mi m:: 12 1976 CANADA NATIONAL LIBRARY BIILIOTHEQUE NATIONALE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS COLLECTION DES II PUBLICATIONS DU GOjVERNCMENT CANADIANA EEK ALL Ipelding flax varieties and new uses for linseed oil is needed at home. These conclusions were reached after lengthy discussions with European brokers, traders and linseed oil consumers. growers in Western Canada to promote flax and linseed oil sales in Europe. Mission members were divided into two groups. One group went to Western Europe, while the other group visited the Eastern bloc countries. Although there are technological deferences between Eastern bloc and Western countries which have resulted in different market conditions, the recommendations from the two groups were the same. Committees have been set up to carry through the recommendations of the mission. of three years ago forced consumers to experiment with other oils with the result that substitutes were found for linseed oil, which then lost its market position. This was particularly true in Western Europe. However, Eastern European technology has prevented the decline experienced there from being as marked as it is in the Western countries. Alberta; David Berntson, Foremost, Alberta; Francis Simpson, Shoal Lake, Manitoba; Dr. Gottfried Haase, Edmonton, Alberta and Dick Lennox, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mission members to Eastern Europe were Ken Evans, Regina, Saskatchewan; Booker Cornea, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Roy Levee, Radville, Saskatchewan; Dr. Frank Sosulski, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Alf K'ausgaard, Saskatoon. Saskatchewan The mission was a co-operative effort on the part of the three prairie provinces and flax The immediate future of flax sales in the European market is pessimistic. The high prices Participants in the Western European Linseed Mission included Wilf Blackwell, Bawlf, -30 - AGRICULTURE 'hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS May 3, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RAINDROP SPRAY NOZZLES The new raindrop spray nozzles that are now on the market appear to have both ad- vantages and disadvantages compared with conventional nozzles. According to Allen Davey of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch, the spray pro- duced by the raindrop nozzles is composed of much larger droplets of a more uniform size than are those produced by conventional nozzles at comparable flow rates and pressure. Hence, the spray is not subject to the same amount of drift as the spray produced by the flat fan-type or flooding-type nozzles (the most commonly used nozzles in agricultural spraying). The manufacturer of the raindrop nozzles, Delavan, claims that their nozzles produce 1 5 to 20 times less spray droplets which are small enough to drift (under 1 00 microns in diameter) than the conventional nozzles. "This characteristic", says Mr. Davey, "makes raindrop nozzles ideal for spraying incor- porated herbicides because spraying can be done during a windy day. It would not be possible to use fan-type nozzles or the flooding-type nozzles under these conditions because of the vapor drift". However, the use of raindrop nozzles with post-emergent herbicides may be limited in Mr. Davey's view. He points out that the larger droplets do not give the same sort of blanket coverage over the whole field as the finer sprays produced under normal conditions by the flat fan and flooding nozzles. The larger droplets may be an even more serious drawback in the case of contact herbicides which depend for a good kill upon good spray coverage. -30- ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Phone (403) 427-2127 May 3, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTROLLING BACTERIA THAT DESTROY SEPTIC TANKS Alberta Agriculture's engineering and home design branch has received numerous reports lately of sulphate-reducing bacteria causing problems in septic tanks. Ron Johnston, water and sewage specialist with the engineering and home design branch, explains that once established, the bacteria produce hydrogen sulphide gas in large quantities and com- pletely dominate the bacterial action in the septic tank. Such tanks lack the surface scum that is found in an uninfested tank, and the effluent is black and very offensive in odor. "The effluent may clog disposal fields, cause sewage pump check valves to stick and electrodes to short," Mr. Johnston says. The first indication that sulphate-reducing bacteria have invaded a septic tank is usually a smell like rotten eggs. The gas that causes this odor often escapes through water fixtures, clean-out plugs or the roof vent. Other common early signs are frequent electrode and check valve problems. When hydrogen sulphide is released in large quantities inside a septic tank, an acid solution is formed as the gas dissolves in the moisture inside the tank. The acid is extremely corrosive. While copper vents are particularly subject to this type of corrosion, there is also a continuous eating away of all metals with which the acid comes in contact. Even concrete septic tanks will begin to disintegrate above the water line. According to Mr. Johnston, one method of controlling the bacteria is to put nitrates directly into the septic tank. "They will not kill the bacteria," he explains "but they will provide them with a preferred type of food. When the bacteria feed on nitrates, a harmless gas is given off as a by-product in place of the hydrogen sulphide'.' - (cont'c) /tola AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS -2- Controlling Bacteria that Destroy Septic Tanks (cont'd) Mr. Johnston recommends flushing 5 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer (35-0-0) once a week into an average-sized tank with a 500-galion working capacity. "This amount of nitrates is enough to keep the bacteria from feeding on the sulphates," he explains. Past experience has shown that the rotten egg odor usually disappears and the black effluent returns to a mildly odorous grey effluent within two to four weeks after the nitrates have been put into the tank. Mr. Johnston emphasizes that because the nitrate treatment is only a control measure, it must be continued indefinitely. If it is discontinued, the previously mentioned undesirable situation in the septic tank will return. However, there is a method that will permanently alleviate the situation. It entails changing the septic tank vent system to exclude the admission of air to the tank. The type of alteration required will depend upon the type of tank. Information on correcting individual problems can be obtained from local agricultural engineering technologists who may be contacted through district agriculturists. Mr. Johnston strongly recommends that anyone planning to install a new septic tank make sure that the vent system is arranged so that no air enters the septic tank. -30- 16 May 3, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SPRING TREE DISTRIBUTION A total of 1 .7 million trees are being shipped to 4,230 Alberta farmers under the provincial shelterbelt program this spring. The first shipments of trees have already gone out to farmers located in the south of the province. Distribution starts in the south and is extended northward until the whole province has been covered. Distribution is expected to be completed by May 15. The volume of trees scheduled for distribution this spring is below the long range coverage, mainly because it does not include any spruce. There were no spruce trees at the provincial tree nursery at Oliver which were large enough to be shipped. In addition to the 1.7 million trees from the provincial nursery, Alberta Agriculture is shipping 65,000 trees, representing 215 orders, for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration's (PFRA) tree nursery at Indian Head, Saskatchewan. PFRA provides trees to Alberta farmers every year, but this year, because of transportation difficulties, they have arranged for Alberta Agriculture to do the distributing. Herman Oosterhuis, in charge of Alberta's shelterbelt program, urges farmers to plant their trees properly and carefully this year. He points out that there is no longer an unlimited supply of trees for distribution. "We were unable," he says, "to fill 570 orders this year because the demand was greater than the supply." The list of trees that will be available for planting in 1977 will be at all district agriculturist's offices on June 1 . Anybody who plans to plant shelterbelt trees in the spring of 1 977 can submit his application through his district agriculturist after that date. The closing date for receipt of applications for 1 977 is November 1 . -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra May 3, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOAN OFFICERS APPOINTED The chairman of the board of directors of the Agricultural Development Corporation, Lome Ordze, has announced the hiring of Frank Gajdostick as loan officer at the Brooks office and David Ness as loan officer at the Lacombe office. Mr. Gajdostick was raised on an irrigation farm in the Coaldale district where he received his early eduction. He then attended the Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, U. S. A., graduating in 1971 with a bachelor of business administration. He worked for a short time with Alberta Agriculture after his graduation and then joined one of the major oil companies in Calgary, where he spent three years. In 1975 he returned to operate the family farm in the Coaldale area. The practical agricultural background and the educational and business experience which Mr. Gojdostick brings to his new job will benefit both the corporation and its clients. Mr. Ness grew up on a farm in the Cochrane area and received his early education there. He attended the University of Alberta, graduating in 1971 with a B. Sc. (agricultural economics). Following graduation he spent a year with Statistics Canada in Ottawa and then returned to Calgary where he worked for a consulting firm as a marketing economist. His work included market research on various agricultural commodities and the preparation of studies for the firm's clients. Prior to joining the Agricultural Development Corporation, Mr. Ness spent a year with a chartered bank as an agricultural specialist. His broad background in both agriculture and business will be a definite asset to the farmers in the Lacombe area. -30- /dlberia May 3, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOILS CONSERVATION SUPERVISOR APPOINTED The head of Alberta Agriculture's soils branch, Adolph Goettel, has announced the appointment of John Hermans to the position of supervisor of soil conservation. As a soils conservation specialist, Mr. Hermans will be responsible for programs related to soil conservation that are implemented through municipal agricultural service boards. He will continue the feasibility study on the deep plowing of solonezic soils and will act as representative for Alberta Agriculture on a number of committees which assess resource development proposals as they relate to agriculture. Mr. Hermans was raised near Calgary and attended the University of Alberta. He graduated with a B. Sc. (agriculture) in 1969 and obtained his M. Sc. (soils) in 1972. Since graduation he has instructed in the renewable resource program at the Lakeland College in Vermilion and has been a soils and photogrammetry instructor at the forest technology school at Hinton. Mr. Hermans has spent the last two years as a soils specialist with Alberta Agriculture's irrigation division in Lethbridge. -30- /dlb<3rra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS V i US May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4j CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS COLLECTION THIS WEEK All Alberta Dairy Producers Must Cut-back 1 1 Per Cent 1 Wheat Streak Mosaic Near Ft. McLeod 4 Summer Farm Employment Program 6 CORRECTION TO Roundup (Glyphosate) Canadian Cattle Price Prospects 9 Hog Outlook 11 Energy Requirements After Calving 13 Grass Tetany Disease 15 Regional Dairy Specialists Appointed 17 Dairy Division Appointments 18 Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALL ALBERTA DAIRY PRODUCERS MUST CUT-BACK 1 1 PER CENT All dairy producers in Alberta must immediately cut back on their quotas by 1 1 per cent, says Marvin E. Moore, Alberta's minister of agriculture. Milk shipped in excess of 94.5 per cent of the reduced market share quota will be assessed a levy of $8.60 per hundredweight and churn cream will be assessed a levy of $1.00 per pound of butterfat he said. During the past dairy year Alberta produced approximately 27 million pounds of butterfat. This must be cut back to 24 million pounds of butterfat during the coming year. Each province is being forced to cut back milk production to meet domestic requirements rather than building up a surplus of products that cannot be exported due to a global over-supply situation. Each producer's market share quota (M.S.Q.) will be 89 per cent of his last dairy year's pro- duction (from April 1, 1975 to March 31, 1976). The Alberta position and each producer's quota will be reviewed on at least a quarterly basis at which time changes in this policy may be made, including the provision of monthly quota allocations if production is not brought into line said the minister. If ship- ments are not reduced immediately, producers could be faced with little or no quota during the final months of the year, said Mr. Marvin Moore. In addition to the 1 1 per cent cut-back, producers are also faced with an additional 5.5 per cent cut-back in production as they will receive the federal subsidy on only 94.5 per cent of their already reduced quota. The federal government, through the Canadian Dairy Commission, will give a direct subsidy to the producer of $2.66 per hundredweight of milk and 76 cents per pound of butterfat. This subsidy will be paid on 94.5 per cent of market share quota. For deliveries between 94.5 per cent and 100 per cent of their quota producers will be assessed an over-quota levy of $8.60 per hundredweight of milk and $1.00 per pound ojftBiUeTfc - (continued) - (403)427-2127 COMMUNIC All Alberta Dairy Producers Must Cut-back 1 1 Per Cent (cont'd) Obviously producers should plan their production to not exceed 94.5 per cent of their market share quota, the agriculture minister said. Before any producer is eligible to deliver industrial milk to a processing facility, he must have a registration number, said Marvin Moore. The Alberta Dairy Control Board will not issue a registration number to producers who do not hold quotas. Plants have been instructed to refuse shipments or to deduct the full over-quota levy from any producer who cannot prove he has a registration number. This requirement makes it necessary for a producer to deliver all his shipments to the same plant. Should a producer desire to change plants he must give the dairy board one month's notice. Producers in doubt of their registration status should immediately contact the Alberta Dairy Control Board at Wetaskiwin. Dairy farmers who underwent a major expansion during the past dairy year must notify the dairy control board in a letter prior to June 1 so they can receive consideration for quota expansion. Established producers whose total milk deliveries during the past dairy year exceeded the provincial average increase in industrial milk will receive consideration for additional quota. Guidelines for receiving increase in quotas for these producers or individuals in extraordinary circumstances will be announced after June 1 , 1976. Producers who had no milk deliveries prior to May 1, 1976 will be provided with quotas based on the average of monthly production projected over 12 months less the 1 1 per cent reduction in pro- duction required by all producers. The above does not apply to fluid milk producers. Purchase of quotas from other producers, called transfers, will be permitted after April 1, 1976 although the exact amount of the transfer will not be known until after June 1 . Therefore, all agreements made in the interim will be tentative only. All quotas transferred will be reduced by 25 per cent. This25 per cent of market share quota will revert to the Alberta reserve unless the transfer is made to an immediate member of the family. The minimum amount of market share quota that can be transferred is 420 pounds of butterfat. Should the transferor's total market share quota be below this amount then the smaller amount in total is transferable. - (continued) - ^ All Alberta Dairy Producers Must Cut-back 11 Per Cent (cont'd) Should a milk producer discontinue milk production for a period of two consecutive months and not transfer his quota, the quota will revert to the Alberta reserve. This also applies to churn cream shippers except the time period is six months. Therefore, it is important if a producer gives up dairying, that he arrange to transfer his quota within the appropriate two or six months or his quota will be lost. All quota transfers must be submitted to the dairy control board for approval. To assist producers in transferring quotas the dairy control board will operate a listing service which will provide producers with the names of those going out of business and offering quotas for sale. -30- 3 May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHEAT STREAK MOSAIC NEAR FT. MCLEOD Wheat streak mosaic and wheat spot mosaic viruses have been detected in winter wheat fields south of Fort McLeod. Blair Shaw, regional plant industry supervisor with Alberta Agriculture, advises winter wheat growers to examine their crops carefully for yellow areas. If yellow spots are detected producers should check with their local district agriculturist to determine the exact nature of the problem. Other plant disease are indicated by yellow leaves so wheat mosaic may not necessarily be present. Mr. Shaw says he has found some extensive infestations in the Fort McLeod area, some being as large as 400 acres. In the fields that he has investigated the crops are infested with mites which spread the virus. As these mites, carried by the wind, can spread the viruses to susceptible spring seeded wheats and barley there is an excellent chance of secondary infection. Since both the viruses and the mites that carry wheat mosaic are too small to be seen with the naked eye the disease must be recognized from the appearance of infected plants. Leaf symptoms are the first evidence of the disease. Pale green streaks appear on yo jng leaves and the more severe yellow splotchy symptoms are found on older leaves. Yields may be drastically reduced and the field can be a source of infection for spring crops. Farmers with infected fields or with nearby infected fields should be careful not to plant spring wheat, barley, oats or rye near these fields. No varieties are resistant and there are no pesticides that control this disease. Wheat is the most susceptible crop and most favorable for multiplication of the mite. Although oats and rye occasionally become infected they do not appear to be seriously damaged. Other crops grown in the area are not known to be attacked. Rapeseed is a good alternative. - (continued) - Am\ aoi oio7 COMMUNICATIONS /dlbcrra 4 Wheat Streak Mosaic Near Ft. McLeod (cont'd) The viruses that cause wheat mosaic and the mite that transmits them cannot survive without a continuous, year-round supply of living host f lants. Winter wheat (and occasionally winter rye) carries both the viruses and the mite through the critic al winter period. This explains why wheat mosaic is only a problem in the areas where winter wheat is grown regularly. Mites carry the viruses during the spring and summer to healthy crops of spring wheat and barley from infested winter wheat including volunteers. Then if winter wheat is sown when the summer host plants are still green the mites can transfer the viruses back to the newly emerging winter wheat and complete the cycle. The disease can be simply and effectively controlled by breaking this cycle. Preventing the infection of winter wheat in the fall is the key to controlling this disease. This can be achieved by making sure there are no nearby sources of disease-carrying mites when the winter wheat emerges. Early seeding of winter wheat can be a problem for there is a great chance of infection from green summer hosts. -30- 5 May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUMMER FARM EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM The deadline for applications for participation in the 1976 Summer Farm Employment Pro- gram has now been reached and no further applications will be considered, says Marvin E. Moore, Minister of Agriculture. By the deadline, April 30, 1976, Alberta Agriculture had received 1 ,427 applications. Approximately 900 of these were farmers who had not previously participated in the program. All of these first time applicants will be accommodated. A draw will be held to select approximately one-third of the remaining 500 applicants. This will provide for a total participation of 1 ,100 students and 1 ,100 farmers. All applicants to date will be notified in writing by May 20, 1976 of the status of their application. