program projects. The deadline for applications is November 1, 1984. Prospective applicants should note this year's deadline is one month earlier than it has been in previous years. Farming for the Future is a commitment of the Alberta government through the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund to support agricultural research of benefit to Alberta. To be eligible for research program awards, projects must have the potential to increase agricultural productivity and improve net farm income as well as enhance the long- term viability of Alberta's agricultural industry. Researchers must demonstrate their com- petence to carry out a formal agricultural research project. Under another funding program of Farming for the Future, the On-Farm Demon- stration Program, funds are available to producers and farm organizations for projects primar- ily oriented toward demonstrating or testing agricultural technology generated by Farming for the Future and other research programs. Proposals are reviewed on a year-round basis and should be directed to Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturists, home economists or re- gional/district specialists. For application forms or further information contact Research Division, Alberta Agriculture, No. 206, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. -30- Phone: (403) 427-21 21 /dibcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch f Di gitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 h tt ps ://a rc h i ve . 0 rg/d eta i I s/ag r i n e ws 0 0 a I be_24 September 3, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CUSTOM HERBICIDE APPLICATION FEES IN 1984 The results of a survey conducted in June and July of 1984 on custom herbicide application rates have been released by Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch and the farm business management branch. The following tables contain a summary of the results: Table 1 ; Aerial Herbicide Application Rates Based On Gallons Of Water Per Acre Region 1 to 2 gallons 3 to 4 gallons 5 gallons + South Fixed wing $2.50 to $3.75 $3.50 to $4.25 $4.00 to $5.75 Helicopter $3.25 to $3.75 $4.25 Central Fixed wing $2.75 to $3.75 $3.50 to $4.25 - Helicopter — — — North Fixed wing $3.00 to $4.20 $3.50 - Helicopter _ _ _ Most common Fixed wing $2.75 to $3.25 $3.50 to $4.00 $4.50 to $5.25 charge in Helicopter $3.25 to $3.75 $4.25 Alberta Table 2: Ground Herbicide Application Rates For 1 to 2 Gallons Of Water Per Acre South Central Floater Air Seeder Pull Type Truck Mounted $2.75 to $3.50 $2.00 to $3.50 $2.75 $9.00* $1.75 to $2.50 $1.75 to $2.20 deep banding; includes cultivator North $3.25 $1.75 to $2.00 Most Common $2.50 to $3.00 $1.75 to $2.00 $1.75 to $2.25 - (cont'd) Phone: (403) 427 21 21 /dlbcrta • r'pin i|T' 'P^ Prill -2- 9 Custom Herbicide Application Fees In 1984 (cont'd) Peggy Johnson of the farm business management branch says that it is difficult to tell if the charges for custom herbicide application have changed over the last year. She says that because the 1984 survey has more detailed information, a direct comparison with the 1983 custom herbicide application is not feasible. More information on rates for custom work on farms can be obtained from Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturists, statistics branch in Edmonton (427-4018) or the farm business management branch in Olds (556-4240). -30- 10 September 3, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "RAT" SIGHTINGS REPORTED Many Albertans have reported seeing suspicious rat-like rodents scurrying across streets, roadways, lawns and gardens, says Mike Dorrance, supervisor of problen-i wildlife with Alberta Agriculture. "Many other suspicious critters are brought home by the family pet," he says. Upon close inspection, most of these rodents turn out to be young muskratsand not Norway rats as many people fear. Dr. Dorrance explains that at this time of the year juvenile musk rats disperse from the family unit and seek new territory. Since many sloughs and potholes are dry this year, muskrats are having to search over a greater area to find food and water. Consequently, musk rats are being found in the most unlikely locations. The two main features that distinguish young muskrats from Norway rats are the hind feet and tail. The tail of the muskrat is one color, usually dark brown to black, and is laterally compressed; that is, possessing a ridge on the top and bottom. The hind feet of a muskrat are much larger than the front feet and the toes are partially webbed. The tail of the Norway rat is round in cross-section and bicolored; dark above, light underneath. The hind feet of a rat are small and have no webbing at all. Local or municipal pest control officers or agricultural f ieldmen should be contac- ted for verification of suspect rodents. -30- /dibcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 P'-'nt Media Branch September 3, 1984 11 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MANURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Manure that is collected, stored and utilized in an effort to minimize nutrient losses can go a long way in replacing commercial fertilizers and reducing the energy used in its manufacture. In addition, technology will now allow some farms to process manure and use it as a substitute for conventional sources of fuel or as a livestock feed. In a recent publication by Len Fullen of Alberta Agriculture's production and resource economics branch, alternative methods of handling and using manure are discussed in an effort to assist producers in getting the most value from the manure generated by their livestock or poultry operations. Mr. Fullen's report takes a broad perspective of manure management by discussing both economic and environmental considerations. Economic evaluations of plowdown and direct injection of manure beneath the soil surface showed that the extra costs incurred as a result of incorporating manure were easiest to justify when some value could be placed on odor control, on tillage that would have occurred anyway and on the greater amount of nitrogen retained. In an evaluation of the benefits and costs associated with plowdown immediately following surface spreading of liquid manure, Mr. Fullen found that the total benefit amounted to $3.47 per thousand gallons when a value was placed on both nitrogen savings and tillage. Total additional costs were only 90 cents per thousand gallons. When a value was given to odor control, benefits were even greater while costs remained the same. In anothei example, Mr. Fullen compared the costs of owning manure-handling equipment and hiring a custom manure-handling service. The example assumed that liquid manure was pumped from slotted-f loor hog feeding barns and applied to an 80-acre field near the farmstead. It assumed 250,000 gallons had to be hauled and a one-mile round trip was required on average. - (cont'd) - Ahexio ^npin iiTi JRE Phone:(403)427-2121 Prin inch Manure Management Systems (cont'd) Using his own equipment, including a chisel cultivator for plowdown, the farmer's costs would be $2,456, of which $336 was for 48 hours of labor. Total benefits amounted to $5,860, assuming a 25 per cent loss in nitrogen during storage and an additional five per cent loss when manure is spread and incorporated immediately. Ten per cent of the phosphorus was assumed to be lost and no value was given to the potassium since most soils in Alberta contain sufficient for optimum plant growth. Hiring a custom operator to haul and inject manure was assumed to cost $2,500. The benefits from the nutrients in manure were determined to be $5,988, slightly higher than where manure was plowed down since only two per cent of the nitrogen would be lost during hauling and injection. The last part of the publication reports on current technology as it relates to "farm-scale" composting of manure, production of methane from manure and recycling manure for use in livestock rations. Copies of the publication, Economic and Environmental Considerations in Eva- luating Manure Management Systems, Agdex 821-33, are available from Alberta Agriculture's district offices or by writing to the Publications Office, J.G. O'Donohue Building, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. -30- September 3, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EQUITANA CANADA TO BE HELD NEAR CALGARY Equitana, North America's first trade fair for fiorses and horse-related products, will be held September 5 to 9, 1984, in conjunction with the Spruce Meadows Masters Horse Show. The Spruce Meadows horse show is an international tournament which attracts the world's best competitors from Canada, Europe and the United States. Over 60,000 specta- tors attended last year. Equitana will have in excess of 160 exhibits of tack, equipment and services from throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. This year an added feature is the "Alberta Breeds for the World" display. The breed exhibit, coordinated by Alberta Agriculture's horse industry branch, will involve de- monstrations and displays by 1 1 Alberta horse breed associations. The participating breeds include Arabians, Belgians, Hunters, Icelandic Ponies, Morgans, Pony breeds, Peruvian Pasos, Quarter Horses, Standardbreds, Tennessee Walkers and Thoroughbreds. Alberta breeders have some of the best quality horses in the world. They will display and demonstrate the uniqueness of their horses at noon and 4:30 p.m. daily. Spruce Meadows is located south of the Calgary city limits on Highway 22X. For more information, contact Spruce Meadows at 256-4977 or Alberta Agricul- ture's horse industry branch in Calgary at 276-7775, - 30 - /dibcrta AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-2 1 21 Print Media Branch September 3, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOURCES OF FARM BUSINESS CREDIT IN ALBERTA The 1984 edition of the Alberta Agriculture publication entitled "Sources of Farm Business Credit in Alberta", contains an update of the private and government long term lending programs available to Alberta farmers. The information contained in this pub- lication was compiled on or before June of this year. Most of the changes in this revision are within the terms and conditions sections of the 1 5 different programs included in the publica- tion. Alan Shideler of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch says the publication now includes a new section entitled Agriculture Credit Management Services. This section contains a list of government agencies and private firms that can provide assis- tance to farmers by helping them analyze financial alternatives for their farms. For example, it lists the location of the regional farm economists, bank agrologists and private agricultural consultants. Credit needs are constantly changing; this is evident by some of the changes in farm business credit even since this publication went to print. Some recent changes have been made to the Agricultural Development Corporation loan programs. For example, loans in arrears up to $50,000 can now be re-amortized over the remaining length of the loan at an interest rate of 1 2 per cent. As well, consolidation of trade debts is now available under the Alberta Farm Development Loan (AFDL) Program. A copy of the publication "Sources of Farm Business Credit in Alberta" (Agdex 832) can be obtained from your district agriculturist, from the Farm Business Management Branch, Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM IPO or by writing to the Publications Office, Alberta Agriculture, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. -30 - /dibcrra Anpin )iTi Phone:(403)427-2121 Pm OCT 1 8 IP September 10, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Change In Delivery Points For Alberta Barley Futures Market 1 Alberta Sells Winter Rye To Korea 3 Canada Thistle: Time For Strike Two 5 Custom Crop Seeding Charges In 1984 6 Selecting A Home Heating Fuel 7 District Agriculturist Appointed To Fairview 9 Regional Livestock Specialist Appointed At Fairview 10 4-H Scholarship Winners Announced 11 /diberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch September 10, 1984 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHANGE IN DELIVERY POINTS FOR ALBERTA BARLEY FUTURES MARKET Alberta Agriculture Minister LeRoy Fjordbotten and Doug Ford, president of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange, have announced a change in the delivery specifications of the Alberta Barley Futures Market. The Exchange will now recognize Calgary and Lethbridge as the only specified delivery points on the contract, removing Edmonton as an alternate delivery point. Mr. Fjordbotten said this will improve the marketing of feed grain in southern Alberta and result in prices reflecting more accurately the supply and demand conditions there. . - In a normal year the Alberta barley harvest accounts for almost half of Canada's production. Mr. Fjordbotten said that in southern Alberta the growth of specialized livestock operations that do not grow their own feed has resulted in an active barley market between farmers and feeders. "If current trends continue," he said, "this market for barley will soon exceed that for Western Canadian barley in Eastern Canada." The timing of the change in delivery points for the barley futures market is parti- cularly appropriate in view of the drought conditions faced by southern livestock producers, said Mr. Fjordbotten. He indicated that a properly functioning futures market would result in a fair price for sellers and buyers and encourage the flow of the limited barley supplies from field to feedlot in an orderly manner until additional supplies are available from the 1985 harvest. Producers in northern Alberta will still have the option of the Thunder Bay or southern Alberta market for domestic feed grain. - (cont'd) - /diberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch Change In Delivery Points For Alberta Barley Futures Market (cont'd) The Alberta governnnent provided start-up assistance of $250,000 in 1983 for the Alberta Barley Futures Market, and the Exchange committed itself to operate the market until at least the end of the 1985-86 crop year. Although the market's volumes have declined recently, Mr. Fjordbotten and Mr. Ford indicated they are confident it will be able to serve the needs of the industry. Mr. Ford said that one of the major challenges for the success of the market has been the existence of Canadian Wheat Board quotas on domestic feeds. Mr. Fjordbotten called these quotas "inappropriate," and said that the recent decision of the board to insti- tute open quotas on domestic feed grain will allow for orderly marketing of feed grain and equitable access to markets and supplies for all barley growers and feeders. Mr. Fjordbotten noted that he had made several requests to the board for removal of quotas and that as recently as August 22, 1984 he made the same request to the minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board. "I am pleased with this development because of the positive impacts it can have on both the Alberta futures market and the domestic feed grain marketing system in gen- eral," said Mr. Fjordbotten. - 30 - September 10, 1984 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA SELLS WINTER RYE TO KOREA Alberta's agricultural industry marked another tirst in international trade with the sale of 1 ,800 tonnes of Kodiak, a winter rye, to Korea in early September. "This sale, along with an order now being confirmed for an additional 800 tonnes of Kodiak, will have a value of more than $500,000," says Jackson Gardner, international trade director with Alberta Agriculture. This means that Korea is one of the largest buyers of seed from Alberta, if not the largest. The contract between the Alberta Wheat Pool and the Korean government came about after five years of work by Alberta industry and government to break into the Korean market for seed. The Koreans chose Kodiak because it is suitable for growing in rotation with the rice crop. The rye will be seeded in the fall and harvested in the spring in time for rice to be planted. Behind the sale is the large-scale cattle import program the Korean government embarked upon about 1 0 years ago, and the accompanying need for increased feed supplies. About five years ago when the Korean government inquired about Alberta forage varieties that might be suitable, Kodiak was one that market development's staff recommended after consultation with industry and scientists. Trials using Kodiak began two years ago at the research station at Suweon, Korea. Even after the trials proved successful, however, one hurdle remained: in order to be eligible for import into Korea, Kodiak had to be added to a list of varieties recognized by the Korean government. Such approval is by no means automatic. Once again Alberta's govern- ment and industry representatives joined forces, this time to lobby the Korean government to accept the trial results. About six months ago Kodiak was added to the list. (cont'd) - Abcxia AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch -2- 4 Alberta Sells Winter Rye to Korea (cont'd) As for future sales, prospects look very good, says Mr. Gardner. "Kodiak will help to establish Alberta in Korea as a supplier of high quality seed," he says. In addition to con- tinuing efforts to sell seed, the market development sector is encouraging the Koreans to send their own forage seed varieties to Alberta to be multiplied. -30- September 10, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5 I CANADA THISTLE: TIME FOR STR I KE TWO Last spring, spurred on by significant losses in crop yield in 1983 and aided by a long spraying season, many Alberta farmers delivered a major first strike against Canada thistle. Now is the time to follow up with another application of herbicide, a tillage operation or both, says a weed control specialist with Alberta Agriculture. "Persistent perennials like Canada thistle aren't usually controlled by one tillage or herbicide application but rather by root starvation," says Walter Yarish. "Now, when the thistles are green, growing and producing rosettes, the time is right for another attack." During the fall when the thistles are storing food, herbicides such as 2,4-D, MCPA, Banvel, Roundup and Amitrol-T move readily down to the root. Tillage will weaken the root system but not as much as an effective herbicide. Farmers will get the best results of all by applying a herbicide followed by tillage several weeks later, says Mr. Yarish. "The soil moisture conditions and the risk of wind erosion have a bearing on the option most suitable in your area," he adds. He suggests that farmers contact a district agri- culturist or municipal agricultural fieldman if they're wondering about the most appropriate means of Canada thistle control. 30- AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch Phone:(403)427-2121 September 10, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CUSTOM CROP SEEDING CHARGES IN 1984 The rates charged for custom crop seeding in Alberta changed little between 1983 and 1984. That was the finding of an annual survey conducted in June and July 1984 by Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch and farm business management branch. Peggy Johnson of farm business management says that charges for custom seeding are fairly uniform throughout Alberta, although they vary according to circumstances. Such factors include the size of the field being seeded, the crop being sown (cereals, oilseeds or grasses) and other operations that may be included during the same pass over the field (appli- cation of fertilizer or herbicide, for example). The following table summarizes the results of the 1984 survey and compares them with last year's rates. Crop Seeding Charges Per Acre Fixed wing Helicopter Floater Air seeder Seed drill Pull type Most common 1984 charges $3.50 to $4.50 $2.50 * $3.00 to $4.00 $4.00 to $5.75 $4.00 to $5.50 $6,00 to $6.50 Most common 1 983 charges $3.50 to $4.50 $3.00 to $4.90 $3.00 * $3.00 to $5.50 $4.00 to $5.75 Range for 1984 $3.00 to $5.00 $2.50 * $3.00 to $4.00 $4,00 to $7.50 $4.00 to $7.00 $6.00 to $6.50 *One report only Further information on custom seeding charges and other custom operation charges can be obtained from district agriculturists, the statistics branch in Edmonton or the farm business management branch in Olds. 30 Phone: (403)427-2121 Ahexio AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch September 10, 1984 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SELECTING A HOME HEATING FUEL For many people building a new home, especially in rural areas, the choice of heating fuel is difficult. An inappropriate decision can cost the homeowner thousands of dollars extra over the life of the heating system. The decision can be simplified by establishing some basic costs, says Don Whar- ton, an energy management engineer with Alberta Agriculture. To compare two heating fuels, try to determine the following items; the cost in dollars per energy unit any service or fixed monthly charges, if you're buying your fuel from a utility company . any taxes or rebates on the fuel , any other charges — transportation, storage, etc. , connection charges, if connecting to a utility grid • the estimated annual energy use for the house the fuel burning efficiency of the heating system you are operating , the capital cost of the heating systems including the heating unit, chimney, ductwork, piping, controls and installation While this may seem like a lot of information, Mr. Wharton says you can get most of it from the local utility company or fuel supplier, and from heating contractors. The most difficult part for many homeowners is estimating the annual energy use of the proposed house. However, both Alberta Agriculture and the federal department of energy, mines and resources will help families calculate this figure based on their house plan and the home's insulation values. - (cont'd) - >hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch CANADUNA OCT 1 8 ' September 24, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Livestock Market Outlook Conference 1 Late Fall Best For Soil Sampling 3 Dairy Situation And Outlook 5 Use Of Straw In Beef Cow Rations 7 Deadline Nears For Royal Entries 9 Winners Of 1984 Farm Safety Contest .' 11 Storage Vegetables In Good Supply 13 Phone:(403)427-2121 /dibcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch September 24, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIVESTOCK MARKET OUTLOOK CONFERENCE Seminars on the livestock futures market, presentations on the cattle and hog outlook, and a bearpit session with speakers will make up Taking Stock, Alberta Agriculture's fourth annual livestock outlook conference. Taking Stock is scheduled for the Convention Inn South in Edmonton November Sand 7. 1984. The conference will start on the afternoon of Tuesday November 6 with seminars on the futures and options markets, marketing alternatives for producers, and cycle analysis. Among the speakers are Alberta Agriculture's Dwayne Couldwell, and regional farm econo- mists Lome Owen and Garry Bradshaw. The seminar will end with a bearpit session during which seminar and conference speakers will be available to discuss livestock marketing con- cerns producers wish to raise. There is no charge for the seminar. Each session is open on a first-come basis. The conference portion of Taking Stock takes place Wednesday November 7. The chairman of the department of economics at the University of Alberta, Dr. Brian Scarfe, will review the general economic outlook for livestock producers. Charles Gracey of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association will present the Canadian outlook for cattle, and Dr. Larry Martin of the University of Guelph will discuss the Canadian hog outlook. Marilyn Brack, research director with the Alberta Feedgrain Users' Association in Calgary, will review the livestock feed outlook. Also on the agenda are outlooks for the American cattle and hog industries. The registration fee, which covers conference sessions, lunch and a copy of the proceedings, is S40 per person. Copies of the proceedings alone are $15. - (cont'd) - /dlborta : AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch - 2- 2 Livestock Market Outlook Conference (cont'd) Taking Stock has been scheduled to coincide with the Northlands FARMFAIR being held in Edmonton in early November. Brochures and registration forms for Taking Stock are available from Alberta Agriculture's district offices or from the Market Analysis Branch, 7000 - 1 1 3 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6, telephone: 427-5387. - 30- September 24, 1984 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LATE FALL BEST FOR SOIL SAMPLING The best time for taking fall soil samples to determine spring fertilizer needs is late in the season — early November or as close to freeze-up as possible. This recommendation, from Len Kryzanowski of the Agricultural Soil and Feed Testing Laboratory in Edmonton, is based on recent findings from a Farming for the Future research project conducted throughout Alberta. Researchers discovered that micro-organisms in the soil can cause its nitrogen levels to change quickly when the soil temperatures are above freezing or when the soil is moist during the fall. As the temperatures drop, the nitrogen levels change less, but never stop entirely. As a result, soil sampled in early fall can give an inaccurate prediction of spring fertilizer requirements. "Farmers should put off soil sampling to as late in the fall as possible," says Mr. Kryzanowski. Soil sampling should be avoided during winter. Not only is timing important to soil testing, but so is the sampling technique. "Any soil test results are only as good as the samples taken," says Mr. Kryzanowski. He recommends that farmers take separate samples for areas varying in soil type, topography, yields, crop growth or past cropping or fertilizer treatments. Areas that should be avoided or sampled separately include back furrows; the bottoms of old straw, hay or manure piles; sites of burned brush piles; saline (alkali) spots; fence rows and areas where fertilizers have been recently banded. Although soil samples from a depth of 0 to 1 5 cm are acceptable, farmers will get the most reliable results by sampling at least three depths: 0-15 cm, 1 5 - 30 cm, and 30 - 60 cm. - (cont'd) - A\bex\a AGRICULTURE Phone:(403)427-2121 ' Print Media Branch Late Fall Best For Soil Sampling (cont'd) At least 15 subsamples should be taken from each uniform area, and mixed to form a composite sample, with different depths kept separate. The composite sample should be spread to dry on clean paper before it is sent to the lab along with complete information about the sample. Farmers wanting to have their soil tested can get a Soil Sampling Guide and sampling tools from district agriculturists or the Agricultural Soil and Feed Testing Labora- tory in Edmonton. The Agricultural Soil and Feed Testing Laboratory charges $15 per field for soil testing. -30- September 24, 1984 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAIRY SITUATION AND OUTLOOK At this stage of the new dairy year, it seems unlikely that Canadian producers can expect any increase in Market Share Quota (MSQ), and a cutback later in the year is possible, says David Hope, dairy and poultry analyst with Alberta Agriculture. The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) has left the national MSQ allotment for the 1984-85 dairy year at 47.6 million hectolitres. Mr. Hope expects that for the first quar- ter, national industrial milk production will exceed the levels of a year ago, but will be below that of the same period in 1982-83. He expects August production to increase, and in the longer term looks for production patterns in the coming year to more