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 >dlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IGNORE PREVIOUS RELEASE OF MAY 3, 1976 ROUNDUP (GLYPHOSATE) Roundup (Glyphosate), a new herbicide which will control all annual weeds and a number of persistent perennials, has now been registered for use on fields later to be seeded to wheat, barley, oats and corn as well as in industrial and non-crop areas. Included in the annual weeds controlled by Roundup are wild buckwheat, crab grass, green foxtail, knotweed, kochia, lady's-thumb, wild oats, mustard, pigweed, ragweed, sow thistle and Russian thistle. The persistent perennial weeds controlled includes Canada thistle, sow thistle, toadflax, quack grass, field bindweed, hoary cress and henbane. Application of Roundup should be delayed until the weeds are well advanced but the herbi- cide must be applied before the crop emerges. Allow five or more days after application before tillage. Roundup does not provide per-emergence or residual weed control and newly germinating weeds may be a problem in the crop. Tillage such as spring plowing, discing or mowing prior to application of Roundup will reduce effectiveness on perennial weeds. If weeds have been mowed or tilled, do not treat until regrowth has reached the recommended stages. Repeat treatment may be necessary to control weeds growing from underground parts or seeds. Repeat treatment must be made before the crop emerges. Roundup, a water soluble herbicide, mixes readily with water and is applied as a foliage spray. This product cannot be applied using aerial spray equipment and extreme care must be taken to avoid spray drift since even minute quantities can cause severe damage to nearby crops, plants, or other areas where treatment is not intended. Roundup moves through the plant from the point of foliage contact to and into the root system. Visible effects on most annual weeds occur within two to four days but on most|rjerennial weeds - (continued) - (403) 427-2127 n most perennial weeds /dlbqrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Roundup (Glyphosate) (cont'd) may not occur for seven to ten days. Extreme! • cool or cloudy weather at treatment time may slow down activity of this herbicide and delay visua effects of control. Visible effects are a gradual wilting and yellowing of the plant which advances to c omplete browning of above ground growth and deterioration of underground root parts. Depending upon the stage of growth, recommended rates range from 12 to 16 ounces active ingredient per acre for annual weed control, 24 to 36 ounces per acre for Canada thistle and quack grass control and 36 to 60 ounces active ingredient per acre for field bindweed, sow thistle, hoary cress and toadflax control. Roundup should be applied in 10 to 15 gallons of water and cannot be mixed with any pesticides, herbicidal oils or any materials other than water. Roundup is expected to be marketed as a liquid containing 64 ounces active ingredient per gallon and the rumored price is about $60 per gallon says Arnold Stearman of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch. He says an application of Roundup at the proper stage plus delayed tillage will provide about 95 per cent control of most weeds. Although the price may seem high at first glance, says Mr. Stearman, it becomes much less of a factor when viewed from the point of view of Roundup's demonstrated effectiveness, its lack of soil sterilization even when used on summerfallow and the savings it facilitiates in cultivation costs. -30- EDITOR'S NOTE: The previous article on Roundup (Glyphosate) has been rewritten for we felt it might have left the wrong impression. It is a pre-emergence herbicide and cannot be used when the crop is up. It must be used prior to seeding or emergence. 8 May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANADIAN CATTLE PRICE PROSPECTS Canadian cattle price prospects are brighter than they have been for the past four monthr. According to the head of Alberta Agriculture's marketing analysis branch, Jim Dawson, the worst is over, and fed beef prices are edging up towards the mid-$40 level. He points out that the fed beef situation in March put caution into the feeder cattle market, but new optimism in early April has brought good feeder steer prices into the $38 to $44 range and good heifers into the $30 to $36 range. Based upon the Canadian Feeder cattle situation and the U.S. cattle on feed survey, it seems there will be a fairly heavy volume of feedlot marketings through June and into July, with a tapering off in non-fed beef. "After that there could be a dip in volume", Mr. Dawson says. On this basis, Calgary A-] and A2 steers should average out to be similar to last year (around $45 per hundred-weight) in the second quarter. Late summer marketings could average out $1 or $2 higher, providing the non-fed beef flow holds at the present level or goes lower. Mr. Dawson says some factors to consider for the last quarter of this year are that non-fed beef slaughter should be below,and fed beef volume moderately above,that of 1975; Canadian and U.S. surveys show a decline in available feeder cattle through the summer; the proportion of Canadian and U.S. feeders that will go on grass this summer rather than into feedlots and the total meat supply as pork and poultry production increases. These factors should balance out to lower prices for the last quarter of the year — possibly the low to mid-$40 level. Feeder Cattle With the grass season coming on and the fed beef situation showing improvement, good feeder steers should average over $40 in May through the summer. If barley prices are at $2 pe£||jshel next fall and fed beef somewhere close fo $45 per hundred-weight, the premium will like! l per Dusnei next v Jloorfo AGRICULTURE - (continued) - Q hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Canadian Cattle Price Prospects (cont'd) short-keep feeder cattle and fall feeder cattle pr :es should average at least $5 above the 1975 level. This would put good feeder steers close to $45 per nundred-weight. Based on $2 barley, the demand for calves under 500 pounds would still be inactive. Cows The outlook for cows is certainly more optimistic than it was a year ago. Prices are heading into the seasonal high with Calgary prices in the low $30 level for D1 and D2 cows compared with $26 to $28 last year. Among the positive factors for better cow prices are a good demand for cow beef following the large volume over the past year, the fact that the volume of cow beef is tapering off and should be lower than it was in the last half of 1975 and the fact that the world supply-demand situation has picked up, resulting in a higher price for imported boneless beef. Providing pasture conditions are notunreason- bly dry, cow slaughter should be below the 1975 level after the present calving season.. More detailed information on the cattle situation is contained in the "Market Analysis", a quarterly situation and outlook review. If you would like to receive it but are not on the mailing list, please telephone 427-5378 (call the R.l.T.E. operator for toll free call) or write to the Market Analysis Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- 10 May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOG OUTLOOK A hog price of $70 or more per hundred-weight is a short term possibility, but prices in the $65 to $70 range seem more probable, says Jim Dawson, head of Alberta Agriculture's market analysis branch. However, Mr. Dawson believes that prices are likely to be under pressure from the total meat supply from mid-summer through the rest of the year and to fall back to the low $60's or even the high $50 level by late summer or fall. "If there is a heavy run on non-fed beef at any time in the last quarter of this year, plus the expected increase in hog production, prices could drop back to the mid-$50 level and lower in 1977 as North American production expands", Mr. Dawson says. While the signs are here for a gradual increase in Canadian hog production, marketings will probably remain below the low levels of 1975 until late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of this year. In Alberta some production expansion seems to be taking place, mainly with large producers, but many former hog producers are still satisfied to sell barley for $2 plus. Canadian production in 1976 is expected to total slightly less than the 1975 production. Agriculture Canada reported pork exports in the first three months of the current year at 19.6 million pounds, down 12 per cent from 1975. According to Mr. Dawson, the decline has been in the movement of pork to the U.S. Overseas exports were up by about 1 million pounds, (total 14.8 million pounds) compared with 1975. Canada will be a net importer of pork this year. Canadian pork imports for the first three months of 1976 were 35 million pounds, virtually all from the United States. These imports would be equivalent to about 20,000 hogs per week. At present imports from the United States are currently averaging from 500,000 to 1 million pounds per day. >dlbcrra -lone (403) 427 2127 - (cont'd) - AGRICtpVTl COMMUNICATI Hog Outlook (cont'd) For the period January through Mar ;h 4,491 live hogs were exported to the U.S. The volume was small because Canadian prices stayed on an 'import' basis relative to the United States in the first three months of the year. U. S. Situation The March survey for the 14 major hog producing states in the U. S. shows that the United States is ahead of Canada in terms of getting back into production. Their marketings will probably exceed 1975 levels by mid-summer, at least four months earlier than will be the case in Canada. Estimates point to a 2 to 3 per cent increase in 1976 marketings compared with 1975. Although this is still a small volume when compared with 1974, it is still enough to reverse the record-breaking price patterns of 1975. -30- 12 May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ENERGY REQUIREMENTS AFTER CALVING Decisions that cattlemen make now regarding the nutritional status of their herds will have a great bearing on the success or failure of their breeding programs. Ruth Berg, animal nutritionist with Alberta Agriculture's soil and feed testing laboratory, points out that when a cow starts to produce milk, her requirements for nutrients greatly increase over those during the dry period. "The major increase will be in the cow's requirement for energy", she says. The average beef cow will need at least 40 per cent more energy after calving than before, and cows with superior milking ability, such as some of the imported dual-purpose breeds, will need as much as 70 per cent more energy after calving. "By providing your cows with the energy they need after calving, the benefits will be two- fold", according to Ms. Berg. Firstly, by allowing for optimum milk production you can increase the weaning weights of your calves. "Each adaitional one pound of milk per day can yield 10 pounds of extra calf at weaning", Ms. Berg says. Secondly, by providing cows with the energy they need after calving, you will ensure that they will start to cycle sooner and have better rates of conception. Not giving your cows the energy they need will cause them to be slow to come into heat, and possibly not to 'catch' even when they are cycling. "There is a tendency", says Ms. Berg, "for many producers to get their cows out onto pasture as quickly as possible in the spring. Unfortunately, because of the high moisture content and low dry matter yield per acre of the early plant growth, the cows may not be able to get the energy they need from early spring grazing during this very critical time". By using pastures too soon you may be providing your cows with an exercise ground, rather than with a source of the nutrients they now need. This is often especially true with native pastures ltd because they usually have slower spring growth than many tame pastures. In fact, native pastures will AGRICULTURE Bt An-, 0,0-, -(continued)- communications Phone (403) 427-2127 Energy Requirements After Calving (cont'd) probably not provide cows with an adequate source of nutrients until mid-June. "If pastures must be used after calving in early spring, cattlemen would be wise to provide their cows with additional good quality forage or grain", Ms. Berg says. -30- 14 May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRASS TETANY DISEASE Grass tetany, sometimes called grass staggers, is a disease that accounts for many cattle deaths at this time of year. However, many deaths could be avoided by careful, twice daily observation of the cow herd. According to Dr. Frank Baker, beef cattle extension veterinarian with Alberta Agriculture, the cause of grass tetany is little understood, but hypo-magnesemia is responsible for many of the clinical symptoms. In hypo-magnesemia the level of magnesium in the blood stream is below normal. Dr. Baker thinks there are probably several factors interfering with the metabolism and absorption of magnesium by the animal's system rather than a single deficiency of magnesium in the diet. "Some of these factors", he says, "may be high levels of potassium and nitrogen in the feed, and imbalances of calcium and phosphorus may also be involved. The higher incidence of the disease in cold, wet spring weather may be due to an energy deficiency in nursing cows". Although the disease is usually seen in late winter or early spring, it occasionally occurs during the summer and fall. Cows close to calving or nursing a young calf are the most often affected. Affected animals are nervous or unusually alert, often belligerent or "on the prod". Muscle twitching is followed by a staggering gait and the animal soon lies down. These signs develop quickly and many animals are found lying on their sides with their heads back and legs "paddling". Early intravenous treatment with a calcium gluconate solution containing magnesium usually results in a dramatic recovery. However, if a cow is down too long before treatment is given, the resu.ts are often disappointing. She may sit up and look brighter, may eat and drink, but will not rise. The next day she will be stretched out on her side again. Such animals may be salvaged through slaughter. (continued) PhnnP l4Ctt\ 4?7-?127 /dlterra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Grass Tetany Disease (cont'd) Control of the disease may involve many factors. Usually only one or two cows in a herd are affected and twice daily observation may be all that is necessary. The provision of shelter through windbreaks or sheds in cold wet weather is recommended. Where the disease is a recurring problem in a herd, Dr. Baker recommends supplementing the feed with 2 ounces of magnesium oxide per head per day. When this is done, however, attention must be given to the phosphorus intake of the herd. Top dressing of pastures with a magnesium-rich fertilizer is practised in some problem areas. However, the duration of the effect of this method of control varies with the type of soil. -30- 16 May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REGIONAL DAIRY SPECIALISTS APPOINTED The director of Alberta Agriculture's dairy division, Fred Hutchings, has announced the appointments of Elmer J. Bittner, Lloyd G. Johnston and Robert L. Hunter to the positions of regional dairy specialist at Vermilion, Calgary and Red Deer respectively. All three appointments are transfers. As regional dairy specialists they will be responsible for developing dairy division policies and programs in their particular region. They will also be available to assist dairy producers and dairy manufacturers in matters relative to dairying. Mr. Bittner was born on a mixed farm in west-central Saskatchewan and attended the Uni- versity of Saskatchewan. He graduated in 1965 with B.S.A.(dairy science). From January, 1974 until his present appointment he was regional dairy specialist in Edmonton. Prior to that, he had worked for Canada Agriculture as coordinator of dairy plant registration for Ontario and for Canada Safeway for one year. Mr. Johnston, who replaces Ed Bristow as regional dairy specialist in Calgary, was born and raised on a mixed farm in Creelman, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated in 1971 with a B.S.A. (dairy science). Prior to his present appointment, he had spent three years in Fairview as regional dairy specialist for the Peace River region. Before joining the dairy division he had been a sales representative for West Agro Chemicals in Ontario. Mr. Hunter, formerly regional dairy specialist at Vermilion, was transferred to Red Deer to replace Sam Paulsen who retired earlier this year. Mr. Hunter was born and raised on a mixed farm near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated with a B.S.A. (dairy science) in 1967. /dltorra Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS May 10, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAIRY DIVISION APPOINTMENTS D.J. Prince has been appointed supervisor of dairy factory inspection and E.S. Bristow has been appointed supervisor of dairy farm inspection with Alberta Agriculture's dairy division. These appointments were announced by Fred Hutchings, division director. Mr. Prince will supervise the division's inspection program in dairy plants throughout the province. He will also be responsible for the processing of all milk and milk products with particular emphasis on the quality of the finished product. In addition, he will act as a resource person advising the dairy industry of the latest developments in milk processing and milk production. Mr. Prince was born and raised in Glenwood and attended the University of Alberta. He graduated in 1967, with a B.Sc. (economics). He obtained his M.Sc, (agricultural economics) in 1972. During the past six months, Mr. Prince was supervisor of dairy farm inspection. Prior to that he was provincial cheese specialist. Mr. Bristow will supervise the dairy division's fluid farm inspection program on a province- wide basis. He will also co-ordinate work between dairy equipment suppliers and producers and be responsible for the Quality Milk Program. This program is designed to improve milk quality and reduce the incidence of mastitis in dairy herds throughout the province. Mr. Bristow was born and raised on a dairy farm near Beaverlodge and attended the Univer- sity of Alberta. He graduated with a B.Sc. (animal science) in 1967. Prior to his present appointment, Mr. Bristow was regional dairy specialist in Calgary. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 ydlbcira May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7 1376 CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS colli:;- i ion CAXADlfVNA DE PUBLICATIONS OFFICIELLES NATIONAL LJBRAUY/BiBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE THIS WEEK New Weather Forecasting Valuable to Agriculture Hall of Fame Nominations Open 3 Controlling House Flies 5 Weeds Resistant to Herbicides. 'Empty Container' Not So Empty. Don't Plant Garden Annuals Too Early 9 Fairy Rings 10 Nutritive Processing Grants 11 Alberta Backfly Control Research Program 12 What's Blooming? 14 Hartman New Irrigation Development Head 15 Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW WEATHER FORECASTING VALUABLE TO AGRICULTURE ALBERTA WEATHER OUTLOOK REGIONS The new extended weather forecasting of the Atmospheric Environment Service, "Weather Outlook'^ will be of greater value to farmers than the existing two-day weather forecasts, says Conrad Gietz, agrometeorologist with Alberta Agriculture. - (continued) - Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlbprra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS New Weather Forecasting Valuable to Agriculture (cont'd) The extended weather forecast which began May 10, provides general temperature and pre- cipitation expectations for the third, fourth and fifth days for five Alberta regions. This supplements the present weather forecasts which contained detailed information for the first and second days only. The five forecast regions of Alberta are indicated on the accompanying map. The most significant feature of the new forecast, says Mr. Gietz, is its extended valid period. While the new forecast contains less detail than for the other two-day forecast, it promises to be of much more economic value in day-to-day decision making where weather-sensitive agricultural operations are concerned. The "Weather Outlook" will be issued each morning at 7:00 a.m. and will be carried by radio and television stations throughout the province. Each successive outloo^revised daily, will represent a new forecast based on the latest information. Mr. Gietz will co-operate with the Atmospheric Environment Service in identifying agricultural requirements which vary with the agricultural areas and seasons. For example, during the haying period, the most significant data a farmer can receive is information about future rainfalls and hailstorms while during the fail harvest, killing frosts are of great concern to farmers. -30 2 May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS OPEN Nominations are again welcomed for the Alberta Agricultural Hall of Fame, announces Marvin E. Moore, minister of agriculture. Albertans who have made important contributions to the development of agriculture in the province or elsewhere in Canada, and who hold Canadian citizenship, are eligible for nomination. "Recognition in the Agricultural Hall of Fame is the highest honor Alberta Agriculture can bestow on an individual," says Mr. Moore. Nominations to the Hall of Fame will be accepted until July 1 . Nomination forms are avail- able from district extension offices throughout the province, or from Alberta Agricultural Hall of Fame, Communications Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. Supporting evidence of a nominee's contributions should accompany each entry, and those making nominations are asked to include a brief history of the nominee's life in Alberta. Selection of men and women to be named to the Hall of Fame is made by a committee re- presenting farmers, agricultural business and research, and government. Since its foundation in 1951, the Hall of Fame has honored 29 men and women for their notable contributions to farming, ranching and the quality of rural life. Four Albertans were recognized in 1975: Mabel Barker, George Church, Frank Jacobs and Earl Stacey. Portraits and a description of their accomplishments have been added to the permanent Alberta Agricultural Hall of Fame display on the main floor of the Provincial Museum in Edmonton. Service is the basic qualification for inclusion in the Hall of Fame; a life of dedication to the betterment of agriculture distinguishes each person chosen in past years. Professional or voluntary involvement in farming or rural life will be considered by the selection committee, if the nominee has made an outstanding contribution in his or her specialty. - (continued) - AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS /dlbcrra Hall of Fame Nominations Open (cont'd) The committee will give preference to people associated with practical aspects of agriculture, including farmers and ranchers. Agricultural business people, professional agrologists and rural community workers will also be considered. Men and women selected in 1976 to the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame will be honored at a banquet and ceremony during Agriculture Week in early October. -30- 4 May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTROLLING HOUSE FLIES Dispose of house fly breeding areas in May before fly populations rapidly become a nuisance and health hazard, says Hugh Philip, head of entomology section of Alberta Agriculture. House flies are the most numerous and annoying insect pest during Alberta's summer months. Because house flies frequent unsanitary conditions such as manure and garbage piles, they can become infected with disease organisms which can be transferred to humans through food contamination or by utensils used in food preparation flies have touched. Mr. Philip says the best control procedure for house flies is a combination of proper sanitation and chemical application which will keep fly populations at an acceptable level. Control during the spring months of breeding spots is a main means of limiting fly populations. House flies breed in such material as manure and garbage piles, rotting hay, silage and moist spilled grain. These sites should be disposed of by May so that overwintering adults have few places to lay eggs. This clean up procedure should be maintained on a weekly basis throughout the summer and early fall says Mr. Philip. Without proper sanitatio^chemical control will be a waste of time and money says the ento- mologist. After sanitation measures have been carried out, chemical control and flying insect traps aid in controlling insect populations. Insect traps can assist in fly control in confined areas such as offices, milking parlors, small barns and auction rings. These electric flying insect traps consist of one or two ultraviolet lights sur- rounded by two screens. The screens are energized by a transformer, and the flies, attracted by the ultraviolet lights, are electrocuted when they attempt to fly between the screens. The moisture of the insect's body completes the electrical circuit,says the entomologist. - (continued) - AGRICULTURE 'hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS ydlbcrra Controlling House Flies (cont'd) Chemical Control Insecticides can be used in three way:, to control house flies; residual wall sprays, fly baits, and insecticide impregnated strips. Mr. Philip warns that the same chemical should never be used re- peatedly over the summer as flies can quickly develop resistance to it. He also warns users to always follow instructions and to pay strict attention to the precautions on the chemical label. By applying insecticides to places where flies congregate, less chemical is required and more effective control is achieved, points out the entomologist. Flies congregate on ceilings, light fixtures, windows, doorways, stanchions and walls. Outdoors, flies gather where there is direct sunlight in the morning and late afternoon on places such as walls and fences. Residual sprays are applied to w°" °tc. Depending upon the residual life of the insecticide, repeat applications may be necessary as soon as any increase in flies is noticed. Strips impregnated with insecticide are especially useful in restaurants and milk rooms where sprays are not permitted because of possible contamination of human and animal food. The flies are either killed by contact as they rest on the band or are killed by fumigants released by the bands or strips. Fly baits, a fly attractant mixed with an insecticide, are not effective in control alone but when used in conjunction with residual sprays can provide very satisfactory control. Be sure to read label instructions and keep out of the reach of children and animals warns Mr. Philip. For more detailed information on house fly and nuisance fly control contact your local district agriculturist or the crop protection and pest control branch of Alberta Agriculture. -30- 6 May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEEDS RESISTANT TO HERBICIDES It is a good idea to avoid using the same herbicide on the same weed species year after year, according to some American weed specialists. Arnold Stearman of Alberta Agriculture reports that Washington State University weed specialists suggest that farmers rotate different herbicides to avoid immunity developing in the weeds. They say that some weeds have now become immune to some of the older herbicides. The explanation is that through natural selection the slower growing weed species developed an immunity to chemicals which have been used on them over a long period. -30- ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE ™«, unii A07.9197 COMMUNICATIONS May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 'EMPTY CONTAINERS' NOT SO EMPTY Be sure to thoroughly rinse out your supposedly empty pesticide containers during the coming spraying season, advises Arnold Stearman of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch. According to laboratory tests carried out at Oregon State University in the United States, an 'empty' pesticide container that has not been rinsed out is far from empty. Those conducting the ter . jnd that nearly 6 ounces of pesticide remained in an unrinsed 5-gallon container and that 32 ounces remained in a 45-gallon drum. If the pesticide cost $30 per gallon, the dollar loss from the unremoved chemical would amount to $7.50 for a 45-gallon drum. In the case of one popular new herbicide, reported to be selling for $70 per gallon, $3.50 and $17.50 respectively would be thrown away with each empty 5-yallon container and 45-gallon drum. Multiple rinses with clean water will, for example, considerably reduce the residual pesticide in any container. A 5-gallon can, for example, yields less than .25 ounces of pesticide after three rinses. The rinse water goes into the sprayer and becomes part of the next load. "The thorough rinsing of pesticide containers," says Mr. Stearman, "will go a long way towards decreasing potential hazards to the environment, animals and human beings as well as towards reducing chemical costs and increasing spraying efficiency. -30- /dlborra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DON'T PLANT GARDEN ANNUALS TOO EARLY Don't rush to plant your bedding plants just because it has been an early spring. Arlene Chesney, horticultural liaison officer with Alberta Agriculture, says annuals should not be planted until all danger of frost has passed. Under most circumstances, she says, this would be mid-May to late May. Annual plants or bedding plants are used by most gardeners to provide continuous color throughout the summer. Once the blossoms appear, they bloom for the remainder of the summer. But the mass effect of the color is what is desired. The horticulturist says there should be no unattractive spacing between the plants although ample room should be allowed for growth. For example border alyssum can be planted five to six inches apart. Ensure the plants receive enough moisture during planting to survive the stress of transplanting. Arlene Chesney says it is important that the water loss during planting be minimized and the supply should be maximized. To achieve these conditions, she says, it is best to plant on an overcast day when it is cool and evaporation loss in minimal. Abundant moisture should be supplied while planting by either a thorough watering or a light rainfall. Don't wait until all the planting is finished or those flowers planted first may wilt due to lack of soil moisture. A problem area for some gardeners might be what to plant as a border in a shady area. Some border flowers that grow well under shady conditions are Celosia, Clarkia, Coreopsis, Nicotiana, Salpiglossis, Godetia, Nasturtium, Lobelia, Sweet Alyssum, and Pansy. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FAIRY RINGS Fairy rings, a mushroom fungus disease, causes circular and sometimes crescent- shaped patches of dead grass on lawns, golf courses and other grassed areas. In the early stage, the disease shows up as a dark green ring. Later the grass becomes thin, turns yellow and eventually dies. The affected area increases in size from the centre. The turf around the dead grass is a darker green and grows faster than the rest of the grass because it is stimulated by the protein compounds in the dense mycelial mats in the soil. These protein compounds are changed by soil bacteria into nitrites and ultimately into nitrates, which are an available form of plant nitrogen. The bands of stimulated grass can range from four to 12 inches in width and the diameter of the circle can vary from two to over 1,000 feet. The presence of mushroom-like fungi in the band of stimulated grass is a characteristic feature of fairy rings. According to Dr. J. Horricks, plant pathology specialist with Alberta Agriculture, fairy rings can be controlled by thoroughly drenching the affected area with water every day for at least a month. Holes at least 1 2 inches deep and two inches apart should be made in the turf with a fork or other sharp instrument to ensure adequate water penetration. In cases where drenching is not practical, the infected soil can be removed and replaced with sterile sod. 'hone (403) 427-2127 -30- ydlbcsrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS May I /, iy /d FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NUTRITIVE PROCESSING GRANTS Development grants have been accepted by two Alberta firms, Provost Packers Ltd. and Legal Alfalfa Products Ltd. under the Canada-Alberta Subsidiary Agreement on Nutritive Processing Assistance. Marc Lessard, federal minister of regional economic expansion (DREE), and Marvin Moore, Alberta's minister of agriculture, made the announcements. Legal Alfalfa Products Ltd. has accepted a development grant of $246,941 for its alfalfa pel- leting plant at Legal. The size of the grant was calculated at a rate of 17.6 per cent of total capital requirements for the facility estimated at $1,403,078. Provost Packers Ltd. has accepted an offer of $5,288 in development assistance for the ex- pansion and modernization of its Provost facility to process beef, hogs and sheep into meat products. The offer is based on a rate of 16 per cent of total capital requirements for this expansion and modern- ization project estimated at $33,050. Signed early in 1975 by the two governments, the five-year processing assistance agreement was negotiated under the general development agreement of March, 1974. It provides for financial assistance, shared equally by the governments, to encourage the establishment, modernization and expansion of nutritive processing facilities in rural Alberta. Since the agreement was signed, nine offers have been made to agri-business firms across Alberta and eight were accepted. The purpose of the program is to strengthen the economic base of Alberta's rural communities through the further processing of nutritive products which have, or may achieve, a competitive position in national or export markets. By definition, a nutritive product is one which is consumed by a human, animal or plant for nutritional purposes. For more information on these grants contact NormThomson, DREE co-ordinator, 1 1th floor, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8 or phone 427-4287. -30- /dlberra ag r Multure Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA BLACKFLY CONTROL RESEARCH PROGRAM Researchers have begun fieldwork on the third year of a study into the control of blackf lies - a biting insect which limits livestock production in parts of Alberta. The research along the Athabasca River involves the federal, provincial and local governments and is being co-ordinated by the Alberta Department of the Environment. the river will be monitored to determine the chemical's effect on the river water, sediments and organisms. Sampling is now underway both upstream and downstream of the treatment sites to determine the current state of the river. Monitoring of the river will continue until late September. The first application of methoxychlor will occur about 100 miles downstream of the town of Athabasca in late May. The second treatment will take place about one week later at the bridge, which is a short distance downstream from the town. million for 7.5 minutes. By treating the river in this fashion, the researchers will determine whether the blackfly larvae-which develop in swiftly flowing water-can be killed without severe effects on other organisms. In 1975, the same concentration of insecticide was used for the same amount of time but it was introduced only at the bridge site. In 1974, the concentration of methoxychlor was the same but it was maintained for 15 minutes. It was introduced only at the bridge site. j\\ The insecticide methoxychlor will be introduced into the river at two points this spring and The concentration of methoxychlor in the river at each treatment site will be 0.3 parts per - (continued) - Phone (403) 427-2127 Alberta Blackfly Control Research Program (cont'd) Results from 1975 showed that fewer blackfly larvae were affected by the insecticide than in 1974. This result corresponds with an increase in the number of complaints by local ranchers regarding blackfly attacks on their cattle. No direct toxic effects from methoxychlor on adult fish were detected, but there Were indi- cations of toxic effects on the young of one species of fish and of indirect effects on adult fish. The populations of non-target insects were drastically reduced during, and following, exposure to the insecticide. Long term effects on the non-target organisms still await study. Analysis of water and bottom sediment showed no long-term methoxychlor residues. In 1975, the level of methoxychlor residues in fish was lower than the background levels of DDT and other organochlorines detected in pre-treatmenJ samples. Another part of the research program involves developing a mathematical model to describe the physical behavior of a cheuical and its residues in a large river system. Also involved is a study of blackfly attacks on cattle in the county of Athabasca, including evaluation of repellents for use on cattle. Preliminary results on repellents showed they were 100 per cent effective for only six hours. The Alberta Department of Environment will spend about $160,000 on the program this year, including travel and living expenses for researchers and the provision of equipment and materials. Not included are the salaries of the researchers. Alberta Agriculture and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Wildlife are participating in the research with Environment Canada, Agriculture Canada, the county of Athabasca, the Alberta Research Council, and the University of Alberta. -30- 13 May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHAT'S BLOOMING? Several perennials have come into bloom during the past two weeks. One interesting perennial is Bergenia. The flowers are a purple-pink shade on a nodding stem. It is from 10 to 12 inches tall and when the flowers are not present, the foliage is very similar to rhubarb. The foliage remains green during the summer and turns crimson in the fall. The plant will tolerate partial shade or full sun and serves well as a groundcover. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS May 17, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HARTMAN NEW IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT HEAD Gary P. Hartman has been appointed as head of the irrigation farm development section of Alberta Agriculture's irrigation division announced A.E. Pungor, head, conservation and development branch of the irrigation division. As head of the section, Mr. Hartman will be responsible for programs related to irrigation farm services throughout the province, including land development, sprinkler irrigation, agricultural feasibility studies for water licensing and related extension activities. Mr. Hartman was born and raised on a farm at LaFleche, Saskatchewan. In 1961 he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. After grad- uation he was employed as a sale and design engineer with Oliver Chemical Company in Lethbridge for four years. From 1965 to 1972 he was employed by Alberta Agriculture as an irrigation specialist in Medicine Hat. From 1972 until the present time he served as a land conservation administrator with Alberta Environment. Mr. Hartman has taken up his new duties effective May 3, 1976. -30- /dlbcria AGRICULTURE none (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS DE PUBLICATIONS U ¥ C'.ELLES NATIONAL LLBHAHY/Bi'BL* O" 'KEQ l> 12 NATIONALE CANADA THISWEEK Grasshopper Hatching in South Helicopter Survey in South 3 What's Blooming? Feeders' Day at Vermilion 6 Swine Influenza. Controlling Garden Pests 9 Weeds as Feed 12 Making White Cheese at Home 14 Senior District Agriculturist's Appointments 16 ydlberra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-21 27 COMMUNICATIONS May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRASSHOPPERS HATCHING IN SOUTH Grasshoppers are hatching in the Medicine Hat and Provost areas of southern Alberta, says Hugh Philip, head, entomology, Alberta Agriculture. Mr. Philip warns farmers in the forecast areas, as shown on the accompanying map, to be on the lookout for grasshoppers hatching in roadside ditches. Grasshopper eggs are laid in sod adjacent to crops, ditch banks, roadsides and pastures. South- facing egg bed locations, which warm most rapidly, should be inspected by getting down on hands and knees and looking for the nymphs, says the entomologist. Grasshoppers are most susceptible to the recommended insecticides when sprayed on the young nymph stages. If grasshoppers are sprayed while hatching they are still concentrated in the breeding grounds and less insecticide is required. Carbaryl, carbofuran, dimethoate and malathion are registered for use on both cereals and forages. Azinphos-methyl is registered for use on cereals and certain forages. Carbofuran is registered for use on oilseeds while malathion can only be used on one oilseed,flax. Diazinon can be used on rangeland, pasture and non-crop areas. Dimethoate is supplied at reduced cost through municipal of/ljps as part of Alberta Agriculture's grasshopper control program. >ne (403) 427-2127 - (continued) 1 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Grasshoppers Hatching in South (cont'd) The following table for classification of grasshopper infestations has been developed by Agriculture Canada and can be used as a guide for determining whether control is necessary. Number of Young and Adult Grasshoppers per Square Yard Rating Field Roadside Normal 0-3 0-6 Control measures usually not necessary. Light 4-6 7-12 Control measures usually not necessary. Moderate 7-12 13-24 Control measures may be required to protect crops. Severe 13-24 25-48 Control measures should be undertaken to protect crops Very severe over 25 over 49 Control measures should be undertaken to protect crops. Research is being carried out at the Agriculture Canada Research Station at Lethbridge com- paring ground versus aerial application of insecticides for grasshopper control. Dr. A.W. Charnetski, research scientist, says results to date have shown ground spraying is better for small areas and where the height and density of crops is not too great. A biological control program at Bozeman, Montana is being watched with great interest, says Mr. Philip and Dr. Charnetski. Dr. Charnetski points out that a program involving bacteria to control grasshopper populations, researched at Lethbridge 20 years ago, was not successful. The study in Montana is a field scale experiment of mass introduction of a naturally occurring protozoan parasite through aerial spraying. Infected grasshoppers have greatly reduced fertility. The program is useful only for control on rangeland. Mr. Philip says even if the project is successful, it could be five or 10 years before the program is accepted and used in Canada. The protozoa would probably be applied about two years before the projected peak in grasshopper populations as the pathogen can persist in the field for at least one year following application. 2 -30- May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HELICOPTER SURVEY IN SOUTH A helicopter survey will be conducted in southern Alberta to update topographic maps and establish ground control reference markers for aerial photography. Landowners in the designated area are requested to co-operate in leaving the permanent survey markers and flags in position. Attempts will be made to contact landowners prior to reconnaisance crews entering the area. Every attempt will be made to locate suitable helicopter landing sites within non-cultivated areas to minimize effects on local landowners. Alberta Transportation (Surveys and Property Branch), Alberta Agriculture (Irrigation Division), and the federal government (Energy, Mines and Resources Canada) are co-operating in this survey to update National Topographic Series maps and establish ground control reference markers for aerial photography. Once the survey is completed, permanent survey markers will have been established on a five to six mile grid within an area bounded by the 4th and 5th meridians east-west and Townships 7 to 24 north-south. This is approximately an area bounded by Calgary in the north-west to Empress in the north- east down to the Saskatchewan border east of a line from Foremost and west to Pincher Creek. This survey will determine the latitude, longitude and height of survey markers by means of a recently developed inertial positioning system mounted in a helicopter. Such a system facilitates rapid survey, providing information within three to four months that would normally require three to four years to obtain by conventional surveying. The aerial photography and mapping which will follow the establishment of permanent survey markers will facilitate the rehabilitation and planned expansion of irrigation systems by accelerating the inventory of survey data. The information will also be available to private and governmer facilitate surveying, planning, land assessment and land use allocation. Phone (403) 427-2127 -(continued)- Tltera AGRICULTURE IUW< Helicopter Survey in South (cont'd) Beginning in May 17, 1976 reconnaisance crews will be working in the designated area selecting suitable helicopter landing sites. Then a second crew will install permanent survey markers and flag (mark) their location for later aerial photography. The landowners' co-operation in leaving these markers and flagging undisturbed would be greatly appreciated. The helicopter survey flights will begin July 1 5. Those wishing more information can contact survey field crews, district agriculturists, or their local irrigation division office of Alberta Agriculture. -30- 4 May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHAT'S BLOOMING? Moss phlox is making a lovely display in Alberta gardens during May. The plants form a large spreading mat, are three to five inches in height, and produce abundant flowers. The colors range from white, through shades of pink to variations of purple. Another desirable phlox is Arctic phlox which has deep rose-pink flowers. Any of these flowers are suited to rock gardens, as edging or border plants, and as ground cover. Each likes full sun and is easy to grow and care for. -30- hone (403) 427-2127 /4lfcferia AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS May 24, 19/b FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEEDERS' DAY AT VERMILION The 55th Annual Feeders' Day of the University of Alberta's Department of Animal Science will be held June 8, 1976 at Lakeland College, Vermilion. The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Animal Science Building lecture theatre. The number of pigs weaned per sow per year is one of the most important factors determining the profitability of a farrow-to-finish operation. In recent experiments at the University of Alberta, F.X. Aherne tried to increase the number of pigs weaned per sow per year by breeding gilts at a younger age and by feeding and management of the sow and the litter. The results of these experiments will be discussed by Dr. Aherne. The topic feeding lactating dairy cows', presented by CM. Grieve, will include the use of protein supplements such as rapeseed meal, fababeans, beet pulp, and cubed dehydrated alfalfa. Other speakers and topics include: R.T. Berg speaking on 'winter maintenance requirements of Kinsella cows and cross-breeding with large dairy-breed bulls for beef production'; 'feeding straw to win- tering beef cows' will be discussed by G. W. Mathison; R. J. Christopherson will talk on the 'comparative adaptability and cold tolerance of bison, yak and cattle'. D. R. Clandinin will review research on the use of low glucosinolate type rapeseed meal in poultry rations. Dean J. P. Bowland will discuss the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. Dr. G.R. Whenham of Alberta Agriculture's Veterinary Services Division will answer questions during the 'Veterinary Question Box'. Not all papers in the Feeders' Day Report will be presented in order to allow presentation of more background information on the topics discussed, says L. P. Milligan, Chairman, Department of Animal Science. The change of location from the University Farm in Edmonton where Feeders' Day has nor- mally been held may continue to other parts of the province in succeeding years if the venture at AGRICULTURE ne (403) 427-2127 - 30 - COMMUNICATIONS Vermilion proves successful, says Dr. Milligan. terra May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SWINE INFLUENZA by Dr. M. W. Stone Head, Herd Health Program Alberta Agriculture Edmonton Swine influenza is an acute infectious respiratory disease of swine characterized by sudden onset, coughing, difficult breathing, fever, prostration and rapid recovery. In North America the disease is primarily seen in the mid-west and north-central U.S. states and probably occurs sporadically in other areas. A similar condition has been described in many countries of Europe and Asia. Also known as hog flu, pig flu or swine flu, swine influenza is only seen very sporadically in Alberta. This may be related to the fact the lung worm of swine has been shown to be capable of harboring the virus and this parasite is not seen in our province. In the late summer of 1918 an epidemic similar to influenza in man appeared in swine in the U.S. mid-west. This coincided with the greatest epidemic of influenza in the human population in modern times and many people feel that both man and swine were afflicted with one and the same disease. Since that time considerable research work has been carried out on influenza but it is still not clear as to whether there is any direct relationship between the disease in man and swine. The primary cause of the disease is a type A influenza virus, although other bacterial agents such as Haemophilus or Pasteurella species are often also involved and, if so, generally a more severe form of the disease is seen. There are several sub-types of this virus affecting principally man, swine, horses and poultry. Influenza is a herd disease and, in the United States, occurs most frequently in the winter months. The onset is sudden and sick hogs have a labored, jerky breathing with a hard cough, noticed particularly when the animals are disturbed. They are generally prostrate and move with great reluctar lone (403) 427-2127 . . ,. - Irnnti ni ipH 1 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Swine Influenza (cont'd) The temperature is elevated, in some cases as high as 42. 29 C (108° F) and there is little or no appetite. In many animals, a nasal discharge can be observed, often accompanied by a conjunctivitis. Recovery generally occurs in four to five days and the mortality rate is very low unless secondary infection occurs, resulting in bronchopneumonia. Swine influenza has also been incriminated in the U.S.A. as a cause of abortion, mummification and the birth of weak piglets, especially in gilts, however, the exact role of the virus in reproductive failure is not at all clear. The diagnosis of swine influenza is generally based on the symptoms, together with its very high morbidity, and this may be confirmed by either virus isolation or the demonstration of antibodies in the bloodstream. Paired blood samples are required for the latter, one taken at the time of the acute phase of the disease and the second, two to three weeks later to demonstrate a rise in antibody level. There is no specific treatment for swine influenza. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times and, in an attempt to minimize the risk of secondary infection, some veterinarians advocate the addition of antibiotics or sulphonamides to the drinking water. A more rational approach, however, is to reserve treatment for those animals showing severe symptoms and every attempt should be made to reduce stress on the pigs. The animals should be left alone and disturbed as little as possible and certainly should not be transported or moved during the acute stage of the disease. Clean, dry, dust-free bedding should be provided, together with ample draft-free shelter. Animals which have recovered from swine influenza are generally immune to further infection and any subsequent outbreaks in a herd are generally due to the introduction of non-immune animals or infection with an unrelated virus. From a public health point of view there is still no convincing proof that natural infection in man can occur by animal influenza viruses. Seriological titres in the human population may merely indicate that some human strains of virus share antigens with an:mal strains and,on many occasions, humans in contact with pigs in the acute stages of swine influenza do not themselves become sick. -30- 8 May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTROLLING GARDEN PESTS by Ross Gould District Agriculturist Stettler Many people are becoming more sensitive to the over-use of chemical insecticides these days. In many cases these concerns are well founded because most of the insecticides used are not only poisonous to insects but livestock and humans as well. But they are only dangerous if proper pre- cautions are ignored. It is very important to read and thoroughly understand the instructions and cautions of any pesticide used, including the antidote. Because insecticides are poisonous they should be kept in their original labeled container, out of the reach of children and livestock. It is also very important that the insecticide only be used for control of pests on plants listed on the label and according to the instructions given. In general, it is best to be cautious in the use of pesticides. Most insecticides will kill the beneficial insects such as ladybugs and other predatory insects along with the target insects. Insect pests may not cause serious damage to your plants so often it is better not to use a pesticide and kill off the beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs. It may be necessary to control pests to save an ornamental or a garden crop. Insecticide treatment for some common garden pests are listed below: Aphids: Use diazinon, dimethoate, malathion. If the crop is near harvest, the less toxic rotenone or pyrethrins should be used because of lesser residue problems. (continued) - /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Controlling Garden Pests (cont'd) Colorado Potato beetle: carbaryl, diazinon, methoxychlor, rotenone. Cutworms: chlordane, diazinon. These products are broadcast on the soil and worked in. Carrots should not be planted in soil treated the previous year with chlordane. Flea bettles: carbaryl, diazinon, malathion, rotenone. Grasshoppers: carbaryl, malathion. Cabbage worms, diamond-backed moths and loopers: carbaryl, diazinon, malathion and one per cent rotenone dust. Onion maggot: diazinon. Cabbage and turnip root maggots: diazinon. Slugs: metaldehyde. This product may become stale so read the label for instructions of longevity of the insecticide. Wireworms in potatoes: Use chlordane at 1 lb/1 ,000 sq ft broadcast, and worked into the top 4 to 5 inches of the soil no more than once every four years. Currant fruit flies in currants and gooseberries: malathion or methoxychlor. Apply when most of the petals have fallen, then again in 10 days. Malathion cannot be applied within three days or methoxychlor within 14 days of harvest. Leaf rollers in strawberries and raspberries: use malathion at the first sign of damage but not within three days of harvest. Mites: dicofol, malathion or tetradifon. Observe the period before harvest for each specific crop as listed on the label. Raspberry crown borer: diazinon is applied to the crown in October or in early spring when the shoots are four inches high. Strawberry root weevil: Broadcast chlordane when the insects are in the grub stage and work the chlordane into the top 3 to 6 inches of soil before planting. Do not apply more often than once every four years. For adult root weevils spray with malathion except when the plants are flowering or fruiting. - (continued) - 10 Controlling Garden Pests (cont'd) For more information contact your local district agriculturist and ask for the publication, "Control of Garden Pests" or write the Publications Office, Alberta Agriculture, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta. T5K 2C8. - 30- 11 May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEEDS AS FEED Although most farmers do their best to lower the incidence of weed infestation in their crops and pastures, occasionally weeds cannot be avoided. Their value as a feed should be considered when they cannot be avoided^says Walter Dietz, regional livestock supervisor, at Vermilion. Research has shown that weeds do not always have a low feeding value. Sheep and cattle readily graze dandelions. British researchers have found dandelions in the flowering stage to have a crude protein content of 1 3.7 per cent, a crude fibre of 1 1 .27 per cent and calcium and phosphorous level of 2.77 and 0.30 per cent respectively. These values compare favorably to dehydrated alfalfa pellets,says Mr. Dietz. Scientists in Minnesota, reports the livestock supervisor, compared the forage of a number of annual weeds to that of alfalfa and oats in a three year study. Redroot pigweed, lamb's-quarters, and common ragweed were found to be equivalent to alfalfa harvested on the same day on the basis of digestibility, fibre, lignin and crude protein tests. Lamb's-quarters and common ragweed were con- sistently high in crude protein, ranging from 