closely resemble seasonal norms than they have for three years. On August 1 the CDC increased the over-quota levy to $34.38. This is more than three-quarters of the target level for industrial milk and makes production above a producer's quota "an extremely risky venture," says Mr. Hope. The in-quota levy for Alberta has been held constant at $5.14 per hectolitre, al- though some other provinces have increased it. More increases are possible during the coming year because each province must raise a share of the national program costs. Subsidized exports of skim milk powder make up the major portion of these costs. The CDC also plans to pay for a promotional program to increase domestic consumption of skim milk powder, but Mr. Hope doesn't expect it to have a significant impact on consumption in the short run. High levels of butter stocks in storage continue to concern the dairy industry. On August 1 , stocks reached 34 million kilograms, slightly above the level a year ago and double the amount considered necessary for that time of year. - (cont'd) - /dibcrra AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch - 2- 6 Dairy Situation And Outlook (cont'd) Butter sales in Canada declined nearly five per cent during the 1983-84 dairy year. Cheese sales, in contrast, were quite good, showing an annual increase of nearly six per cent. Alberta's Cheddar cheese production increased nearly 1 8 per cent from one year ago and specialty cheese production rose marginally. The first processed cheese plant in the prairie provinces opened in Alberta last year. "Fluid milk sales continued to fall in Alberta during 1983-84, and projections for the economy suggest the bottom may occur during this dairy year," says Mr. Hope. He anti- cipates that Canadian fluid milk sales will increase moderately during the coming year. -30- This outlook is based on information available in mid-September, 1984. September 24, 1984 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USE OF STRAW IN BEEF COW RATIONS Faced with the prospect of feed shortages and high prices for any available hay supplies this winter, many cow-calf producers will be looking for economical feed alterna- tives. Locally-grown straw in rations for beef cows may be one answer. Dwight Karren, Alberta Agriculture's regional livestock specialist at Lethbridge, says that straw can make up a major portion of a wintering cow's ration provided it's supplemented with good quality hay or grain and a 32 per cent beef supplement. Straw has some limitations, however. It is low in all the main nutrients, so cannot be fed as the sole ration. Straw is also high in fibre, which limits the amount a cow can consume. Although cows look extremely full while on straw rations, their daily intake is only around 1 .5 per cent of their body weight, or 1 5 pounds of straw for a 1 , 000-pound cow. The amount of supplemental feed required with straw depends on the quality of the straw, the quality of the supplement and the nutrient requirements of the cows. Cows differ in their nutrient requirements. Cows with the highest nutrient needs are those in late pregnancy or lactation, younger cows and those with a thin body condition. "Considering the poorer feeding quality of straw and the high cost of supplementation, straw rations are probably economically feasible only for wintering mature cows with good body condition early in pregnancy," says Mr. Karren. The quality of the straw also affects the amount of supplement that is necessary. Oat straw has a higher feeding value than barley straw which is in turn higher than wheat straw. Straw from rough-awned barley varieties has a lower feeding value than straw from (cont'd) Phone:(403)427-2121 ydlbcrta AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch Use Of Straw In Beef Cow Rations (cont'd) smooth-awned varieties. Two-row barley produces a better straw than six-row barley. Straw from soft wheat has a higher feeding value than straw fronn hard wheat. Cereal straw grown under irrigation can have a higher feeding value than straw from dry-land crops. The time and methods of harvesting play a part in the feeding value of straw. Straw harvested soon after combining has less weathering and less leaf loss and therefore better feeding quality. The method of feeding also influences the feeding quality of straw. If cows are given free choice of a larger quantity of straw than is necessary, they will select the more nutritious portions of the straw and thus need less supplementation than with a feeding method that requires the cows to consume only the amount that they require. Although the supplementation of straw rations depends upon several factors, the following can be used as sample rations. Feed required by a dry 1 ,000-pound beef cow (pounds per day) Hay rations Cereal-Straw rations Cost Alfalfa- Grass Alfalfa Alfalfa- Grain + ($/ton) grass hay hay hay grass hay supplement Grass hay 80.00 - 20 - Barley straw 30.00 - ' - 15 10 Alfalfa-grass hay 100.00 18 - - 10 Alfalfa hay 120.00 - . - 8 Rolled barley 12&.00 - - - 32% beef supplement 200.00 - - ^ — - Cost (C /head/day) 90.00 80.00 70.50 65.00 15 4 1 57.50 -30- Septembor 24, 1984 FOR i'-yiMEDiATR RELEASE 9 DEADLINE NEARS FOR ROYAL ENTRIES October 6 is the deadline for entries in the field crops section of this year's Toronto Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, to be held November 8-17. Alberta Agriculture will again pay for transporting exhibits in the cereals, oilseeds end forage seed categories to Toronto. The department also offers an honorarium of $150 for any re.serve champion prize and $200 for any grand championship. ".Alberta entries have been extremely successful in the past," says Bill Witbeck of Alberto Agriculture's field crops branch. "The winners receive prize money and perhaps more impoilant, recognition that is valuable to Alberta's entire agricultural community." Exhibits may he selected from either the 1983 or 1984 crop year, and the entry fee is $2 per sample except for 4-H or pedigreed seed classes, which have no fee. Entries in the commercial cereal seed classes must be 10 pounds each, while com- mercial ■^'orage, mustard and rapeseed samples must weigh three pounds each. Pedigreed cereal entries must be three pounds, taken from a lot of at least 100 bushels. Pedigreed for- age samples must weigh two pounds and be taken from a lot of at least 500 pounds. Hay samoles must contain not less than a 12-inch section of a bale, and sheaves must bG between five and seven inches in diameter in the centre. Seed potato samples must contain 20 tubers that weigh 6 to 7 ounces each, and the variety must be noted. The deadline for entries of potatoes is October 1 3, 1 984. Exhibits miust be shipped in containers that are strong enough to ensure that the exhibit will reach its destination in good condition. Light cotton sacks are not strong enough, and should be ."^hipped in a cardboard box with the entry tag. - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch Deadline Nears For Royal Entries (cont'd) All exhibits that are sent directly to the Royal must arrive in Toronto before October 31, 1984. Samples to be shipped by Alberta Agriculture need to be in Lacombe by October 25, and should be addressed to the Field Crops Branch, Alberta Agriculture, Bag Service No.47, Lacombe, Alberta, TOC ISO. Prize lists, entry forms and further information are available from district agri- culturists' offices or Bill Witbeck at the field crops branch, 742-4641. -30- September 24, 1984 FOR l^ylMEDI/^TE RELEASE WINNERS OF 1984 FARM SAFETY CONTEST The winning entries in this year's farm safety contest can't help but make an im- pression. One girl's story describes how she was injured when she tried to burn garbage on the ground. A boy tells how his grandmother suffered broken ribs when she was attacked by Friendly, the farm bull. Another child tells of a close call when he tumbled into an irrigation canal. Solomon Kyeremanteng of Alberta Agriculture's farm safety program says that many students drew on personal experience for the stories and posters they submitted in this year's farm safety contest. The annual contest, which is open to all elementary students in Alberta, attrac- ted 5,000 posters and 1,000 stories this year. The staff of the farm safety program selected the winners on the basis of the safety message they conveyed, and on their style of presenta- tion. The winning posters and stories are being printed in a workbook entitled "A Child's Guide to Farm Safety." This workbook, along with a teacher's guide and suggested lesson plan, will be available for use in elementary schools. The farm safety program will also supply a calendar for classroom use. The 1 985 edition will feature a drawing dealing with machinery safety, entered by Roland Marsden, a grade three student at Fort Macleod. During the first week of December, Alberta Agriculture personnel will visit the schools to present the winning students with certificates and copies of the farm safety work- book. - (cont'd) - y^lbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch Winners of 1 984 Farm Safety Contest (cont'd) Following is a list of the winners in the story contest: Grade 1 Grade 2 Kyle Braun — Lomond Todd Stewart — Carbon Grade 3 Joe Sturgeon — Cremona Melissa Van Beeres — Taber Real Hryhirchuk — Minburn Heidi Eggen — Rivercourse Grade 4 Scott Martens — Coaldale Mathilda Mandel — Warner Grade 5 Jeremy Grabas — Innisfree Curtis Buchs — Cremona Grade 6 Joseph J. Walder — Claresholm Mikaela Scott — Wildwood Following are the winners in the farm safety poster competition: Grade 1 Elizabeth Smith — Lethbridge Jerry Wipf — Hanna Juaneta Del Rio — Busby Nathan Seatter — Dapp Grade 3 Roland Marsden — Fort Macleod Cam Buschert — Cremona Sheri Boschman — Coaldale Trina Meadows — Taber Grade 2 Tanya Klimp — Sexsmith Julia Walder — Castor Maureen Herman — Schuler Becky Taylor — Eckville Grade 4 Kyle Congdon — Forestburg Brian Rawson — Forestburg Ryan Doherty — Cayley Yvonne Jahns — Forestburg Additional information on the contests and the workbook can be obtained fron Solomon Kyeremanteng, Alberta Farm Safety Program, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 1 1 3 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. - 30- September 24, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 13 STORAGE VEGETABLES IN GOOD SUPPLY Climbing prices for fresh vegetables during the winter months in Canada make stocking up with locally grown produce a good idea. This can easily be done by visiting the many market gardens located throughout the province or by attending a local farmers' market. According to Phil Dixon, vegetable specialist with Alberta Agriculture at the Alberta Tree Nursery and Horticulture Centre in Edmonton, there is still good selection and a tremendous volume of locally grown vegetables. Looking back at the season, Mr. Dixon wasn't always sure Alberta growers would have the selection and supply that is now offered. "Growers began with a cool spring which meant a slow start for many crops," he says. "Reseeding had to be done with a lot of crops because of rotting. June and July were normal but in central-northern Alberta, it was the hot August that made the crop respectable. Without the heat to increase the maturity of the crops, an early fall frost could have been devastating." By dividing the province into areas, it's easier to look at the industry, says Mr. Dixon. Growers in the Peace River valley had a productive year, although they felt the crops were about seven days behind a normal year's harvest schedule. Fort McMurray growers had the same type of year. Edmonton-area growers had their first killing frost on August 29, which took care of the cucumbers. Otherwise, the Edmonton growers had a good year with lots of produce still coming off. Red Deer growers had some hail this year but those who missed the hail report a good year. Southern Alberta growers with irrigation were saved from the dry year, and also report a good year. - (cont'd) - Phone: (403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch -2- 14 Storage Vegetables in Good Supply (cont'd) The heat of August has meant a good supply of beets, carrots, onions, cabbage, potatoes, winter squash and rutabagas. These will be available throughout the fall and some into winter. All of these crops are good for storage. Consumers interested in making sauerkraut, which is a good method of storing cabbage, will be especially pleased with this year's fall cabbage, says Mr. Dixon. The size is large and the quality is excellent. - 30- October 1, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Farming For The Future Conference 1 Honey Forecast 2 1984 Haymaking Custom Charges 3 Plan Now For Next Year's Pasture 6 Storing Sprayers 8 Using Granular Applicators 9 Coming Agricultural Events 10 Phone: (403)427-2121 /diberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 1 October 1, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FARMING FOR THE FUTURE CONFERENCE Farming for the Future is sponsoring a conference in Edmonton on October 24 at which selected scientists and specialists will highlight research supported by the agricultural research fund during its first five years. Farming for the Future, which began operation in 1979 using Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund monies, began a new three-year mandate on April 1, 1984. So far, more than $22 million has been spent on 343 projects aimed at improving Alberta farmers' net income and the long-term viability of the industry in the provmce. Some of the projects were on-farm demonstrations, designed to bring scientific advances to the farm level quickly. Speakers at the conference were chosen from some of the important production areas into which the fund was subdivided. Topics will include livestock disease research, crop variety testing, food processing research, drainage and irrigation technology, and the on-farm demonstration program. Alberta's Minister of Agriculture, LeRoy Fjordbotten, will address the conference in the evening. For further information contact Farming for the Future, Alberta Agriculture, Second Floor, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6 or call 427-1956. - 30 - ydlberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch October 1, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HONEY FORECAST Alberta's honey crop for 1984 will likely be slightly below last year's record production of 25.1 million pounds, according to a recent survey by the statistics branch of Alberta Agriculture. The decline in production is expected despite an estimated increase of 2,000 colonies over 1983. This reflects a reduction in yield mainly as a result of extremely dry conditions in southern and south-central Alberta where many producers experienced poor yields for the second year in a row. Michael Adam of the statistics branch estimates that the Peace River region, which has about 37 per cent of the colonies in Alberta, will account for about 50 per cent of the crop. On the other end of the scale, the south-central region (Airdrie, Calgary, Drumheller, Hanna) is expected to account for only about four per cent of the crop. The survey that produced these findings was part of a national survey of beekeepers, and was co-ordinated by Statistics Canada. Its main purpose was to estimate numbers of beekeepers and producing colonies, and to forecast 1984 honey production. Detailed results of the survey, including forecasts for other provinces, are available from the Statistics Branch, 3rd Floor, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. - 30- Phone. (403)427-2121 /dlborta AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch October 1, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3 1984 HAYMAKING CUSTOM CHARGES Custom rates charged for haymaking this year have increased compared with 1983, according to the annual Alberta Agriculture survey of custom haying operators. The survey was conducted by the statistics branch in cooperation with the farm business man- agement branch in August, 1984. The following tables summarize the data. Cutting and Conditioning ($ per acre) Region Most common 1984 charges Most common 1983 charges Range for 1984 South $8.00 -$10.00 $6.00 -$8.00 $7.00 -$12.00 Central $6.00 -$ 7.00 $6.00 - $7.00 $6.00 -$ 7.00 North $8.00 $5.00 - $7.00 $6.50 -$10.00 Baling — Round ($ per bale) Region Most common 1984 charges Most common 1983 charges Range for 1984 South $6.00 -$6.50 $4.50 - $5.25 $5.00 - $7.50 Central $5.00 $5.00 $4.50 -$7.00 North $5.00 - $5.50 $4.25 - $6.00 $4.00 - $6.00 Range for 1984 Range for 1983 Most common 1984 charges Baling - Square (c/bale) 25c- 45c 25c -40c 30 C Stacking and hauling (c/bale) 19C-30C 17c - 30c 25c - 30c - (cont'd) - AhexiG AGRICULTURE hone: (403) 427-21 21 Pi-i^^ Media Branch 1984 Haymaking Custom Charges (cont'd) Long Distance Hay Hauling (30-40 round bales/load) (600-750 square bales/load) Notes Under 1 00 miles $2.25 - $2.75/loaded mile $5.50 - $1 1.00/round bale 50c - 80 C/square bale $13.00 - $22.00/ton Charges vary with miles travelled 100-200 Miles $2.30 - $3.00/loaded mile 85c /square bale $35/ton •■ •■ •. Most common $2.75/ loaded mile One report One report Over 200 Miles $2.75/loaded mile $1 .25/square bale $45/ton One report One report One report The south region consists of the area from Olds south to the American border; the central region consists of the area from Olds north to Edmonton; and the north region is the area north of Edmonton and includes the Peace River region. " • . ' Gerd Andres of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch says that approximately 120 custom operators throughout Alberta were contacted for the report. He says that charges vary among custom operators because of factors such as the type of machi- nery and its size, overhead costs, the amount of travel involved and the terrain. (cont'd) -3- 5 1984 Haymaking Custom Charges (cont'd) Mr. Andres also says that in the spring of 1985 Alberta Agriculture will again publish a directory of farm custom operators in the province. He urges custom operators who have not already contacted the farm business management branch to do so before January 1 if they would like to be included in tfie directory. It will list each operator's name, his telephone number, his nearest town and the services he provides. Information on ail the main custom operation charges can be obtained from district agriculturists, the statistics branch in Edmonton or the farm business management branch at Olds. -30- Phone:(403)427-2121 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 6 October 1, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLAN NOW FOR NEXT YEAR'S PASTURE by Bob Wroe Supervisor of Range Management, Alberta Agriculture Of the past 20 years, at least four have proved lean for hay and pasture some- where in western Canada. For the veteran cattleman, 1984 is just one of those years iti which the culling of cows has to be severe, with no excuses for the cow that did not produce a calf. Another way to save pasture or forage is to wean early and get every unnecessary animal off the place. It doesn't pay to keep animals that are losing weight. This is the year that the year's supply of forage many cattlemen keep in reserve will be depleted. It is said there is no one poorer than a stockman out of grass. The question is, how does one stay out of that situation? There are a number of ways to save the range and pasture short of selling the herd, but they require planning six to 12 months in advance. The first priority, I think, must be to buy now all the forage you will need before June 15, 1985. The earlier you buy hay, the better price you are likely to obtain. The Feed and Forage Exchange operated by the Alberta Grain Commission lists hay for sale at eight centres throughout the province. Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturists are also taking the names of farmers who have hay for sale. Regardless of how much rain and snow we get between now and next June, most pastures, tame or native, will not produce enough to support full grazing early in the season if they are bare now. With stress from drought and grazing pressure this year, pastures will need some preferential treatment in 1985 to get back to normal. One technique to consider is to fertilize the spring pastures as much as you can afford according to the soil testing recommendations. - (cont'd) - A\bex\G AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch >hone: (403) 427-21 21 Plan Now For Next Year's Pasture (cont'd) Two things can happen next spring. We may get enough rain to yield an adequate spring pasture, especially with fertilization now, or 1985 may turn out to be another year of drought. If this is the case, provision for an annual pasture may help. Seeding oats at about two bushels per acre on one-half to one acre per cow will provide a month of grazing six weeks after seeding. This year has been tough and next year may be worse, but some planning now may help. -30- October 1, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 STORING SPRAYERS Proper maintenance, cleaning and storing of sprayers will result in longer trouble-free operation, says Terry Footz of Alberta Agriculture's crop pro- tection branch. At the end of the spraying season, correct preparation and storage will mean the sprayer will be ready the next time it is needed. Mr. Footz recommends the following measures for putting sprayers into winter storage: Clean the sprayer thoroughly. Drain it completely, including all accessories. Remove the pump and store it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Remove screens, filters and nozzle tips and store them in a sealed container in diesel fuel. Remove the pressure gauge. Seal off any openings in the sprayer to prevent the entry of dirt or debris. Make a list of any parts needing replacement and order them well in advance of the next spraying season. Store the sprayer where it will not be damaged by other equipment or livestock. Polyethylene tanks should be stored under cover to prevent deteriora- tion by sunlight. 30 Phone:(403)427-2121 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 9 October 1, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USING GRANULAR APPLICATORS A growing number of Alberta farmers will be using granular herbicide applicators this fall. They can rent or purchase a wide selection of equipment; both gravity-flow and pneumatic applicators are available as pull-type models, implement-mount and skid-mount types. Terry Footz of Alberta Agriculture's crop protection branch offers some sugges- tions to help get accurate coverage with any type of granular applicator. , Check each outlet on the applicator individually to ensure uniform output. . Remember that the manufacturer's setting specifications are only a guide. . Calibrate the applicator daily, because daily changes in humidity can affect the way the granules flow. , Calibrate the applicator in the field to be treated, or in a field with similar conditions to the one to be treated. . On turns, shut off the applicator to prevent overlapping and doubling the rate of application. , Use a marking system to prevent overlapping on successive passes. An applicator mounted on tillage equipment has an advantage because it applies and incorporates the chemical in one pass, and provides a built-in marking system. . Be sure the deflector plates are mounted according to the manufacturer's specifications. . Consider using one of several monitors that are available to assist in main- taining uniform application rates. -30- Abexio ArRiCULTURE P, iia Branch Phone: (403) 427-2121 10 COMING AGRICULTURAL EVENTS 1984 Poultry Servicemen's Workshop Lake Louise Inn Lake Louise, Alberta October 1 - 3 Symposium on Land Information Systems Edmonton, Alberta October 15-19 Farming for the Future Research Conference (Agriculture Research Council of Alberta) Edmonton Inn Edmonton, Alberta October 24 Round-up '84 Fall Agriculture Show Stampede Park Calgary, Alberta October 24 - 28 Alberta Simmental Association Annual Meeting Stampede Grounds Calgary, Alberta October 25 National Outstanding Young Farmer Program Stampede Park Calgary, Alberta October 26 - 30 Northlands Farmfair Northlands Grounds Edmonton, Alberta November 1 -1 1 Alberta Honey Producers' Co-operative Ltd. — Annual Meeting Mayfield Inn Edmonton, Alberta November 6 Taking Stock 1984 — Livestock Outlook Conference Convention Inn South Edmonton, Alberta November 6 - 7 Optimum Tillage Challenge Saskatoon Inn Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 6 - 8 United Grain Growers Ltd. — Annual Meeting Convention Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba November 7 - 8 Alberta Beekeepers' Association Annual Convention Mayfield Inn Edmonton, Alberta November 7 - 9 ydlbcrta AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) Lethbridge 3rd Annual Swine Fair Exhibition Grounds Lethbridge, Alberta November 8 - 9 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Exhibition Park Toronto, Ontario November 8 - 17 Seed Technology Workshop Olds College Olds, Alberta November 13-15 Alberta Irrigation Projects Association — Annual Conference Lethbridge Lodge Hotel Lethbridge, Alberta November 19 Creating A Balance — Farm Wives' Conference Fairview College Fairview, Alberta November 21 - 22 Canadian Western Agribition and Mexabition Exhibition Grounds Regina, Saskatchewan November 24 - 30 Alberta Wheat Pool Annual Meeting Palliser Hotel Calgary, Alberta November 26 - December 7 International Silo Safety Conference Valhalla Inn Kitchener, Ontario November 28 - 29 Seed For Profit Marketing Seminar for the Seed Industry Convention Centre Calgary, Alberta November 29 - 30 Christian Farmers' Federation — Annual Convention Leduc, Alberta November 30 Alberta Cattle Commission Annual General Meeting Westin Hotel Calgary, Alberta December 3 - 5 Aberta 4-H Leaders' Conference Convention Inn Edmonton, Alberta December 3 - 5 12 -3- Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) "Halfway To 21st Century" National Farnners' Union - 15th National Convention Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island December 3 - 7 Canadian Agricultural Outlook Conference Ottawa Conference Centre Ottawa, Ontario December 10-11 Winter Meeting of American Society of Agricultural Engineers Hyatt Regency New Orleans Louisiana, U.S. A December 11-14 1985 Annual Interprovincial Alfalfa Seed School Regina Inn ^ Regina, Saskatchewan January 13-15 Alberta Pork Seminar Banff, Alberta January 16-18 Alberta Limousin Association Annual Meeting Capri Centre Red Deer, Alberta January 31 Canadian Limousin Association Annual Meeting Capri Centre Red Deer, Alberta February 1 - 2 Alberta Dairymen's Association Annual Meeting and Convention Palliser Hotel Calgary, Alberta February 4 - 6 What's In Stock For You? (Beef Seminar) Saskatoon Travelodge Saskatoon, Saskatchewan February 5 - 7 Canadian Charolais Association Annual Meeting and Convention Capri Centre Red Deer, Alberta February 7 - 9 Accent '85 Market Prospects for Grains and Oilseeds Lethbridge Lodge Lethbridge, Alberta Marcjjil - 6 /diberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) Agriculture Week P'rovince of Alberta March 10-16 Alberta Agriculture Hail of Fame Westin Hotel Calgary, Alberta March 15 Northlands Western Northlands Grounds Edmonton, Alberta March 26 - 30 World Angus Forunn Convention Centre Edmonton, Alberta July 1 7 - 22 Canadian Western Agribition and Mexabition Exhibition Grounds Regina, Saskatchewan Novennber 23 - 29 1986 World Sheep Congress Stampede Park Calgary, Alberta July 5-16 October 8, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Livestock Assistance Program Boundaries 1 Wheat Situation And Outlook 4 Canola Sold To Mexico 6 Walk-In Registrations Accepted For Research Conference 8 Alberta's Livestock Numbers 9 Computers In Extension 10 1984 Silage Custom