24 to 29 per cent. The concentration of calcium ( 1 .6 to 2.8 per cent) and phosphorous (0.3 to 0.5 per cent) in eight weeds including redroot pigweed, Pennsylvania smartweed and lamb's-quarters were equal to or higher than the mean values (1.36 per cent calcium and 0.18 per cent phosphorous) found in alfalfa hay in Alberta. Three weeds, wild mustard, giant ragweed and cocklebur, were classed as unpalatable or less palatable than oats to the sheep in the palatability trial. Of the 12 species of weeds tested, six were as palatable as oat forage to grazing sheep when offered a choice of 13 species of plants. These were yellow foxtail, barnyard grass, redroot pigweed, Pennsylvania smartweed, lamb's-quarters and green foxtail. The sheep selected the weeds without regard to the nutritive value of the forage plants. - (continued) - AGRICULTURE ia-ji a« COMMUNICATIONS ydlberra Weeds as Feed (cont'd) Studies conducted in Australia, Great Britain and the U. S. on a number of weeds indicate these weeds also have a potential as feed based on their chemical composition and digestibilities. Thus it would appear we should not be quick to condemn weeds as low quality feeds without adequate information, says Mr. Dietz. The weeds that appear in a silage crop or a new seeding of grass may be worth harvesting as feed. Weed seeds when feed to livestock often can pass through the animal's body undigested and, when the manure is spread on cropland^an cause a new weed infestation. Even weeds cut in the early heading stage may mature and then there is another problem with spread of weed seeds/warns Mr. Dietz. -30- 13 May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAKING WHITE CHEESE AT HOME by Aileen J. Whitmore Food & Nutrition Specialist Alberta Agriculture Edmonton Soft cheese such as the following Queso Blanco cheese can be made easily and readily in the home. Hard and semi-hard cheeses require more time and are more subject to failure. The cheese, when made, can be used immediately. Under proper refrigeration, 4° to 7° C (40° to 45° F) cheese will keep seven to ten days. It can be eaten alone, with fruit or as cottage cheese. Cheese should be made from pasteurized milk. As milk is a highly nutritious medium, almost any bacteria can grow in it. Speed and attention to cleanliness are important to prevent unnecessary problems from developing when making cheese. Raw milk can be pasteurized at 63° C (145° F) for 30 minutes or 72° C (161° F) for 30 seconds. Cheesemaking is a concentrating process of removing the liquids from the cheese to leave the milk solids. The solids are removed from the whey by adding rennet, an enzyme that causes precipitation of the curd out of the milk or by allowing lactic acid bacteria to promote precipitation of the curd from the whey. A thermometer is essential if you are inexperienced. Select a good sturdy thermometer with a temperature range from -4° C to 66° C (25° to 150° F). Glass thermometers are usable but be careful not to break the thermometer in the cheese. Quesno Blanco (White Cheese) Start with a gallon of pasteurized milk. The milk can be whole or two per cent depending upon the fat content wanted in the cheese but should not be homogenized as homogenized milk does not precipitate properly. - (continued) - AGR 14 LTURE hone (403) 427 2127 COMMUNICATIONS A\bex\Q Making White Cheese at Home (cont'd) Using a double boiler put the gallon of milk in the upper pan and water in the lower pan. Stir into the milk either a one-half cup of buttermilk or one-quarter cup of fresh plain yogurt. Stir and warm the milk slowly to 33° to 34° C(92° to 94° F). Maintain this temperature through the next two steps. Dissolve a rennet tablet in water according to manufacturers' directions. Stir the dissolved tablet into the milk for two or three minutes. Leave the milk undisturbed for about 30 minutes until a firm gel forms. Test the gel's firmness by inserting a metal spatula into the curd and pulling it out at an angle. If the curd breaks clean, it is ready for cutting. Cut the gel with the spatula into one inch cubes. Stir gently for 20 to 30 minutes at a temperature of 33° to 34° C (92° to 94° F), until the curd "heals" or becomes firmer. Pour off or dip out all the whey (the yellow liquid). Add salt to taste. Mix a total of three teaspoons of salt into the curd in three additions, five minutes apart. Allow the salted curd to drain in a colander lined with wet cheesecloth or muslin. Fold the cloth over the top of the cheese. Apply pressure by adding weight to the top of the cheese. Continue pressing until the cheese surface is smooth, usually two to four hours. This must be done in the sink as a great deal of liquid is lost during the pressing process. When pressed, remove the cloth and wrap the cheese in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Under proper refrigeration 4° to 7° C (40° to 45° F) cheese will keep for seven to 10 days. -30- 15 May 24, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SENIOR DISTRICT AGRICULTURIST'S APPOINTMENTS Don Young and Grant Gillund have been appointed as senior district agriculturists at Wetaskiwin and Smoky Lake respectively^announced John Calpas, director of extension, Alberta Agriculture. A native of Millet, Alberta,Don Young attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a B.Sc. in Agriculture in 1969. He immediately joined Alberta Agriculture as an assistant district agriculturist in the South Edmonton office. In February, 1970 he was appointed district agriculturist for Leduc. Then in December, 1974 he was appointed senior district agriculturist at Leduc. Mr. Young will be responsible for co-ordinating and providing program direction in the counties of Wetaskiwin and Ponoka. His administrative duties will be in addition to his regular duties as one of the two district agriculturists in the Wetaskiwin office. He replaces Dave Beckman who is serving in Lesotho (South Africa) with the Canadian International Development Agency. Grant Gillund is a native of the Rimbey area of Alberta. He graduated in 1967 from the University of Alberta with a B. Sc. majoring in Plant Science. Mr. Gillund joined Alberta Agriculture for the first time as an assistant district agriculturist at Stony Plain in May, 1967. In 1968 he left the department to work as a human resource officer with the provincial Human Resources Development Authority at Slave Lake. In May, 1971 he returned to Alberta Agriculture as the district agriculturist at Smoky Lake. Now Mr. Gillund, effective May 1 , is senior district agriculturist at Smoky Lake. -30- ydlborra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS ti 20 1375 CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS DE PUBLICA HON I ICIELLES NATIONAL LlbK/.iM I UiiQUE NATION ALE CANADA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THISWEEK Feeding Grain to Steers on Pasture 1 Land Buyer's Check List 4 Synthetic Hormones in Feed Kills Flies 7 Some Facts About Goats 8 What's Blooming? 10 Palm Trees Are Easy To Grow 11 Six New Assistant District Agriculturists Appointed 12 Yarish Head Botany and Weeds 14 May 31, 1976 May 31, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEEDING GRAIN TO STEERS ON PASTURE by Dwight Karren Regional Livestock Supervisor Alberta Agriculture Red Deer With relatively high feed prices, more feeder cattle are being pastured to heavier weights. Even with high grain prices, feeding grain to cattle on pasture may be economical. Depending upon the condition of the cattle, prior nutrition, sex, age, condition of pasture and time of year, pastured cattle may gain between 1 .0 and 2.5 pounds per day. Feeding some grain during the pasture season can increase gains to 2.5 or 2.75 pounds per day. The profitability of grain feeding depends upon a number of factors. Among these are sex and age of the cattle, pasture conditions, and the relative selling price of grain-fed cattle compared with those not fed grain. With no price margin favoring grain-fed cattle, the economics of feeding grain to cattle on pasture is questionable. But today's feeder market has a positive price margin between heavier grain-fed cattle and lighter grass-fed cattle. What positive price margin is necessary to make grain feeding economical? In the following example a positive price margin of one cent per pound is necessary to make grain feeding economical. But this example does not take into consideration the value of possibly increasing the stocking rate for cattle fed grain. Producers are advised to substitute their own costs and prices. In the following example it is assumed that 650 pound steers are put on pasture with no supple- mentary grain. They are expected to gain 1 .5 pounds per day for 125 days. If the steers are fed 10 pounds of grain per day over the same period, they are expected to gain 2.5 pounds per day or 125 pounds more than steers fed no grain. At five cents per pound for grain, each steer will consume $ 62.5Qjworth of grain. The 1 25 pounds of extra gain due to the grain, therefore, costs $ 0.50 per pound. AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 -(continued)- COMMUNICATIONS Feeding Grain to Steers on Pasture (cont'd) Comparative Feed Costs Per Steer Costs Pasture Pasture and Grain Costs of feeder (650 lb x $.35) $227.50 $ 227.50 Cost of grain: (10 Ib/head/day at $.05/lb for 125 days) $62.50 Total $227.50 $ 290.00 Returns Pasture steers (837 lb x $.40) $ 335.00 Pasture and grain steers (962.5 lb x $.41) - -- $ 394.63 GROSS RETURN $ 107.50 $104.63 (minus feeder and feed costs) Feeding cattle on pasture also has the advantage of selling cattle directly from pasture or having them started for the feedlot. A big disadvantage of feeding grain on pasture may be under-utilization of the pasture because the animals are consuming too much grain. By properly limiting feed consumption, the cattle may effectively utilize pasture while gaining weight at a faster rate. Hand-feeding can limit grain consumption but this system, perhaps, involves too much labor to be successful. Grain intake can be limited by feeding a commercial 'Pasture Control Feed' that contains added salt and fat to reduce intake. Pasture control feeds can be made to work but certain precautions should be taken. 2 - (continued) - Feeding Grain to Steers on Pasture (cont'd) Guidelines for Feeding Grain to Steers on Pasture 1. Keep average consumption over the feeding period to one per cent of body weight, i.e. one pound of grain per 100 pounds of body weight. Over-consumption of grain will lead to under-utilization of pasture. 2. If a commercial feed is used, the feed will probably have to be adjusted to meet your situation. Every pasture is different. Over -consumption of a grain mix can lead to problems. A commercial feed should be used if the levels of salt and fat are to limit feed intake. Home- mixed feeds often are not properly mixed and the salt can be unevenly distributed. Over-consumption of salt can lead to salt poisoning. If cattle are to be fed more grain as pasture decreases, then the levels of salt and fat in the commercial feed may have to be adjusted. 3. Even if self-feeders are used, the animals and feed boxes should be watched closely. Self-feeders should never be allowed to run out of grain. If feed has not been available for a while, the cattle have a tendency to gorge themselves and may come down with grain overload, which may be fatal in severely affected animals. If feeders run out of grain, the cattle should be started on feed again by hand-feeding until they are up to the desirable intake. 4. Good quality water must be available at all times in a location close to the self-feeders. Lack of water can cause serious problems. -30- 3 May 31, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LAND BUYER'S CHECK LIST According to information received by Alberta Agriculture, the Edmonton Better Business Bureau is suggesting to people planning to put money 'down' on unseen or unknown land that they check the points listed below, if they are planning to live there. Better still, see the land and ask the questions. Thousands of acres of land are offered each year as retirement, recreational or investment property in newspapers, magazine advertising and over the radio by hun- dreds of developers, promoters and speculators. Prospective purchasers are invited to invest - sight unseen -- on the 'easy payment plan' in parcels of land ranging in size from a quarter of an acre to several acres. The Better Business Bureau says some of the land is being properly developed, with adequate safeguards for purchasers; but some of it is purely promotional or spec- ulative in nature, located in remote, inaccessible areas of U. S. desert or swamp land. Some of it is located in rocky areas of Canada. Climate • Elevation above sea level? • Are the humidity, heat and cold extremes suited to your personal requirements and physical conditions? Zoning • Are there any zoning restrictions or other construction limitations? For instance, could an auto junk-yard be started next door to your lot? Drainage • Is your land under water - at high tide -- during the rainy season -- when it floods? Are there plans to drain it? (cont'd) hone (403) 427-2127 /dlborra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Land Buyer's Check List (cont'd) Roads •Are they in, paved and accepted by local authorities? Are they "ranch" roads (one scoop with a bulldozer)? Are there any roads at all? How Far To • Nearest bus stop? -- grocery? -- gas station? -- doctor? -- dentist? -- school? -- advertised recreation areas? -- other necessary or desirable community facilities? Did You Check With • Your better business bureau, bank or savings institution? real estate advisor? superin- tendent of insurance and real estate? Title and taxes ©Are you sure it's clear? Will your money be held in escrow? •Who owns the mineral rights after you buy it? •What are the present and future tax requirements? Water • Pi^3d in? Planned to be? If so, how much will it cost you? •Must you drill a well? How much? Or will you haul it in trucks? (Wells can run from $200 to $3,000, and in some cases you may be forbidden to drill). Sewers • Are they in? Planned? What cost? Must you put in septic tank? Have you ever lived with one? Do local authorities supervise septic and sewage disposal? Other Utilities • Is electricity in? Available? (In some instances it is estimated electric power will cost up to $90,000 to bring to remote lots). • Is the telephone in? Available at all? • Is gas piped in? Available? How much? Bottled gas? Cost? (cont'd) Land Buyer's Check List (cont'd) Miscellaneous • Have you seen the property? Can you see it? • Did you "win" it (bunk, this is a come-on)? • Will you consult your lawyer before signing? -30- May 31, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SYNTHETIC HORMONES IN FEED KILLS FLIES Two new synthetic hormones offer promise of controlling flies more effectively than any similar materials tested, according to information received by Alberta Agriculture from the United States department of agriculture's agricultural research service. The test involved a number of insect hormone mimics that were incorporated into dairy cow and chicken feed. When eaten they pass through the animal's or bird's digestive system and permeate its droppings. According to the American scientists, the two most effective hormones tested killed 100 per cent of the face, house and stable flies. Dr. Meyer Schwarz, an agricultural research service chemist, who synthesized the hormones used in the tests, said a hormone derived from terpene chemicals, used commercially in perfumes, was the most effective. Since these chemicals appear to be readily degradable, there should be no adverse effects on the health of livestock, wild animals or people. Although no undesirable effects were observed in the cows or chickens used in the experiments, further research is necessary to provide data on the possibility of residues occuring in milk, meat or eggs. -30 - Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS May 31, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOME FACTS ABOUT GOATS In North America the dairy goat has been accused of everything from devouring old rubber boots to being in collusion with the Devil, and has, in essence, served the misbegotten role of scapegoat among farm animals. The consequence of this misguided attitude has been that the enormous potential of dairy goats and goat products has, for the most part, been ignored in North America. Recently, however, there have been growing efforts to restore the goat to her rightful place on the farm. Here are some interesting facts about goats submitted by Mrs. P. Mausolf, editor of the Alberta Goat Breeders' Association's publication, • Roughly 60 per cent of the milk consumed in the world is goat milk. • Properly handled, goat milk is indistinguishable in taste from cow milk. • Goat milk is nutritionally similar to cow milk but has a much higher percentage of low chain protein, hence, is much more digestible than cow milk and does not curdle in the stomach. • Many people, especially infants, who cannot digest cow milk thrive on goat milk. It has proved to be effective in the treatment of various allergic and digestive disorders like coeliac disease in children. • It has been estimated that the medicinal use of goat milk would involve a market of more than 6 per cent of the population. • Milk is mainly pasteurized because of the fear of TB, but there has never been a recorded case of TB from goat milk. • A goat can produce up to 8 quarts per day, but the average is 2 to 4 quarts per day over a 10-month period. • Goat milk brings a higher price than cow milk. In a 1967 study it was shown that more than $1 .5 million worth of fluid goat milk is sold annually in the city of Los Angeles. Ahcx fa AGRICULTURE ,nnp um\ 497-91 97 COMMUNICATIONS -2- Some Facts About Goats (cont'd) • In addition to milk, goat products include butter, cream, cheesef yoghurt, meat, leather, wool, and fertilizer. • Goat meat is a delicacy. It is a deliciously flavored, lean, high protein meat unlike either veal or lamb but without a trace of 'goaty'flavor unless the meat is from a mature, uncastrated buck. Goat meat is in such demand from both ethnic and gourmet markets in the United States that meat goats bring prices of $.92 to $1 .75 per pound liveweight. • More than 60 million goat skins are used annually in the manufacture of kid leather for shoes. An additional 60 million skins are turned into Morroccan leather for luggage, book-binding, etc. • Cashmere wool comes from a species of goat in Kashmir, India. • Goats can utilize pasture that is too rough, too steep, or too dry for cows. • Goats are remarkably resistant to disease, and, if properly housed and fed, are virtually disease free. • Goats are friendly, intelligent, and remarkably responsive to human affection. An important consideration is that they are easily managed and milked by women. • Contrary to popular belief, goats do not like tin cans, old rubber boots or laundry. (They do, however, like the occasional newspaper, they love rose bushes, and are very fond of vegetables fresh from the garden and young trees.) -30- 9 May 31, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHAT'S BLOOMING? Have you been wondering what that small bush of yellow or orange ball-like flowers that are now blooming are called? The flower is Trollius of which the lemon yellow flowering variety is most common. Trollius is also available in shades of orange. The petals often curve inward giving the flower an appearance of a ball. It very closely resembles a buttercup or a small, full rose. The plant with its dark green foliage, deeply cut, can be expected to reach a height of two feet. The Trollius plant does not spread rapidly but maintains itself