Charges 12 Market Gardeners To Form Association 14 Transplanting Lodgepole Pines 15 Winter Survival Of Lawns 16 /dibcrta AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch October 8, 1 984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIVESTOCK ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BOUNDARIES Th"^ boundaries of the area to be covered by the livestock drought assistance pro- gram have been established, and application forms are now available at Alberta Agriculture's district offices. Alberta's Minister of Agriculture, LeRoy Fjordbotten, announced the details of the program after a meeting in Regina October 1 with the federal minister of agriculture and the ministers of agriculture fromi Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The general drought area consists of IDS, County 17, MDs 47 and 48, Special Areas 2 and 4, and all districts south of this line. In addition, the following areas to the north ere included: , the parts of Counties 6 and 1 8 located south of the 1 0th Base Line (the north boundary of Township 36). the part of County 23 bounded by the 10th Base Line on the North, and by the west side of Range 23 on the west. the part of ID 10 bounded on the north by the north side of Township 40. A portion of this area will be designated as "severe" once the drought damage is fully assessed, probably around the first of November. Producers within the general drought area will be eligible for a grant of $30 per bred cow or heifer and $6 per bred ewe or goat, to a maximum of 85 per cent of their herds. Producers within the severe drought area will receive an additional $18 per cow or $4 per ewe or goat at a later date. - (cont'd) - /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch - 2- 2 Livestock Assistance Program Boundaries (cont'd) Payments under this program will be made according to the numbers of livestock in each herd on August 1, 1984. To receive full payment, a producer must keep at least 75 per cent of his August 1 inventory until April 1, 1985. Producers who do not plan to keep 75 per cent of their August 1 , 1984 herds may still apply under the program. They will receive payments based on their intended April 1, 1985 inventory. A final adjustment will be made in the grants to these producers after their actual April 1 livestock numbers are known. Some producers will receive extra grants at that time; others will have to repay part of their grants. Random inspections will be made to verify both August 1, 1984 and April 1, 1985 livestock inventories. The $30 per cow or equivalent payments will be made as soon as possible after each application is received. The deadline for applying under the program is December 14, 1984. The cost of the $30 million livestock assistance program in Alberta is being shared by the federal and provincial governments. The program is intended to assist producers in maintaining their breeding herds through what is expected to be an extended and costly winter feeding season, said Mr. Fjordbotten. He estimates that between 12,000 and 13,000 Alberta producers will be eligible for the assistance. Application forms and complete details of the program are available from Alberta Agriculture's district offices. Producers can also get information by phoning the local RITE telephone number or 422-5300 in Edmonton. - 30- The map on the opposite page shows the boundaries of the general drought area. October 8, 1984 4 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHEAT SITUATION AND OUTLOOK Canada's wheat production for this year is estimated at 20.4 million tonnes, a 23 per cent reduction from last year. On a world scale, however, wheat production is likely to reach a record 499 million tonnes. Dwayne Couldwell, Alberta Agriculture's grain market analyst, says that the reduction of 6.2 million tonnes in the Canadian wheat crop will be overshadowed by in- creases in the European Economic Community and China. Unfortunately, Canada's misfortune won't necessarily translate into higher prices either, he warns. Not only is the world wheat crop the largest ever, but the carryover from 1983-84 is also likely to set a record of 102 million tonnes. "Wheat prices will therefore probably remain low in the foreseeable future," he says. Canadian wheat carryover from 1983-84 was 9.3 million tonnes, well below the 10-year average of 1 1 million tonnes. Added to this year's reduced crop yield, this brings total Canadian wheat stocks to about 29 million tonnes or seven million tonnes lower than last year. The lower crop size will mean fewer restraints on grain handling capacity, so Mr. Couldwell anticipates that carryover will be minimized at around eight million tonnes, a low not seen since the mid-1970s. This would put the maximum level of wheat exports at about 1 6 million tonnes, a 26 per cent reduction from last year. Quotas in the coming crop year can be expected to be large, if not completely open, says Mr. Couldwell. Elevator space should be abundant in the southern prairies and become quickly available in the north. - (cont'd) - ydlberra AGRICULTURE one: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 5 -2- Wheat Situation And Outlook (cont'd) Domestically, non-board wheat prices have maintained a strong premium to the Canadian Wheat Board initial payments, especially in the feedmill markets. Mr. Couldweli questions whether such premiums can be maintained and says, "It seems prudent for farmers with lower quality wheat to consider selling at current feedmill bids." As for export prospects, Mr. Couldweli notes two developments. One is that the Soviet crop has continued to deteriorate, and the USDA now estimates it at 175 million tonnes, down from 195 million tonnes last year. Soviet grain imports are expected to reach 46 million tonnes, including 24 million tonnes of wheat. A second significant development on the world scene is that China has become the world's largest wheat producer, with a record crop this year of 84 million tonnes, up from 81 million tonnes in 1983. Considering that China's previous five-year average wheat crop was 60 million tonnes, many traders are questioning the future of long-term wheat purchases by the Chinese. In the short term China is expected to maintain imports because of internal transportation restraints. -30- October 8, 1984 6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE One in a series of articles recognizing October as Export Trade Month CANOLA SOLD TO MEXICO This month 20,000 tonnes of canola seed from western Canada are being shipped from Vancouver to the port of Guaymas on Mexico's west coast. This is the third such ship- j ment this year, \ and part of more than 1 20,000 tonnes the Mexicans have bought for delivery in 1 984. These sales are a breakthrough in getting canola into the Mexican market on a j continuing basis, says John Latham of Alberta Agriculture's market development sector, j He notes that Alberta growers produce more than 40 per cent of the Canadian canola crop. ^ "The potential of the Mexican market is enormous," says Mr. Latham. In 1982 Mexico imported over 200,000 tonnes of oilseed meal and nearly three million tonnes of oilseeds despite ongoing attempts to increase its own vegetable oilseed production. "A five per cent share of the market would mean $4 million in meal sales and $44 million in seed sales each year, an amount we are quickly approaching," he says. I Alberta Agriculture's market development sector, working with the federal government, the other prairie provinces and industry, has spent five years in promoting and testing canola in Mexico. During exchanges with members of the Mexican crushing and feeding industry 1 early in 1981 it became clear that the Mexicans were concerned about the lack of research I into the use of canola meal with sorghum, the principal energy ingredient in their livestock rations. Alberta Agriculture's marketing sector addressed this concern by arranging a canola meal seminar in Mexico City, and setting up trials in 1982 using canola meal in poultry and hog rations. - (cont'd) - i ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE ^hone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 7 -2- Canola Sold To Mexico (cont'd) The trials, which concluded late last year, showed that canola meal could effec- tively replace all of the traditional protein source, soybean meal, in hog rations and up to 15 per cent in poultry rations. Since feed rations throughout much of Latin America are similar, Mr. Latham says these results can be used elsewhere in the region to aid the market- ing of canola. To further support these initial research findings, larger trials using canola meal began in commercial hog and poultry operations in Mexico in September. These trials are being carried out using 18 tonnes of meal donated by a Canadian consortium with Alberta Agriculture acting as the co-ordinator. - 30 - October 8, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WALK-IN REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED FOR RESEARCH CONFERENCE The deadline for advance registration for the Farming for the Future research conference has passed, but walk-in registrations will be accepted on the day of the conference, October 24. People may register at the Edmonton Inn between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. that day or as long as space is available. The fee for those registering at the door is $10, which includes conference sessions but not meals. The purpose of the conference is to highlight research supported by the agricultural research fund during its first five years. Topics will include livestock disease research, crop variety testing, food processing research, drainage and irrigation technology, and the on-farm demonstration program. Farming for the Future began operation in 1979 using Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund monies. More than $22 million has been spent on 343 projects. Alberta's Minister of Agriculture, LeRoy Fjordbotten, will address the conference in the evening. For further information, please contact Farming for the Future, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6 or call 427-1956. -30- Phone: (403)427-2121 Ahexia AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch October 8, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA'S LIVESTOCK NUMBERS A survey estimates that on July 1, 1984, Alberta's pig population had reached an 1 1-year high, while the province's cattle population was the lowest since 1971. These estimates are based on the report of livestock inventories conducted by Statistics Canada in cooperation with Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch. Pig numbers on Alberta farms were estimated at 1,400,000 head, an increase of 12 per cent from July 1, 1983. This raised Alberta's share of the Canadian pig population from 1 2 per cent to 1 3 per cent during the year. Meanwhile, the numbers of both cattle and sheep in Alberta appeared to be down from one year ago. Cattle numbers declined two per cent to 3,780,000 while sheep decreased by four per cent to 190,000. Alberta's share of the total Canadian cattle and sheep popula- tions remained relatively unchanged, however, at about 30 per cent and 24 per cent respec- tively. Nationally, pig numbers increased by four per cent to 10,286,000 head while cattle and sheep numbers decreased by three per cent and two per cent respectively, to 12,309,000 and 790,800 head. Using the results of the survey. Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch has estima- ted the livestock numbers for each of the province's 15 census divisions. These estimates have been published along with other survey statistics, and copies can be obtained from the Statistics Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 3rd Floor, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. -30- yhone: (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch 5 November 5, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TRAIN AND TRAVEL WITH IAEA ■ Jennifer Strath's Australian host family called her a "rous-about." On a Canadian farm we might refer to her as a "go-fer." She helped in the shearing shed, drove the children to school, cared for the angora rabbits the family raised as a sideline, and worked in the garden. Ms. Strath says she learned more during her six months as an agricultural trainee in Australia with the International Agricultural Exchange Association (IAEA) than she would have in a year at university. In addition to learning about agriculture, IAEA trainees experience life in a dif- ferent country. For Ms. Strath, the memorable aspects of life in Australia included living in an area so dry that dishwater and shower water were saved to water plants, and seeing wheat planted in May and harvested just before Christmas. Altogether, joining IAEA is something Ms. Strath recommends highly to other young people with a farm background, a desire for travel and an open mind. The exchange is run on a non-profit basis to give people aged 19 to 28 the oppor- tunity to work on a farm in a different country. For 1985, trainees may travel to Australia, New Zealand and seven European countries. To participate, each trainee pays a fee that covers travel, insurance, work permits, placement on an approved farm and orientation. Fees start at about $1 ,800 for a four-month stay in Europe, and the length of stay varies from four months to 13 months. - (cont'd) - /diberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 6 - 2- Train And Travel With IAEA (cont'd) University students may be interested in a four-month exchange to Europe that begins in May and ends in time for participants to be back for the fall session of university. "This is ideal for students who want to participate in IAEA without having to take a year off," says Ms. Strath. The trainees live and work as members of the host family, receiving a training allowance along with room and board. They have three weeks' holiday and