in a clump. Moisture is essential but Trolliur will thrive in sun or partial shade. The cut flowers are long lasting. -30- /tola AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-21 27 COMMUNICATIONS May 31, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PALM TREES ARE EASY TO GROW Have you thought of brightening your room with a palm tree? Palm trees are easy to grow. All they need is a medium amount of light from a east or west wind, and a general purpose soil. You do not have to repot them until they are severely rootbound and they need only a small amount of water and fertilizer during the winter months. During the growing season it is a good idea to enrich the soil about every three weeks with a liquid fertilizer. According to Alberta Agriculture's horticulturist, Arlene Chesney, there are two types of palms that are commonly grown indoors. They are they Kentia palm and the dwarf Phoenix palm. Kentia palms grow so quickly that a nice sized young plant, available at most plant centres, may be too large for many homes in two or three years. Dwarf Phoenix palms are easy to grow, buTyoung plants and seeds are sometimes difficult to obtain. An alternative is date palms which can be propogated from the seeds of unpitted dates. Plant each seed in a four-inch pot of well-drained soil and keep the soil well watered. "It usually takes two or three years before these plants have enough leaves to make them really attractive," says Miss Chesney. -30- ydlberra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS May 31, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SIX NEW ASSISTANT DISTRICT AGRICULTURISTS APPOINTED Four graduates from the University of Alberta and one each from the Universities of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have joined the extension staff of Alberta Agriculture as assistant district agriculturists on May 17, 1976, said John Calpas, director of extension division, Alberta Agriculture. Reuben Neumier, from a mixed farm in the Langenburg area of Saskatchewan, will be stationed at Brooks. Mr. Neumier took honors in animal science, and has had a wealth of 4-H experience. Blair Roth from a grain farm at Bow Island received his B. Sc. in Agriculture with distinction from the University of Alberta. His course work was general, including agricultural economics and ex- tension. Mr. Roth is joining the staff at the Ryley extension office. animal science at University of Alberta. He was also a very active member of 4-H, both as an officer and a junior leader. Mr. Christensen will be working at the Smoky Lake office. will be going back to that office. Mr. Soldan grew up on a mixed farm at Two Hills, he earned a Biological Sciences Diploma at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and worked as a technician in surgical research for two years before entering the faculty of agriculture where he majored in animal science. of Alberta specialized in plant science while a degree in science included biology and sociology. He was project leader for two years on an Opportunities for Youth program (project cleanup). Mr. Feniak will be working with the extension team at High Prairie. Don Christensen grew up on a mixed farm at Carseland, and took a double major of soils and Jim Soldan, who worked as a summer assistant district agriculturist at Morinville last summer, Robert Feniak grew up on a mixed farm at Warspite. His agricultural degree from University (403) 427-2127 Six New Assistant District Agriculturists Appointed (cont'd) considerable community involvement in 4-H, community band work, and cub leadership. Rick and his new bride will be taking up residence in Valleyview, and working with the extension group there. All six assistants have taken general agricultural courses at university and will be relating this theory to the practises in their new districts, said Mr. Calpas. 30- 13 May 31, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE YARISH HEAD BOTANY AND WEEDS Walter Yarish has been appointed head of the botany and weeds section of Alberta Agriculture's plant industry laboratory, announced Dr. Bart Bolwyn, head of the laboratory. Mr. Yarish, who assumed his new duties May 17, 1976, will be responsible for co-ordinating the department's research on revegetation of disturbed agricultural lands, the field testing of experimental herbicides and weed identification. Mr. Yarish graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.S.A. in Plant Science in I964. He then was employed for about one and a half years as a tax assessor of agricultural land in Manitoba. He returned to the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1968 with his M. Sc. in Plant Science. After his graduation, Mr. Yarish spent two years with the Canadian Forestry Service in shelterbelt research. In 1970 he joined the department's weed control and field services branch to develop control methods for problem, hard to control weeds and weed control in crops new to Alberta such as fababeans. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 A\bex\a agriWjlture June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Alberta Objects To Removal of Feed Freight Assistance 1 Alberta May Export Dairy Cattle To Japan In 1977 2 Alberta Boars Improving 4 Fairview College Celebrate 25 Years 6 Alberta Agricultural Research Trust 8 Alberta Achievement Awards 10 What's Blooming? 11 Keep Liquid Embroidery Away From Children 12 Spiller New Appointment 13 Phone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA OBJECTS TO REMOVAL OF FEED FREIGHT ASSISTANCE Alberta Agriculture Minister, Marvin Moore, voiced concern about yesterday's announcement from Ottawa indicating major changes in the manner of pricing Western feed grains in the Eastern Canadian domestic market. "The federal announcement may have serious implications for Alberta's grain producers," said the minister. The removal of feed freight assistance and the pricing of Western feed grains at corn competitive rates could mean lower feed grain prices to livestock producers. This could also have the effect of decreasing the Alberta grain farmers income. Although removal of the feed freight assistance has been a major policy objective of the Government of Alberta, it was expected that it could be accomplished without placing the burden of the subsidy on the grain producer. Mr. Moore said, "the most logical way on which to price domestic western feed grains is through the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange." Mr. Moore expressed disappointment that the feed grain producing provinces were not consulted about the policy change. The minister concluded saying that he has contacted the federal minister of agriculture to voice his objections about the lack of consultation and to suggest an immediate meeting to discuss the proposed changes. -30- 3hone (403) 427-2127 1 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA MAY EXPORT DAIRY CATTLE TO JAPAN IN 1977 Hokkaido dairy farmers will probably buy about 100 bred Holstein heifers from Alberta in 1977. This potential market has come about as a result of the Alberta-Hokkaido Dairy Exchange Program In May, 1976 several Hokkaido dairy farmers travelled to Michigan and Wisconsin to buy dairy cattle. Mr. Yuasa, a host farmer to an Alberta dairy worker, thought the group should visit Ontario dairy herds and inspect Canadian stock. This resulted in the purchase of 50 cattle from the U.S. and 100 from Ontario. One of the main reasons the Japanese bought so many dairy cattle in Canada was the Canadian system of classification is much more selective and Mr. Yuasa said only very good cattle meet the Canadian standards where as poorer cattle can meet American standards. On his way home to Japan, Mr. Yuasa stopped in Alberta to visit his Canadian daughter, Pat Farris, and examine Alberta Holsteins. During his short visit, Mr. Yuasa visited three dairy farms in the Edmonton area as selected by the Dairy Division of Alberta Agriculture. Mr. Yuasa only wanted to see Holsteins that classified in type as 87 or better, i.e. very good or excellent in type. He was interested in specific bloodlines such as Roybrook Telstar, Elkur Royal Hope, Count Crystan and Prestige. He also saw some new bloodlines he liked including Agro Acres Never Fear and Seiling Rockman. Mr. Yuasa and the other Hokkaido dairy farmers want to buy 100 bred Holsteins heifers each year during 1977 and 1978. One great advantage to Hokkaido dairy farmers in buying Alberta Holsteins would be lower transportation costs to Japan and less stress on the animals because of the shorter flight. Mr. Yuasa, with Pat Farris as an interpreter, discussed transportation costs and other arrangements with the Alberta Export Mr. Yuasa was very pleased with the quality of cattle he saw. Agency. /dlbprra - (continued) - AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Phone (403) 427-2127 Alberta May Export Dairy Cattle To Japan In 1977 (cont'd) Pat Farris of Andrew, Alberta worked on Mr. Yuasa's farm in Hokkaido for one year on the Alberta-Hokkaido Dairy Exchange Program. The program promotes cultural and technological exchange between the two provinces. Dairy students or researchers are employed for six to 12 months at the going rate of pay for Alberta or Hokkaido and share their observations of the respective dairy industries on returning home. Nine young dairy farmers from Hokkaido have just completed their year's work in Alberta and are touring Ontario, Michigan and Wisconsin before returning to Japan. -30- 3 June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA BOARS IMPROVING Boars on tests at Record of Performance test stations across the province are improving in genetic quality. In the boars on test,backfat levels are decreasing and average daily gain and feed conversion are improving, i.e. the pigs are becoming more efficient at converting feed to lean meat. In 1974 Yorkshire boars at the Lacombe test station averaged 0.77 inches of backfat adjusted to 200 pounds (ultrasonically measured), an average daily gain of 2.00 pounds, a feed conversion of 2.57 pounds of feed per pound of gain and an estimated loin eye area of 4.75 square inches. In 1975 the figures were 0.75, 2.01, 2.53 and 4.77 respectively. In May, 1976, 37 Yorkshire boars averaged 0.71 inches of backfat, 2.03 pounds of gain, a feed conversion of 2.51 pounds of feed per pound of gain, and a loin eye area of 4.85 square inches. The six Lacombe boars on test in May had an average backfat of 0.73 inches, an average daily gain of 2.20 pounds, a feed conversion of 2.50 and a loin eye area of 4.69 square inches. In 1975 the figures for Lacombe were; 0.88, 2.04, 2.58 and 4.64. The two Hampshire boars in May averaged a backfat of 0.71 inches, an average daily gain of 2.01 , a feed conversion of 2.57 and a loin eye area of 4.97 square inches. The 1975 Hampshire boar figures were; 0.78, 1.90,2.71,5.05. In 1974 they averaged; 0.76, 2.08, 2.69, 5.02. Eight Duroc boars in the May test had a backfat of 0.71 inches, an average daily gain of 1 .99, a feed conversion of 2.47 and a loin eye area of 5.01 square inches. The figures for 1975 were; 0.93, 2.15, 2.52, 4.72. In 1974 the Duroc breed averaged; 0.86, 2.00, 2.55, 4.79. In the May test six Landrace boars had an average backfat of 0.76 inches, an average daily gain of 1 .99 pounds, a feed conversion of 2.52 and a loin eye area of 5.1 5 square inches. In 1975 the Landrace averaged; 0.92, 2.06, 2.68, 4.54. " (continued) - (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS /dlberra Alberta Boars Improving (cont'd) During 1975, 626 boars were tested at the two Alberta stations. Of the 60 boars completing the test for the May sale, 30 were sold. The average price was $524.50. Two Yorkshire boars sold for $1 ,000 each. -30- 5 June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FAIRVIEW COLLEGE CELEBRATE 25 YEARS Fairview College will be celebrating 25 years of service to Peace River residents on June 25 to June 27. Former staff, students and visitors will return or visit the college which has changed over the years. The college, although expanding, is still small with facilities for about 275 students. The college personnel believe the growth will not detract from the educational advantages a small college offers. Fairview college began in 1951 when the first class of agriculture and home economics stu- dents were enrolled. The college was closed in 1958 because a fire destroyed the gymnasium and mechanics complex. In 1960 the college was reopened and the program was expanded to include not only agriculture and home economics but apprenticeship trades, business, academics and animal health technology. The college meets the regional concept serving Alberta and B.C. Peace River residents. Students have come from all over Alberta and British Columbia as well as elsewhere in Canada and abroad. Three thousand students have attended the college since its inception. (continued) - /dlbcrfa AGRICULTURE none (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Fairview College Celebrate 25 Years (cont'd) A construction program, initiated in 1961, has completed three mechanics buildings, a gymnasium, animal and plant science laboratories, a women's residence and a central heating plant. Future construction plans include an administration building, men's residence, animal and plant science buildings, and expanded recreational facilities. The college has proven quite successful in research on confinement raising of livestock, particularly sheep. The college campus includes 1 50 acres of farmland with farm buildmgs housing 250 breeding ewes, 80 beef cows, a feedlot for 80 cattle and controlled environmental facilities for 35 sows and offspring. - 30- 7 June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH TRUST J. W. Ma Jill (r), general manager of Alberta Wheat Pool representing Western Co-operative Fertilizers Limited, presented a cheque for $18,000 for fertilizer research to Dr. Steve Pawluk (I) of the Soil Science Department of the University of Alberta. The contribution will be matched equally by the provincial government through the Alberta Agricultural Research Trust. Agricultural research costing over $3,250,000 has been financed by farm organizations and agri-business with the aid of government since the inception of the Alberta Agricultural Research Trust in April, 1966. Over the years the research has been largely mission-oriented for the advancement of Alberta's agricultural industry. This has included research in food processing, social sciences as well as the biological and physical sciences. There have been 87 completed projects, 106 are continuing and 19 new projects have been approved during the 1975-76 year. (continued) one (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Alberta Agricultural Research Trust (cont'd) A recent example of agri-business co-operating with government in sponsoring agricultural research was the presentation by J. W. Madill, general manager of Alberta Wheat Pool, of $18,000 to Dr. Steve Pawluk, representing the soil science department of the University of Alberta. The contribution was matched on a 1 : 1 basis by the Government of Alberta through the Alberta Agricultural Research Trust to make $36,000 available for research. Some of the projects being sponsored are (1) to improve fertilizer recommendations for forage crops, (2) phosphorus soil tests, (3) more knowledge of nitrogen placement and efficiency, and (4) more knowledge of nitrogen cycling and efficiency. The funds for soil research originates from an assessment of 10 cents per ton on fertilizer bought by the owners of Western Co-operative Fertilizers Limited and from a matching grant by WCFL. The owners of WCFL are Federated Co-operatives, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Manitoba Pool Elevators, and Alberta Wheat Pool. The government of Alberta contributes $250,000 annually to agricultural research through the Trust. Of this, $200,000 is generally on a cost-sharing basis with industry at 1:1. Some projects which are not of direct interest to industry are fully supported by the remaining $50,000. -30- 9 June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Alberta Achievement awards are designed to reward the efforts of individuals and groups who have enriched Alberta life. These groups or individuals may have contributed through education, sports, the humanities, sciences or in other ways. They may be professionals or dedicated volunteers. There are three award categories; competition awards, service awards and excellence awards. The competition awards are for amateur Alberta residents competing in both sporting and non-sporting fields. These awards are designed for those who have competed as a representative of Alberta during the period September 1 , 1975 to August 31 , 1976, and either placed first in a Canadian national championship sanctioned by the official governing body or placed first, second or third in a recognized international competition. Service awards will be given to individuals or groups whose service, normally over a 10 year period, has had a strong provincial impact. This service may have been performed in a professional, occupational or voluntary capacity. Excellence awards will reward those who gained national or international recognition in a professional, occupational or voluntary capacity during the past year. The deadline for nominations is September 3, 1976. Further information and nomination forms can be obtained from: Alberta Culture, Achieve- ment Awards Program, 14th floor, C.N. Tower, Edmonton,- Alberta, T5J 0K5 or telephone 427-2926. -30- /dlbcrra Phone (403) 427-2127 COMML June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHAT'S BLOOMING? Both Icelandic and Oriental poppies are showing their faces now. Oriental flowers produce flowers only during the early summer while Icelandic poppies will continue to bloom throughout the summer. The orange colored Oriental poppies are the most common but hybrids are available in shades of pink and in white. Many have black blotches at the base of their petals. Oriental poppies will reach 2 to 2 1/2 feet high. Once the flowers have faded and the petals dropped, the coarse grey-green hairy foliage remains. Oriental poppies do best in bright sun and well drained soil. Icelandic poppies are smaller with the plants reaching about 1 1/2 feet tall. The most common colors are yellow and orange, however, they are found in shades of salmon and in white. The Icelandic poppy is tolerant to cool nights and survive and bloom beautifully in our climate. The foliage forms low clumps with flower stems produced above them. Poppies do not last long indoors, however, their life can be extended. Cut poppies just as the buds begin to open, immediately sear the ends with a match and place in warm water for longer indoor life. -30- 11 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KEEP LIQUID EMBROIDERY AWAY FROM CHILDREN Some liquid embroidery products may contain lead and this may be dangerous if used by children or on children's clothes where the child might chew on the embroidery. Samples of five red liquid embroidery products, available in Edmonton, were submitted to the provincial toxicology laboratory. Three products, 'Artex', 'Minuette', and 'Vogart' contained no lead, copper, cadmium or chromium. Two products contained lead. 'Deco-Write' contained 1,486 parts per million of lead, 162 parts per million of copper and no chromium. 'Tri-Chem' contained 1 ,471 parts per million of lead, 163 parts per million of copper and no cadmium or chromium according to the laboratory report. The report also examined the solvent compounds used in the products. All the products were found to contain aromatic or other hydrocarbon solvents. These were not found to be dangerous when inhaled while applying the liquid embroidery. The report says the solvents would only be harmful if eaten in the liquid state such as when a small child found a tube within his reach. Although the reactions to the solvents would be different with individuals, the solvent compounds may cause cramps, diarrhea, dizziness and symptoms similar to intoxication if ingested in the liquid state. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS June 7, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SPILLER NEW APPOINTMENT Ken J. Spiller has been appointed head, regulatory services and feeder associations branch announced W. C. Gordon, director, animal industry division of Alberta Agriculture. Mr. Spiller was raised on a mixed farm at Daysland which produced grain, purebred and commerical cattle. The operation also included a feedlot. Mr. Spiller graduated from the University of Alberta with a B. Sc. in Agriculture, majoring in animal science. After graduation Mr. Spiller worked for Burns Foods Ltd. in a variety of jobs including directing operation of the creamery, in produce and provisions as well as the feeds division. Mr. Spiller joined Alberta Agriculture in 1966 as a dairy specialist in the Edmonton area. Other jobs with Alberta Agriculture included administration of the Frozen Foods Act, regional livestock super- visor at Edmonton. In 1973 he was promoted to livestock supervisor (beef cattle). Mr. Spiller will be responsible for administering certain Acts and Regulations with the aid of his branch staff. The branch's purpose is to provide a protection service for livestock producers by: providing a brand inspection service; providing for bonding and licensing of livestock dealers; and for licensing dealer agents and stockyards; investigating fraudulent trade practices; and to provide for pounds to protect lands from animals running at large. The purpose of the Feeder Association Guarantee Act is to enable members of feeder associations to acquire livestock for feeding and finishing. Mr. Spiller began his new duties June 1, 1976. -30- /dltferia AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS At, Ik June 14, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Alberta Hereford Week 1 Top Animals of Five Breeds Entered in Alberta Pork Congress 2 Albertans Exhibit Agricultural Products in Great Britain 4 Western Plant Disease Control 6 New Module Tested for Air Transport of Livestock 7 Egg Shell Breakage Reduction Possible 9 Ordering Sheep Pelts 10 A Branding Demonstration and Field Day 10 A\bex\o AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-21 27 COMMUNICATIONS June 14, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA HEREFORD WEEK Agriculture Minister, Marvin Moore, today announced that July 3rd to 9th will be declared Hereford Week in Alberta. The Hereford breed has played a very prominent role in the development of the livestock in- dustry in Alberta. Herefords, introduced in Alberta at the turn of the century, have maintained their importance in an expanding and changing industry. Hereford cattle, in 1974, represented 40 per cent of the total registration of purebred cattle within the province and currently there are over 60,000 pure- bred cows registered with the Alberta Hereford Association. This breed of livestock has many characteristics that enable it to adapt well to range conditions, including the ability to survive under severe winters, to put on weight while on grass, and to be fertile even under adverse conditions. The capacity of the Herefords to survive seems to parallel that of the pioneers who introduced them to the province. Certainly their work towards breed development and pro- motion has greatly contributed to the general well being of our agricultural economy. Alberta Hereford Week is a commemoration of the 1976 World Hereford Conference. During Hereford Week delegations from over 20 countries will be visiting Hereford ranches and attending . the World Hereford Sale and Conference in Banff and Calgary. Mr. Moore welcomes these delegates to the Province of Alberta and hopes that Albertans will join with these visitors in paying tribute to such an important part of Alberta's cattle industry. -30- 1 Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS < June 14, 19/6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TOP ANIMALS OF FIVE BREEDS ENTERED IN ALBERTA PORK CONGRESS The three-day Alberta Pork Congress, scheduled for June 22 - 24 in Red Deer will be climaxed on June 24 by a show and sale of some of Alberta's best breeding swine. The sale is expected to attract buyers from all parts of Western Canada. Twenty-two breeders have entered 51 head of purebred, record of performance tested gilts and boars. Breeds represented in the breeding classes include Yorkshire, Duroc Jersey, Hampshire, Lacombe and Landrace. In addition, the above breeders have entered 41 barrows in a carcass competition and 33 barrows (1 1 groups of 3) in a live barrow competition. These animals and those in the breeding classes will be competing for ribbons, trophies and cash prizes totalling $2,200. Industrial Display The industrial display at the Alberta Pork Congress will feature swine related equipment and products. The display booths will be manned by personnel from the companies offering feed supplies and services, swine equipment, swine buildings and construction materials, marketing services, feed additives, credit services, equipment rental services and extension information. Seminar Program The swine housing seminar, scheduled for June 22, will feature Dr. Aldon Jensen of the University of Illinois, U.S.A., and Rod Constable, Alberta Agriculture's extension engineer at Lethbridge. They will discuss confinement housing, swine needs and costs of swine housing. The swine nutrition seminar, scheduled for June 23, will also feature Dr. Jensen and Ron Lane, Alberta Agriculture's swine nutritionist. Consumer Show The consumer show will feature an attractive display of the various food and non-food products related to swine. It will be in the Parkland Mall, a local shopping centre,and is designed to inform con- sumers about pork products. The meat packers, the Alberta Hog Producers Marketing Board and the food retailing companies will be involved in this part of the program. - (continued) - AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS /dborra Top Animals of Five Breeds Entered in Alberta Pork Congress (cont'd) Consumer Show (cont'd) The pork banquet, scheduled for June 23, will feature the Hon. Eugene Whelan, federal minister of agriculture, as guest speaker and will be held at the Red Deer Lodge. The banquet will be followed by the crowning of Alberta's first pork queen and a sale of the prize pork carcasses. A public pork barbecue will be held on June 24, following the purebred swine sale. The pork for the barbecue, which will be held at the attractive chalet at the Red Deer Exhibition, is being provided by the Meat Packers Council of Alberta. Tickets for the banquet and barbecue can be obtained from the Alberta Pork Congress secretary, 4747 Ross Street, Red Deer (Phone 343-5334). The banquet tickets are $7.50 each or $15 per couple. The barbecue tickets are $4 each. -30 - 3 June 14, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTANS EXHIBIT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN GREAT BRITAIN The Alberta Aberdeen Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn associations will be joining with their Saskatchewan counterparts to exhibit stock at the Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland and the Royal Show at Kenilworth, England. Because of the embargo imposed on Canadian cattle and semen entering Great Britain at the moment, Canadian cattle that were sold in Britain last year will be gathered together for the display. These cattle will include both polled and horned Herefords, Angus and Shorthorns from Saskatchewan and Alberta. The cattle will be exhibited at the Highland Show June 22 to 25 and then at the Royal Show. Alberta agri-business firms and associations will also be exhibiting products at the Royal Show in Kenilworth, England July 5 - 8, 1976. The Royal Show, the largest agricultural show in Britain, is sponsored by the Royal Agricultural Society of England. There are extensive displays of livestock, farm machinery, food products and flowers. The attendance in 1975 was 226,000 from 104 countries. There were 803 exhibitors. The Alberta food firms that will display their products include Sunland Industries, Canada Packers, Vauxhall Foods and Highland Produce. Sunland Industries of Edmonton will display their retail pack of three cookie varieties and Canada Packers will exhibit retail products under the York label such as frozen French fries and canned vegetables. Vauxhall Foods and Highland Produce will exhibit their products for the institutional trade; respectively potato granules which make up into French fries and foot-long eggs. Alberta and Saskatchewan will jointly exhibit honey and alfalfa products such as pellets and cubes. Two firms, Faith Farms of Wetaskiwin and Cypress Hill Cheese of Swift Current, Saskatchewan will exhibit mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Four Alberta manufacturers will exhibit selected products from their product lines. Vertec Industries Limited of Vermilion will display their continuous flow grain drier. Craig's Manufacturing - (continued) - PhnnR (4D3) 477-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Albertans Exhibit Agricultural Products in Great Britain (cont'd) Limited of Morinville will show their model W-4 root windrower which is used in land clearing and re- clamation projects where roots are a problem. The tent-like buildings of Sprung Instant Structures of Calgary, used for storage, workshops, tennis courts and airplane hangars will also be on display. Spierco Industries Limited of Calgary will display equipment for applying granular fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. -30- 5 June 14, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WESTERN PLANT DISEASE CONTROL Co-ordination of plant disease control measures in western Canada will result from the formation of the Western Committee on Plant Disease Control. The committee is made up of provincial plant pathologists, Agriculture Canada research scientists and university professors working on plant disease control in western Canada. Disease control measures for the following plant groups will be formulated: vegetable crops, forage legumes, potatoes, cereals, oilseeds, greenhouse crops, ornamentals, special field crops, tree fruits and small fruits, trees and shelterbelts and grasses. The committee will provide a means for regularly revising control measures so that information on new disease control products, resistant crop varieties or other control measures can be evaluated. It will also alert plant pathologists and regulatory personnel to new disease problems that are of general concern so that co-ordinated control measures can be adopted. The committee will identify disease problems where further investigation is necessary to develop satisfactory control measures and to indicate what studies are required and where they should be under- taken. Previously there had been no co-ordination of plant disease control measures except within provincial boundaries. -30- /dlberra AGRICULTURE (403»427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS June 14, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW MODULE TESTED FOR AIR TRANSPORT OF LIVESTOCK United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists and engineers are testing a modular container designed for transporting livestock in jumbo jet air freighters. According to information received by Alberta Agriculture, the 20' X 10' X 10' aluminum container has a number of features including tubular side bars and three decks with diamond mesh (expanded metal) floors. The mesh flooring allows maximum ventilation, a critical factor for livestock during transit. The solid floors now used tend to block air circulation and to trap hot air which creates a hazard for the animals. The open mesh floor remains dry and clean, giving livestock surer footing during loading and unloading. Animals may be injured if they fall on solid floors that are slippery with animal wastes. During transit, a floor pan collects the animal wastes which can then be flushed and/or vacuumed for disposal in airport sewage systems. Simulated flight tests using sheep, conducted over several 48 hour periods, determined amount of waste production, optimum group size, and recommended density. Fasting the sheep for at least 10 hours before loading them significantly reduced the volume of animal wastes during transport with no ill effects on the sheep, says the U. S. report. The optimum group size was approximately 40 sheep per pen. When as many as 60 sheep were loaded, the animals tended to crowd toward one end of the pen. Approximately 2.7 square feet per animal provided sufficient space for sheep averaging up to 116 pounds. Results of tests with the experimental module will be useful in determining the ultimate dimen- sions and design of future containers for the air transport of livestock. The use of a modular container system allows livestock to be shipped with other types of 'containerized' cargo. - (cont'd) - At A\b®\a AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS - 2 - New Module Tested for Air Transport of Livestock (cont'd) The U. S. report says air carriers are purchasing jumbo jets optionally equipped with extra air conditioning capacity and corrosive proof cabin areas in anticipation of transporting large numbers of livestock to overseas markets. -30- 8 June 14, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EGG SHELL BREAKAGE REDUCTION POSSIBLE "We may now be able to reduce the incidence of cracked eggs from any strain of superior producing hens that does not have strong shells by crossing it with a strain that produces a lower percentage of cracked eggs." This statement was made by Dr. Igal Pevzner, a research scientist with the Ontario Agricultural College's animal and poultry science department, who has been working on a selection experiment for stronger egg shells. The experiment involved testing the strength of egg shells by measuring the amount of change that took place in the shape of the shell when a weight of about one pound was put on the egg. According to information received by Alberta Agriculture's poultry branch, after three years of selection, the researcher achieved a stronger shell strength in one strain of hens without sacrificing production, but they were not successful in achieving a stronger shell with a second strain. A reduction in the incidence of cracks was apparently realized when a strain with strong shells was involved in the crosses. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 Liberia AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS June 14, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORDERING SHEEP PELTS Did you know that you can order a tanned or untannad sheep pelt from the Lamb Processors Co-op in Innisfail? You can get a tanned off-white lamb pelt for only $29 or a pure white pelt for $33. If you know how to tan leather or would like to learn, you can get a raw pelt for only $7.50. Dr. John Taylor, Alberta Agriculture's sheep specialist in Edmonton, has all the information you need to learn the tanning process. The Lamb Processors Co-op send their pelts to a very competent firm in Ontario for tanning and dying. You can obtain more detailed information on buying sheep pelts from Murray Nelson, manager, Lamb Processors Co-op, Innisfail, Alberta. -30- June 14, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A BRANDING DEMONSTRATION AND FIELD DAY A branding demonstration and field day will be held on the farm of Jack Stulberg, 1 mile north, 2 miles east of Endiang on Monday, June 14 at 2:00 p.m. Hank Pallister, co-ordinator of regulatory services for Alberta Agriculture, will present a slide show and demonstrate techniques for applying an effective brand. 30 ydlborra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS June 21, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Plebiscite on Possible Termination of Alberta Beekeepers Commission 1 Rat Situation 2 Corrosion Causes Steel Mainline Failures 3 Farm Accident Monitoring System in Operation 4 Hay's Losses 5 Yellow-Headed Spruce Sawfly Control 8 Pruning Evergreens 10 District Home Economists in Training District Home Economist Appointments 13 Rodent and Rabies Vector Control Field Supervisor Appointed 14 Regional Agricultural Engineer Appointed 15 Deadline for Nominations to Hall of Fame 1 E PhnnP (403) 427-2127 Ab®\a AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 1 June 21, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEBISCITE ON POSSIBLE TERMINATION OF ALBERTA BEEKEEPERS COMMISSION The Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council is conducting a plebiscite to determine whether the province's beekeepers want the Alberta Beekeepers Commission to continue in operation. All known beekeepers will be receiving a voting registration form by mail. The plebiscite is being held in response to concerns expressed by some beekeepers regarding the establishment and operation of the commission. Everybody who kept bees for production in 1975 and who was registered under the Alberta Bee Act is eligible to vote, providing he completes and returns the registration form to the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council office on or before July 9, 1976. Eligible producers who complete and return their voting registration form by the deadline will receive a ballot which must be completed and returned to the Marketing Council office on or before August 25, 1 976. Ballots will be counted in the Marketing Council office on August 26. An eligible producer who does not receive a voting registration form in the mail may obtain one from his local district agriculturist office or from the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council office. Anyone who has questions regarding the plebiscite should contact the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8. (Telephone 427-2164). -30- /dlberra AGRICULTURE 'hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 2 June 21, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RAT SITUATION "A major portion of the credit for Alberta's status as a 'Rat Free Province' goes to the resi- dents of this province." This statement was made by Alberta Agriculture's animal pest control specialist, Cliff Barrett, who explains that the public's tremendous support and co-operation has kept the world's most destructive rodent pest out of Alberta for more than 25 years. Last year an estimated 26,000 rats were destroyed in the 18-mile wide, 380-mile long buffer zone along Alberta's eastern border. About 10 tons of ready mixed warfarin bait and 1 ,800 packages of water bait were used to accomplish this task. The number of rats which penetrated further into the province via transportation facilities increased to 93 from 69 in 1974. One was found at Grande Prairie and another at Josephburg while a whole colony of black rats were discovered in Edmonton. However, thanks to a vigilant and 'rat conscious' public and the diligent work of the province's 250 pest control officers, all the rats were destroyed. So far there has been no evidence of rats at any of the locations where they were found last year. -30- hone (403) 427 2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS .sunt 21, <9?6 3 FOR IMiViLDiATE RELEASE _ COjRROS|QN CAUSES STEFL MAINLINE FAILURES Case:- of pipe failure in buried steel mainlines used to supply center privc: srj'iukle' irrigation systems have occurred recently in the brooks area. Corrosion of the steel material in the pipe apparently caused the lines to upture, necessitating their replacement sr. great expense. In some cases the lines had been used for only three seasons Dennis Roll, Alberta Agriculture's irrigation specialist, says the problem is most prevalent where I i lines are buried in wet, saline soils, particularly under depressional areas where runoff water may cc'lect. Although buried steel mainlines are mechanically wrapped with felt and tarred to protect the pipe against corrosion after installation, soii moisture can penetrate and start corrosion of the pipe if even microscopic areas are missed. "Corrosion", says Mr, RoM. "is an electrochemical action. In steel lines the pipe acts as the anode in oontac* with rs>u moisture Depending upon the conductivity of the soil solution (the higher the salt content, the greater the conductivity), a current flow is set up from the steel to the soil solution and a ios of metal (pitting) results. If this current flow is stopped or reversed, the corrosion stops. This pro- ced !i i is cslled cathodic protection. Cathodic protection can be imparted to the line with an electric current." Mr. Roll sugg< sts using PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or asbestos cement, which do not corrode, instead of steel pipe. 