regular time off to allow them to see the country. Trainees can choose the type of farm they'd like to work on. In Australia this can be as varied as fruit, cotton or rice farming. Trainees in Europe may see intensive cropping and advanced livestock operations, some of which turn out to be fore- runners of North American technology. IAEA is now taking applications for its 1985 exchanges. If you're interested, please contact the International Agricultural Exchange Association at 1211-11 Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T3C 0M5, or telephone 244-1814. -30- For further information please contact: Allison Delday, IAEA 244-1814 7 November 5, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 5-11 IS 4-H WEEK November 5-11 has been declared National 4-H Week. In Alberta 4-H is significant in the lives of 8,600 4-H members who belong to about 550 clubs. Nearly 2,500 adults volunteer their time as 4-H leaders. The aim of 4-H is to help rural people develop as responsible members of society while taking part in a range of projects from handicrafts and agricul- ture to conservation and outdoor activities. -30- For further information please contact: Sandy Behnke 427-2541 A\\XX\Q AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch November 5, 1984 8 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SHELTERBELT STOCK DOES WELL IN 1984 Shelterbelts planted this year using trees and shrubs supplied by Alberta Agricul- ture should have survived well despite the hot, dry weather. A sannple of nursery stock tested at the Alberta Tree Nursery and Horticulture Centre at Oliver had an overall survival rate of 81 per cent, which is exceptional, says George Grainger, director of the centre. Normally only 50 per cent to 55 per cent of the stock might be expected to survive. Mr. Grainger says this year's high survival rate was likely due to warm spring weather. Every year the tree nursery tests a sample of the shelterbelt material supplied to farmers. "We treat the sample as a recipient would," explains Mr. Grainger. "We plant it, water it in and water it again a month later." The survival rates of nursery stock tested at the centre this year were as follows: poplars and willows, 92 per cent; tall deciduous trees like green ash and maple, 70 per cent; small deciduous trees like chokecherry and mayday, 68 per cent; hedge plants like dogwood and honeysuckle, 75 per cent; and conifers, 92 per cent. Two species, altaica rose and silver buffaloberry, did not survive storage and plant- ing. -30- For further information please contact: George Grainger 973-3351 Phone: (403)427-2121 ^Iberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 9 November 5, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW PUBLICATION ON LAND CLEARING AND BREAKING COSTS Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch has just up- dated the publication Land Clearing and Breaking Equipment Costs to reflect current prices. The publication is intended to assist farmers and custom operators to budget for the machinery used to clear and break land, or to negotiate a charge for custom work. The publication begins with an overview of the methods which can be used in land clearing. It also includes a means of calculating the ownership and operating costs for crawler tractors; the estimated costs of crawler tractors, wheel tractors, attachments and implements used to clear and break land. The publica- tion summarizes the costs of land clearing and breaking on a per-hour and per-acre basis, and custom rates charged for these operations. Copies of Land Clearing and Breaking Equipment Costs (Agdex 825-8) are available from Alberta Agriculture's district offices, the farm business man- agement branch at Olds, or the Publications Office, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 1 13 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. - 30 - For further information please contact: Gerd Andres, Olds 556-4247 /diberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 10 November 5, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT AGRICULTURIST-IN-TRAINING IN PINCHER CREEK Eric Norton, Alberta Agriculture's regional director at Lethbridge, has announced the appointment of Bruce Friedel as district agriculturist-in-training at Pincher Creek. Mr. Friedel started his training under the direction of district agricul- turist Bob Lyons on October 1. Mr. Friedel was raised on a mixed farm near Fairview. In April 1984 he graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. in agriculture, majoring in range pasture and wildlife management. This year Mr. Friedel worked as a summer district agriculturist in Bonnyvilte. -30- For further information please contact: Eric Morton, Lethbridge 329-5130 y^lberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 1 1 November 5, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DHE TRANSFERS TO PONOKA Diane MacKay is Alberta Agriculture's new district home economist (DHE) at Ponoka. She has transferred from the Hanna office, where she was the DHE for the past four years. Ms. MacKay's appointment is announced by the head of the home economics branch, Shirley Myers. As district home economist, Ms. MacKay will provide rural women with home economics information, with emphasis on home and farm records, financial planning, nutrition, food preservation and 4-H leader development. Ms. MacKay grew up on a mixed irrigation farm just north of Picture Butte. In 1978 she graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. in home economics, majoring in clothing and textiles. Ms. MacKay first worked with Alberta Agriculture in the Red Deer office and later at Smoky Lake. -30- For further information please contact: Diane MacKay 783-4476 ydlberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 12 November 5, 1984 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DHE TRANSFERS TO SEDGEWICK The new district home economist (DHE) in Alberta Agriculture's Sedgewick office is Ellen Frombach. Her appointment is announced by Shirley Myers, head of the home economics branch. Ms. Frombach transferred from the St. Paul office where she has been the DHE since 1980. She will provide home economics information to farm families, with emphasis on 4-H, the nutrition at school program, and women in farm management. Although Ms. From- bach will assist clients any day, she is setting aside Mondays as office day, so that people can phone or drop in and be sure of reaching her. Ms. Frombach was raised on a mixed farm outside of Edenwold, Saskatchewan. In 1979 she graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a B.Sc. in home economics, and received a scholarship to study home economics education in England. In the fall of 1979 Ms. Frombach joined Alberta Agriculture as a DHE-in-training at Lamont. - 30- For more invornnation please contact: Ellen Frombach 384-373" yrt-(! ircieose in it!? price r-f barU-y, of- inc'easi'^g f.he interest rate frorri pc" ceni io 7) nr-r can:, -"..t d;"^i.io!;ng ieaLh losses or vardaoe. Mos^" fesdars V'/oij!n imT!?":Jfr-tJ»?»/ r^-evaluato Lheir deeding intentions if any of these \r\nv circurrstancss wsrf: lo or.c .'r; ''ct vhey vould probably accept cattle at one cent above the orde:-ec' price -^'ithout n'ucfi hesitation. Ar Ontario study ' 33 showr- th'jt 80 per .-.ent of t\-?. cattle that lost mo^ey last yp^ir were bought at a loss Feede-s wishing to '^lci;iate the'' owi cost" '.f production on various classes of feeder catt'o ran obtain copy of 'ihc- pub!=cat'on Fesder Cattle-^^hat Can You Pay? (Aqdex 420/816-2' from Alberta AgricultiJfo'3 district office: or tv v"ri--ng to the "Publication Office, Alberta Agricu'turc-, 700C - 113 Strpet. Kdmontor, Albertg, T6H 5T6. - 30- For further Tcfc-mSiEon Cjle85« contsct: Dw ght Karren 329 5106 Phone:(403)427-2121 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch November 19, 1984 For immediate release Vitamin A deficiency in cattle Last summer's drought, which reduced the green grass available in southern Alberta, may result in beef cattle heading into the winter with vitamin A reserves tower than normal. As well, producers may be cutting corners and not supplying sufficient vitamin A to their livestock. Dr. Norman Harries of Alberta Agriculture says that examinations carried out on beef cattle at the regional veterinary laboratory in Lethbridge show that vitamin A defi- ciencies could cause problems in inadequately supplemented beef cattle this winter. Vitamin A controls the growth of bone, especially bone surrounding the brain; it is also necessary for vision in dim light and protects internal body surfaces, for example, the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Feeder cattle deficient in vitamin A may have convulsions, paralysis or blindness brought on by compression of the brain, explains Dr. Harries. Such cattle may also see poorly at twilight and stumble into feed bunks or other obstacles. Other effects of vitamin A deficiency are not so clearly defined, but may include increased susceptibility to infection of the eyes and the respiratory system. Pregnant cows that are severely deficient may abort, have retained placentas or give birth to calves that are weak. Since the signs of vitamin A deficiency may overlap those of other common diseases. Dr. Harries recommends that concerned producers consult with their veterinarian for a correct diagnosis. - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 9 -2 - Vitamin A deficiency in cattle (cont'd) Dr. Harries recommends that vitamin A be given at the time of winter housing to boost dwindling reserves. An intramuscular injection will supply one-half million to one million lU of vitamin A. Following the injection, the feed should be supplemented so that calves receive 20,000 lU, heavy feedlot cattle 30,000 iU, and pregnant cows 40,000 lU per head per day. Cows are reported to require from 60,000 to 70,000 IU of vitamin A daily between calving and the time they get green grass. Alternatively, says Dr. Harries, vitamin A can be injected every two to three months. Veterinarians and nutritionists should be consulted for more detailed advice on the treatment and prevention of vitamin A deficiency in cattle. -30- For further information please contact: Dr. Norman Harries 329-5190 November 19, !984 For immediate release 10 New film: Gone With the Wind. ..Too? St spring soil driftinq affected over one million acres in central and southern Alberta. Soil !f>r,s on this scale could create a serious problem for Alberta farmers if proper control measures aren't lak-^n. Cone With the Wind... foe? is a new film from Alberta Agriculture that deals with wind erojion and its control. !n view of t'le s'^'iov'sness of this vear's drought and the resulting high potential for soii erosion next v/'iar. tl-.o ^iim is especially timely, says John Hermans of Alberta Agri- culture'? conservation and develcpmppt branch. ^'1r. Hermans believes the film will ba particularly useful this winter. "During the wint^^r we tend to forget abont soil erosion when soils are frozen or hidden under the snow," he says. The 25-mir!Ute film contains revealing aerial and ground shots showing the extent of soil drifting northeast of Calgarv on .k'oe 1, 1984. It discusses the major causes of soil erosion and evaluates soil management practices that should ba considered to control it. new; practices developed in the 193ns bv Dr. Asael Palmer at Lethbridge are still effective. The film's major purpose is to create awareness, says Mr. Hermans, by emphasizing the impor- tance of keeping topsoil protected with crop residue, or as the soil people say, "Keep your stubble up." The soil conservation ten^sniques shown in Gone With the Wind. ..Too? are not - (cont'd) - Phone: (403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch New Film: Gone With the Wind. ..Too? (cont'd) Anyone wishing to discuss wind erosion or its control is invited to call John Hermans at the conservation and development branch at 422-4385. Gone With the Wind. ..Too? can be borrowed free of charge from Alberta Agri culture. Please write to the Film Library, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton T6H 5T6. -30- For further information please contact: John Hermans 422-4385 November 19, 1984 For immediate release 12 Alberta horse breeders' conference Alberta's second annual horse breede-'s' conference is scheduled for the Capri Centre in Red Deer January 19 and 20, 1985. The conference is sponsored by a number of horse associations in co-operation with the horse industry branch of Alberta Agriculture for the benefit of anyone who breeds or raises horses for market. The groups sponsoring the conference are the Alberta Arabian Horse Council, the Alberta Quarter Horse Breeders' Group, the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, and the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society. Features of this year's conference include two panel discussions, one on nutri- tional problems in horses, and a second on banking c'nd the horse industry. Twenty speakers will cover a variety of topics including breeding for profit, stallion syndication and promotion, the use of hor-ncnes to enhance reproductive performance in mares, practical application of equine locomoLion research, feeding and conditioning the equine athlete, and significant advances in parasite control. The registration fee for the conference is $7B per person. More information can be obtained from the Horse Industry Branch, No. 205, 2003 McKnight Boulevard N.E. Calgary, T2E 6L2; telephone 276-7775. -30- For further information please contaci:: Les Burwash 276-7775 one: (403)427-2121 /dibcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 13 November 19, 1984 For immediate release Seed marketing conference Seed for Profit, a conference aimed at helping members of the seed industry improve their marketing skills, is scheduled for November 29 and 30 in Calgary. Bill Witbeck of Alberta Agriculture's field crops branch says the seminar will cover the basic elements of marketing, how to get the most out of your advertising dollar, and how to set up good customer files. There will also be exhibits of the latest equipment. Among the speakers are seed growers, a plant breeder and the president of Canada's largest agricultural advertising agency. The seminar is being sponsored by SeCan Association, an organization that en- courages greater use of superior crop varieties. The association also ensures that newly licensed varieties are increased as rapidly as possible and offered in volume to farmers. per couple. Registration forms and further information are available from Bill Witbeck at the field crops branch in Lacombe, at 782-4641. The registration fee for the seminar Seed for Profit is $250 per person or $375 - 30 - For further information please contact: Bill Witbeck 782-4641 Phone: (403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 14 November 19, 1984 For immediate release Regional crop production specialist appointed to Barrhead Bill Chapman has been appointed Alberta Agriculture's regional crop produc- tion specialist at Barrhead. His appointment, which was effective November 1, 1984, is announced by John Tackaberry, regional director of the northwest region. Mr. Chapman majored in agronomy at the University of Saskatchewan, and upon graduating in 1979 joined Hoechst Canada Inc. as a technical representative. He worked throughout Saskatchewan, most recently out of North Battleford. In addition to his regular duties, Mr. Chapman assisted with training of new staff. Mr. Chapman and his wife Donna have two children, Lauren, aged two years. and Tyler, aged six months. -30- For further information please contact: Bill Chapman 674-8258 Phone: (403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch FEB OR 19^ November 26, 1984 For 'mmediare release This Week New i-ors;!? Seed Council aopolnted. Gram marketin;] seminar at Rimbey Preconditioned calf sale dates Preconditioning pays. Order Breeder Seed before December 31 Stinkweed poisoning in cattle Deadline for directory of farm custc m operators Forage tested at Beaverlodae Soil conservation agrologir.t aopointed Irrigation specialist appointed at Vauxhall ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch November 26, 1984 For immediate release 1 New Forage Seed Council appointed Alberta's Minister of Agriculture, LeRoy Fjordbotten, has announced the ap- pointment of a new chairman and 1 1 members to the Alberta Forage Seed Council. The new council has been established for a three-year period and is composed of producers and representatives of industry and government. Its first meeting was held Novem- ber 1 5 and 1 6 in Edmonton. The council chairman, Bob Luco of Lethbridge, explains that the council has four guidelines. It is to encourage and promote the grass and legume seed industry in Alberta and provide coordination among growers, processors, merchants and government. The council will also prepare technical and marketing information for all segments of the forage seed trade, and advise the minister of agriculture and staff of Alberta Agriculture and Agri- culture Canada on matters of production, research and marketing. The new producer members are Melvin Langson, Beaverlodge; Bob Garthy, Eagle- sham; Brian Moore, Debolt; Frank Kastelic, Sangudo; Arthur Jacques, Oyen;and Bob Luco, Lethbridge. Other council members are Dalton Langson, Alberta branch of the Canadian Seed Growers Association; Dennis Himschoot, Western Seed Trade Association; Gordon Peterson, Alfalfa Seed Producers Association; Dr. Daphne Fairey, Agriculture Canada Re- search; Bob Prather, Alberta Agriculture marketing; and Myron Bjorge, Alberta Agriculture plant industry. -30- For further information please contact: Bob Luco 427-5357 AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch November 26, 1984 2 For immediate release Grain marketing seminar at Rimbey With drought affecting barley and wheat supplies, and canola prices reaching records in the last eight months, farmers face many unusual circumstances in making their marketing decisions. Alberta Agriculture's third annual grain marketing seminar will present three speakers to put the situation in perspective for both producers and consumers of grain and canola. The seminar is scheduled for Rimbey on Thursday December 13, and its theme is "Outlook and marketing strategies for Alberta farmers." Dr. Brian Oleson of the Canadian Wheat Board will discuss recent changes in the international marketplace, including the continuing strong performance of the agricultural sector in China, and the Soviet Union's increasing imports. He will examine how Canada fits into this competitive and changing marketplace. Sid Gordon, a farmer and consultant from Neepawa, Manitoba will speak on the importance of marketing to today's farmers. Mr. Gordon will deal with information sources, and advise farmers on what to consider in their marketing decisions. Mr. Gordon will also show how careful marketing strategy has returned extra dollars to his operation. Alberta Agriculture's market analyst, Dwayne Couldwell, will be the final speaker, and will relate the information provided by the two others to the Canadian and Alberta situation. Mr. Couldwell writes Alberta Agriculture's weekly grains and oilseeds market outlook newsletter. He also has several years of experience in industry, and pro- vides grains and oilseeds outlook for the department. - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403)427-2121 Print Media Branch t 3 -2 - Grain marketing senninar at Rimbey (cont'd) Anyone wisiiing to attend the seminar must register in advance; registration is limited to 200. The fee is $15 per person or $25 for husband and wife. Lunch is included. More information and registration for the seminar are available by calling the Alberta Agriculture district office in Rimbey at 843-2201. - 30 - For farther information please contact: Gordon Bacon District agriculturist, Rimbey 843-2201 November 26, 198^ 4 For immediate release Preconditioned calf sale dates Producer response to the preconditioning program for calves has been excellent this year, says the coordinator of the program, Brian Harris. Veterinarians have requested more than 29,000 tags, compared with about 10,000 last year. "With these numbers, we can expect a good selection of cattle at the 14 precondi- tioned sales scheduled over the next few weeks," says Mr. Harris. The preconditioning program certifies that calves have received special handling and care that should enable them to better withstand the adjustment to the feedlot. A survey of feedlot operators in 1983 showed that preconditioned cattle require veterinary treatment only one-third as often as regular calves, and have one-quarter the death loss. The following is a list or coming preconditioned calf sales. DATE TIME LOCATION Nov. 21 10 a.m. Innisfail Auction Market Innisfail, Alberta Nov. 27 1 p.m. Perlich Bros. Auction Market Lethbridge, Alberta Nov. 28 — Drayton Valley Nov. 30 11a.m. Balog Auction Market Lethbridge, Alberta Nov. 30 1p.m. Cole's Auction Market Rocky Mountain House, Alberta Nov. 30 11a.m. Stettler Auction Market Stettler, Alberta Dec. 1 10 a.m. Void, Jones & Void Auction Market, Ponoka, Alberta (cont'd) /dibcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch Preconditioned sale dates (cont'd) DATE Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Dec. 7 Dec. 7 Dec. 12 TIME 1 1 a.m. 10a. m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 10a.m. 10a.m. LOCATION Burnt Lake Auction Red Deer, Alberta larket Modern Livestock Auction Market Clyde, Alberta Grande Prairie Auction Market Grande Prairie, Alberta Olds Auction Market Olds, Alberta Ealog Auction Market Lethbridge, Alberta Edmonton Public Stockyards Edmonton, Alberta Perlich Bros. Auction Market Lethbridge, Alberta -30 For further information please contact: Dr. Terry Church Preventive medicine branch 436-9343 6 November 26, 1984 For immediate release Preconditioning pays Preconditioned calves need veterinary treatment only one-third as much as regular calves, and their death loss is one-quarter that of regular calves, according to a survey just completed by Alberta Agriculture. This means that feedlot operators can afford to pay at least 3.6 cents per pound more for preconditioned calves, says Brian Harris, coordinator of the preconditioning program. He bases that calculation on the treatment cost of $10 per head, the calves at $450 each and the cost of processing regular calves at $4 per head. "You can probably also add a figure for improved gain because of less sickness, and calves already started on feed -- plus peace of mind," he says. Feedlot operators who bought preconditioned calves in 1983 reported having to treat 10 per cent of their preconditioned stock compared with 30 per cent of those not pre- conditioned. Seventy per cent of the feeders of preconditioned cattle treated less than 10 per cent of the cattle; only 30 per cent of regular herds achieved a treatment rate that low. Death loss, too, was significantly lower among preconditioned calves - .5 per cent, compared with 2.8 per cent among regular herds. Among buyers of preconditioned calves, 87 per cent reported no death loss at all. All in all, preconditioned cattle are a good investment, says Mr. Harris. More than 20,000 calves are being preconditioned this fall in Alberta. - 30- For further information please contact Dr. Terry Church Preventive medicine branch 436-9343 Phone: (403)427-2121 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch r 7 November 26, 1984 For immediate release Order Breeder Seed before December 31 December 31 is the deadline for applying for Breeder Seed under the select plot program of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association (CSGA). Established select seed growers wishing to obtain Breeder Seed of a SeCan variety should apply directly to SeCan Association in Ottawa, says Bill Witbeck of Alberta Agri- culture's field crops branch. He reminds growers that they must have their SeCan membership paid by January 1 , 1985, or they will not be eligible for membership in that year. "SeCan has no intention of accepting late applications, so please remember this deadline," says Mr. Witbeck. An established select grower who wishes to try a new variety of the same crop can request permission from CSGA in Ottawa to grow a select plot of both varieties for one season, but the combined area of the two plots must not exceed 2.5 acres. New growers must have probationary status granted by the Alberta Stock Seed Distribution Committee before they can apply for Breeder Seed. Once the Alberta commi- ttee grants probationary status, it will notify SeCan that the grower is eligible to receive an allocation of Breeder Seed. To receive probationary status, the applicant must have suc- cessfully grown the pedigreed variety of seed applied for during three of the last five years. Since SeCan controls and distributes its own seed varieties, the applicant must order the seed directly from SeCan in Ottawa. Deadline for this application is December 31. The maximum plot size allowed for a probationary grower is one acre, and the minimum is one-half acre. - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch -2- 8 Order Breeder Seed before December 31 (co nt 'd ) Application forms for obtaining Breeder Seed, and additional information on the select plot program or the SeCan Association are available from Bill Witbeck, Secretary, Alberta Stock Seed Distribution Committee, Bag Service No. 47, Lacombe, Alberta, TOC ISO, telephone: 782-4641. SeCan Association's address is No. 512, 885 Meadowlands Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 3N2. - 30- For further information please contact: Bill Witbeck 782-4641 November 26, 1984 For immediate release 9 Stinkweed poisoning in cattle If you feed hay containing stinkweed, be on the lookout for livestock poisoning, warns a veterinarian with Alberta Agriculture. Susan Crowe of the regional veterinary laboratory at Airdrie reports that in recent weeks two cases of stinkweed poisoning have occurred in Alberta. In one case, eight pregnant cows died and another 74 of 200 head in the same herd developed severe colic after eating hay that consisted almost entirely of stinkweed. In another herd, hay containing about 25 per cent stinkweed resulted in bloody urine among heifers. Stinkweed is so common that most producers don't think of it as poisonous. "But given this year's drought and economics, producers may be tempted to feed stinkweed," says Dr. Crowe. As experience has already shown, stinkweed can be toxic if livestock eat it in large enough quantities. "Use caution if the hay you feed contains stinkweed, and check with your vete- rinarian if you suspect poisoning," she advises. -30- For further information please contact: Dr. Susan Crowe 948-6868 Phone:(403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch November 26, 1984 10 For immediate release Deadline for directory of farm custom operators Farm custom operators who would like to be listed in the 1985 edition of Alberta Agriculture's directory of custom operators should contact the farm business management branch by December 31, 1984. The directory, which will be available next spring, lists custom operators in seven categories: haying, silage, grain, cultivation, applications, livestock, and land clearing and breaking. Each listing includes the operator's name, telephone number, nearest town, and the type of work done. The directory assists farmers in locating local custom operators, and offers some publicity for the operators. The directory is free. This is the second year for the publication, and distribution is expected to reach 10,000. Operators who are listed in the current directory will not be included in the 1985 edition unless they notify the farm business management branch before December 31. Operators who want to be listed should contact Claire Lukey at the farm business management branch at 556-4236, or write to the branch at Box 2000, Olds, Alberta, TOM IPO. Farmers interested in receiving a copy of the directory can contact the branch to have their names placed on the mailing list. -30- For further information please contact: Claire Lukey 556-4236 /diberra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch November 26, 1984 11 For immediate release Forage tested at Beaverlodge The production of forage seed for export is a growing industry in the Peace River region, one that is worth an estimated $20 million to producers each year. Such production frequently involves growing forage varieties that are not native to Canada, so their yield here is unknown. Under those conditions it can be difficult for the grower and seed company to establish a fair contract price. at solving that problem by testing forage varieties required by the export trade, and compar- ing their performance in the Peace region with that of Canadian standard varieties. The program, which is a joint project of Agriculture Canada and Alberta Agri- culture, is carried out by Henry Najda, a forage agronomist at Beaverlodge. A booklet has just been released showing the results of this year's trials for brome grass, red fescue, timothy, alfalfa, red clover and alsike clover. Mr. Najda explains that the forage is tested at six different locations in the Peace region. In addition to testing foreign varieties, each site has demonstration plots of perennial forage suited to the area. Mr. Najda says these plots have proved useful to local seed producers who want to compare variety and species differences in their own regions. He expects that in the long term, the program will provide data for developing recommendations for grasses and legumes to be seeded alone or in mixtures for herbage production. A forage cultivar program at the federal research station in Beaverlodge is aimed - (cont'd) - Phone. (403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch -2- 12 £Dj:agal£sled_slBeavejdQdns_( cont'd ) Copies of the 'atest bulietin on Forage Cultivar Trials are available fronn Henry Nsjda, Begverlodge Research Station, Box 29, Beaverlodge, Alberta, TOH OCO, telephone 354-2212. - 30- tQr fysthsr ioformnfltiort pSeasa contact: Henry Najda 354-2212 13 November 26, 1984 For immediate release Soil conservation agrologist appointed Alberta Agriculture's new soil conservation agrologist is W.M. (Mike) Doggart. His appointment to the conservation and development branch is announced by John Hermans, head of the soil and water conservation section. In his new position Mr. Doggart will assist department staff and agricultural service boards throughout Alberta to develop soil conservation programs. Mr. Doggart was raised on Vancouver Island. In 1978 he graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.Sc. in agriculture, majoring in soil science. For the past two years Mr. Doggart has worked as Alberta Agriculture's forage crop specialist for northeastern Alberta. -30- For further information please contact: Mike Doggart 422-4385 Phone: (403)427-2121 /dibcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 14 November 26, 1984 For immediate release Irrigation specialist appointed at Vauxhall The appointment of Lloyd Healy as Alberta Agriculture's irrigation specialist at Vauxhall is announced by A.E. Pungor, head of the irrigation branch at Lethbridge. As irrigation specialist, Mr. Healy will manage programs in farm irrigation deve- lopment and land reclamation. He will also be available to consult with farmers. Mr. Healy was raised in the Vulcan area. He holds a B.Sc. in agricultural engi- neering from the University of Alberta, and is finishing an M.Sc. in agricultural engineering. Before being appointed irrigation specialist, Mr. Healy worked with Alberta Agriculture in Lethbridge on a Farming for the Future project on subsurface drainage for dryland saline seeps. -30- For further information please contact: Lloyd Healy 654-2161 ne: (403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch December 3, 1984 For immediate release This Week Hail and crop insurance corporation pays record claims 1 Food Processing Development Centre opens at Leduc 3 Hog outlook 4 Good outlook for lamb prices 5 Cattle outlook 6 Build your own remote temperature monitor 7 Study of how farmers spend their time 9 Parkland wheat production needs attention, says researcher 11 Ron Weisenburger appointed head of beef cattle and sheep branch 13 Alberta 4-H trio win international judging seminar 14 /dibcrra AGRICULTURE Phone: (403) 427-21 21 Print Media Branch 1 December 3, 1984 For immediate release Hail and crop insurance corporation pays record claims The Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance Corporation has already paid a record of more than $1 25 million to farmers who suffered heavy crop losses this year. Claims are still being processed and payments could reach $175 million by the time they are all finalized, says Ed Patching, the general manager of the corporation. "This is by far the largest pay-out ever made by the corporation, and double last year's record of $76 million," he says. Extreme drought in south and central Alberta was the main cause of the heavy losses, but grasshoppers, more hail than usual, excessive moisture at seeding, and unfavorable harvest conditions in the north all contributed. Under the corporation's all-risk insurance program, payments so far have totalled more than $85 million, and could reach another $40 million to $50 million. Mr. Patching says crop adjustments have been completed for fall, but there are another 1,000 policyholders whose crops are snowed under and whose claims can't be final- ized until spring. In the meantime, many of these farmers will qualify for advance payments. The corporation is currently sending out cheques totalling about $10 million per week from its headquarters at Lacombe, and except for snowed under crops, all claims should be paid by Christmas. In addition to losses for production shortages, the corporation has paid a record of more than $38 million under the hail endorsement to the all-risk program. - (cont'd) - Phone: (403)427-2121 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 2 - 2 - Hail and crop insurance corporation pays record claims (cont'd) A further $15 nnillion has been paid under the corporation's straight hail insu- rance program. While these large payments will use up this year's premium and most of the corporation's reserves, farmers don't need to worry about whether there is enough money to pay for all their claims, says Mr. Patching. An arrangement with the provincial and federal governments provides for ample funds to pay for all losses this year and in the future. -30- For further information please contact: Ed Patching 782-4661 December 3, 1984 3 For immediate release Food Processing Development Centra opens at Leduc A centre opening December 6 at Leduc will enable Alberta's food processors to develop new products and adapt food processing technolooies to their operations. "Our aim is to help Alberta processor's become more competitive," says Dave Schroder, head of t'le Food Processing Development Centre, which was built using S8.6 mil- lion from the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. Tho 30,000-square foot centre consists of a product development laboratory and a processing plant equipped to carry out most food processes on a pilot scale. The centre will have nearly $2 million worth of equipment. The centre also has an information centre which will provide technical and trade information and offer computer access to further infor- xation. The centre will operate under federal inspection so that meat products developed there can be shipped throughout Canada and abroad. Although the centre's staff seven includes specialists with experience in the food industry and research, some of the work will be done using staff and materials supplied by the processors themselves. There will be no charge to processors using the centre unless a project takes ex- tended time, equipment or materials. Results will remain the property of the client, and confi- dentiality is protected. Dr. Schroder says the centre will complement other marketing services offered by Alberta Agriculture, and when appropriate, will work in cooperation with other research facilities. -30- For further irtformation please contact: Dave Schroder 986-4793 Phone:(403)427-2121 ydlborra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch December 3, 1984 4 For immediate release Hog outlook Alberta producers are expected to continue extensive liquidation of their herds during the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of 1985. Prices in the province, meanwhile, will increase to $70 per hundredweight for Index 100 hogs by year-end, and $75 to $80 per hundredweight during the first six months of 1985, according to Gordon Herrington, Alberta Agriculture's livestock market analyst. He says that as usual. Alberta price trends will generally follow those of the U.S. market, with two exceptions. First, weak demand in Alberta over Christmas and New Year's may force the price down, temporarily widening the differential between local prices and those in U.S. markets. Second, Alberta's hog slaughter capacity should rise to 35,000 to 36,000 head from the current level of 29,000 head in late January when new facilities, now being installed, go into operation. The proportion of live hogs being shipped out of Alberta should thus decrease, reducing transfer costs. The increased capacity, along with reduction in hog output, should have a posi- tive effect on prices, says Mr. Herrington. The effect of the current herd liquidation won't show up until the end of the first quarter of 1985, but Alberta's output next year could drop by as much as 10 per cent from 1984, he says. - 30- For further information please contact: Gordon Herrington 427-5376 Phone:(403)427-2121 AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch Decerr.ber 3, • 9S4 5 For immediate release Good outlook for lamb prices The outlook for Alberta lamb prices is positive for the rer.t of this year and the first quarter of 'QSB, says Marilyn Johnson, a market analyst with Alberta Agriculture. Some added good news fc produc^rn :? that pr"ices should stay strong until May or June instead of peaking at Eaate'' as they usually do. Ms. Johnson expects lamb prices to range between $73 and S78 per hundred- weight live un*il the end of this year, rising to the $77 to $82 range in the first quarter of 1985. The reasons for this outlook include an overall reduction in meat supplies and apparent strong consumer demand for lamb. One sign of this consumer demand, says Ms. Johnson, is that although .Alb'^rta's number? of slaughter lambs were well above 1983 levels during the first nine months of this year, prices did not fail. Prices for premium lambs in Alberta were more than SI 4 per hun- dredweight higher in the third quarter of this v?ar than la.st year. Between July 1, 1983 and July 1, 1984 the number of sheep and lambs dec- lined in Alberta, as it did in the rest of Canada. Alberta's reduction cf four per cent in sheep numbers was the largest of th? three major sheep oroducina orov-rces. Canadian lamb supplies were sufficient, howeve", to cause a 27 per cent decline in the amount of Iamb imported in the third quarter. So far this year. Canada's imports of lamb from New Zealand, our major supplier, a''e less than half of what they were in 1983. -30- For further info«'n>atiGn please contact: Marilvn Johnson 427-4002 Phone:(403)427-2121 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch 6 December 3, 1984 For immediate release Cattle outlook Alberta Agriculture's livestock market analyst expects slaughter cattle prices to stay strong for the rest of the fourth quarter of 1984 and the first quarter of 1985. Gordon Herrington says prices for A1, 2 steers could reach $80 to $82 per hun- dredweight during February or March, but beyond that any increase is not likely. If supplies are heavy, prices could even drop $5 to $6 per hundredweight in April and May. The only positive factor in the market, says Mr. Herrington, is the expected re- duction of pork supplies, but even that will be modified by an increase in poultry output. In Alberta good numbers of finished cattle should be available until mid-1985. It appears that a higher number of calves than usual were placed on feed after weaning, and a significant number of yearlings were placed in September and early October. This fall brought a higher demand from eastern Canada for feeder cattle and calves than usual, based on the assumptions that slaughter prices in 1985 will be at least as high as 1984, and that feeding costs will be lower. Mr. Herrington says this demand should continue until the end of the year. Reduced slaughter capacity during the third quarter of 1984 held slaughter num- bers in Alberta to 302,353 head, 10 per cent less than 1983, and the lowest volume in years. Total output was high, however, because 93,000 head of cattle were moved out of Alberta, nearly three times as many as in 1983. - 30- For further information please contact: Gordon Herrington 427-5376 Phone:(403)427-2121 /diberta AGRICULTURE Print Media Branch December 3, 1984 For immediate release Build your own remote temperature monitor Remote temperature monitor: This low-cost unit is easy to build and monitors temperatures up to one-quarter mile away. How many times have you wanted to know the temperature in the barn, the grain bins, or the garden without going out to check? Alberta Agriculture's engineers have come up with a low-cost temperature moni- tor that's easy to build and will give you a temperature reading from up to one-quarter of a mile away. The unit can measure temperatures in 1 1 different locations using electronic sensors connected to the monitor with ordinary speaker wire. (cont'd) Phone: (403)427-2121 >