'Jacketed' aluminum with a polyethylene covering may aiso be used. !f steei must be used because of high pressures, etc. in areas where corrosion is I'kely to occur, Mr. Ro'i recommends thoroughly wrapping and sealing the surface of the pipe and the use of cathodic protection . He ?ico reeomm.ondr consulting a corrosion engineer when cathodic protection is required. -30 hone (403) 427 2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS June 21, 1976 4 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FARM ACCIDENT MONITORING SYSTEM IN OPERATION Personnel from Alberta Agriculture's farm development division have begun monitoring farm accidents in selected areas of the province. It was agreed at a meeting of government and private agencies, sponsored by Alberta Agriculture earlier this spring, that a good data collecting system on farm accidents was needed so that some means of reducing their number can be adopted. At the present time meaningful statistics on farm accidents are ex- tremely difficult to obtain and the hazards associated with farming are only partially known. The monitoring system now in operation is a pilot project that will run for at least one year. At the end of that time the results will be evaluated and a decision made on whether or not the system should be continued on a province-wide basis. Its objectives are to define the farm accident problem, to identify the risk factors associated with farming, to determine the foci of concentration for a preventative program and to establish a basis against which future accident trends can be measured and preventative programs evaluated. The model for the present monitoring system, recommended by the Interdepartmental Committee on Occupational Safety in Agriculture, consists of two phases and involves 15 Alberta hos- pitals. In the first phase, hospitals located at Barrhead, Westlock, Wainwripht, Red Deer, Olds, Sundry, Didsbury, Hanna, Picture Butte, Coaldale, Lethbridge, Raymond and Milk River will inform Alberta Agriculture when a farm accident victim is admitted for treatment. This information will be provided with the victim's agreement. In phase two, Alberta Agriculture personnel will interview the victim to find out the specific cause and details of the accident or send him a specially designed questionnaire. It is hoped that preliminary results obtained from the monitoring system will be available at the end of this year. tone (403) 427-2127 i/ill be available at the /dlberra June 21, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5 HAY'S LOSSES What are the ways in which the feed value of a hay crop can be lost during the harvesting process? According to Ross Gould, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Stettler who has been doing research in this area, feed value losses can occur if the crop is harvested when it is too mature, during the harvesting process and during storage. Too Mature vested. "Research in recent years", says Mr. Gould, "suggests that the digestibility of alfalfa falls by nearly one half a percentage point per day between the early bloom and late bloom stage. Research also showed that the alfalfa lost nearly a sixth of its protein content during the same period. Similar losses occur in grass hays." Harvesting Field Losses There are three ways in which the feed value of hay can be lost between the time it is cut and baled or stacked. These are through respiration, mechanical losses and leaching losses. Respiration Since the life process in grass and legume plants, like cut flowers, persists as long as there is enough moisture in the cells to support life, it uses up some of the food which was produced by the plant before it was cut. These respiration losses continue until the hay dries to a moisture content of about 25 per cent, below which point the life process stops and no more respiration losses occur. to 1 1 per cent of its original dry matter through respiration between the time it is cut and dried. The longer the drying period, the longer will be the respiration loss. Hence, quick drying is important for reducing these losses. The first nutrient losses in a hay crop result when the crop is left too long before being har- Mr. Gould says, "Recent research work suggests that a freshly cut crop of hay can lose from 7 - (continued) - >ne (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Hay's Losses (cont'd) Harvesting Field Losses (cont'd) 6 Mechanical Losses The drier the cut hay becomes the greater the percentage of leaves and stems that tend to break off and shatter into pieces which are too small to be picked up by haying equipment. Research studies have shown, for example, that shattering losses vary from 3.6 to 20.4 per cent, depending upon the moisture content of the hay. Mr. Gould says, "Losses can be kept below 10 per cent if the hay is raked or turned while its moisture content is above 35 per cent." During research studies the heaviest losses occurred when the leaves dried rapidly on a hot day while the stems were still damp. Hence conditioning, which speeds up the drying of stems can be expected to result in lower mechanical losses. Shattering losses were also found to be lower when the hay was raked in early morning or late afternoon because of the higher humidity. "The highest losses occurred", Mr. Gould says, "during the baling operation at the pickup. Normally these losses varied from one to 3 per cent of the total crop. Bale chamber losses were generally below one per cent." Field chopper losses were similar to baler losses at the pickup. However, additional losses of one to 3 per cent were found to occur at the blower, especially if the wagon or stacker was not properly covered . Leaching Losses Leaching is another cause of loss which is often not recognized. Some of the sugars and protein constituents are in a soluble form which can be washed out by rain. One experiment suggested that about a 1.4 per cent loss would result from each 10 mm of rain which would be the same as a 3.5 per cent loss from each inch of rain on cut hay. It was also found that leaching losses are slightly higher in conditioned hay where the stems have been broken and the plant juices exposed. Storage Losses Respiration Hay dried to about 25 per cent moisture can continue to respire very slowly in storage. Re- search in Beltsville, Maryland,has shown that well dried.field cured hay can be expected to lose about - (continued) - Hay's Losses (cont'd) 1 Storage Losses (cont'd) Respiration (cont'd) 3 to 4 per cent of its total potential dry matter in storage because of continued respiration. Losses would be higher in hay that was stored while tough or damp. Heating When hay is packed tightly in a bale or stack, the heat produced from the respiration process is trapped and builds up to quite high levels. In addition to the losses from respiration, the digestibility of the hay can be damaged. At a temperature of over 40°C, for example, a complex reaction occurs between the protein and sugars in the plant material. This reaction makes both less digestible. Sometimes called the 'browning reaction', it can be recognized by the brown color and tobacco odor of the heated hay. Dry matter losses in hay harvested at 30 per cent moisture have been found to be about 10 per cent. In hay with a 50 per cent moisture content,these losses went as high as 20 per cent. The digestibility of the dry matter was reduced by 6 per cent in 35 per cent moisture hay. Hay wet to 53 per cent moisture showed a reduction in digestibility of 14 per cent. According to Mr. Gould these losses in digestibility were reflected in much lower rates of gain. When all the above losses are added together it is clear that a very substantial proportion of a hay crop can be lost, even under good weather condition, between the time it is harvested and the time it is fed. -30- June 21, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 YELLOW-HEADED SPRUCE SAWFLY CONTROL Many younger shelterbelt spruce trees are severely damaged every year in Alberta by yellow- headed, spruce sawfly larvae. According to Hugh Philip, entomologist with Alberta Agriculture's plant industry laboratory, most species of spruce, including Colorado blue spruce, are susceptible to sawfly larvae damage. Orna- mentals and shelterbelt trees that are less than 10 years old are particularly vulnerable. "The first sign of damage", says Mr. Philip, "appears in early June and is caused by the small larvae eating portions of developing needles." As the larvae increase in size during the next 30 days they eat entire new needles and eventually attack the old needles as well. By mid-July heavily infested trees start to become ragged looking, especially near the top, and take on a yellowish-brown color, which is visible for a long distance. In extreme cases, the trees may be completely stripped. Mr. Philip says continuing infestations reduce the trees' annual growth, leaving them susceptible to attack by other insects and making them unable to withstand adverse weather conditions. In fact, two or three consecutive years of moderate defoliation is enough to kill a tree. Control Picking the larvae off when they first appear by hand and destroying them is effective in con- trolling sawfly larvae on a few small trees. Another effective method is to hose the larvae off with a garden hose. Chemical control is recommended for large trees and for a large number of trees. Malathion is the only insecticide that is presently approved for controlling sawfly larvae on spruce. However, it should not be applied when the temperature is below 20°C. - (continued) - ^llbcrra AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS With a hand pump sprayer, spray the trees thoroughly (without actually drenching them) with a solution made up of one tablespoonful of 50 per cent malathion emulsifiable concentrate in each gal- lon of water (6 millilitres per 5 litres). Infested trees should be sprayed before damage becomes noticeable from a distance which is usually about mid-June. If the first spraying is done after this date most of the current year's damage will probably have already occurred. If larvae are still present after the first chemical application, the trees may be sprayed again in two or three weeks. Mr. Philip urges anyone with young spruce trees to check the new growth, particularly towards the top of the tree, at least twice a week until early July."Regular checking can prevent a great deal of damage caused by yellow-headed spruce sawfly larvae; he says. 30 June 21, 1976 10 FOR i IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRUNING EVERGREENS June is the month to prune and shape most evergreen shrubs. Herman Oosterhuis, Alberta Agriculture's tree specialist, points out that proper pruning is necessary to keep these plants healthy, attractive and within their allotted space in the garden. Both spruce and pine should be pruned on the new growth rather than on the older wood. When the new growth is pinched off, buds form from which all subsequent growth will originate. This new growth helps the shrub bush out. When prjning is done on older wood.no buds will develop on the cut surface. A spruce hedge should be pruned only on the new growth for the same reason. Mr. Oosterhuis does not recommend pruning tall-growing evergreens like Colorado spruce and lodgepole pine. He points out, however, that if one of these trees loses its leader (top), a new leader can be formed by forcing a top lateral branch into an upright position with a splint. The mugo pine, a low growing shrub, commonly planted close to buildings, often needs to be pruned back to keep its growth from getting out of control. If it is allowed to get out of control for even a year or two, the shrub quickly loses it shape and often becomes too large for its location. "The growth of this type of shrub", Mr. Oosterhuis says, "should be controlled by pinching the new sprouts or 'candles' back to within a fraction of the previous year's wood." Junipers can be pruned any time during the spring and summer because the pruning is not con- fined to the new growth. However, when a branch is cut off, the cut surface should always be hidden by the foliage growing behind the cut. It is this foliage which will provide the future growth of the branch. Cedars, often used for foundation planting, normally only require pruning for some additional shaping. The same pruning measures recommended for junipers apply to cedars. /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE 'hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS June 21, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 1 DISTRICT HOME ECONOMISTS IN TRAINING The head of Alberta Agriculture's home economics branch, Vera Macdonald.has announced the appointments of nine home economists who will be entering a five to eight-month training program in preparation for replacing district home economists who have resigned. The trainees are as follows: Karen Johnson will be taking her training at the Lethbridge district home economist office. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and has a B.H.E. from the University of Manitoba. She worked two sum- mers for the Manitoba Department of Agriculture. Joan Gerlitz will be taking her training at the Calgary district home economist office. She grew up in the Lethbridge and Calgary areas and obtained her B.Sc. (home economics) from the Univerisity of Alberta. Last summer she worked as a summer assistant with the home economics branch. Eileen Klein will be training at Lamont. She was born near Kelowna, British Columbia, and attended the University of British Columbia. She graduated with a B.H.E. and has since been substitute teaching in Kelowna. Corinne Gattinger will be training at the South Edmonton district home economist office. She grew up in rural Saskatchewan and in Calgary. She obtained her B.Sc. (home economics) from the Univer- sity of Alberta and has worked as a junior home economist with the City of Calgary Electric System. Sandy Marshall will be training at Lacombe. She comes from British Columbia and obtained her B.H.E. from the University of British Columbia. Since graduation she has planned and implemented sum- mer programs for children, including mentally retarded and native children. Marilyn Paulgaard will be taking her training at the Camrose district home economist office. She grew up on a farm in the Daysland area and obtained her B.Sc. (home economics) from the University of Alberta. She has worked at the Alberta Hospital at Oliver and at St. Joseph Hospital in Edmpnton. n tampnton. /dlberra - (continued) - AGRICULTURE e (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS District Home Economists in Training (cont'd) 12 Virginia Nell will be training in the Peace River district home economist office. She grew up on a grain farm in Saskatchewan and obtained her B.S.H.Ec. from the University of Saskatchewan. Linda Caldbick has been assigned to the Red Deer office for training. She was born in Kamloops, British Columbia,and later moved to Ontario and Manitoba. She attended the University of Manitoba, graduating with a B.H.E., and worked in the university's textile laboratory. Mary Hancock will be taking her district home economist training at Brooks. She was born and raised on a farm in Ontario and graduated from the University of Guelph with a B.Sc. (applied). Following graduation, she worked for CUSO for two years teaching home economics and agriculture in Zambia, Africa. -30- June 21, 1976 13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT HOME ECONOMIST APPOINTMENTS The director of Alberta Agriculture's extension division, John Calpas, has announced the appointments of four district home economists. They are Pauline McCardle, Gail Lemke, Judy Cook and Diane Bourne. Pauline McCardle has been appointed to the Medicine Hat office where she replaces Yvonne Kennedy who is now regional home economist at Red Deer. Ms. McCardle grew up on a farm on Prince Edward Island. She has a B.Sc. (home economic?) from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and a B.Ed, from the University of New Brunswick. She has taught home economics in various parts of Canada. Gail Lemke has been appointed district home economist at Evansburg. She was raised on a farm in Alberta and graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. (home economics). Before joining the home economics branch.she worked as a farm management technician in Leduc with Can-Farm. Judy Cook has been appointed district home economist at Valleyview. As a child she lived in many cities across Canada. She attended the University of Guelph where she obtained her B.Sc. (house- hold science) and her M.Sc. (family study). Diane Bourne has been appointed district home economist at Sedgewick. Prior to her appoint- ment, this district was served from the Camrose district home economist office. Ms. Bourne was born and raised in Calgary. She took her first year university at the University of Calgary and the remaining years at the University of Alberta. She obtained her B.Sc (home economics) last year. -30- ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 14 June 21, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RODENT AND RABIES VECTOR CONTROL FIELD SUPERVISOR APPOINTED Alan Norris has been made field supervisor of rodent and rabies vector control with Alberta Agriculture. His appointment was announced by Cliff Barrett, supervisor of animal pest control. Located in Edmonton, Mr. Norris will be responsible for the field supervision of rat control and rabies vector control programs. In this capacity he will co-ordinate the work of eight full-time pest control officers as well as the 'input' from 65 agricultural service board fieldmen and 250 municipal pest control officers. Mr. Norris was born and raised on a dryland farm in the Warner region. He attended the Lethbridge Community College, graduating last year with a diploma. His area of specialization was con- servation. Since January 1973 Mr. Norris has worked as a summer employee for Alberta Agriculture on rabies, predator and bacterial ring rot control programs. -30- 3hone (403) 427-2127 Alberta AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 15 June 21. 1976 FOR :WiFO*A?b R6UEASE REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER APPOINTED George Cafver, associate director of Alberta Agriculture's farm development division, has announced the appointment of Duane Wood to the position of regional engineer at Fairview. Mr. Wood wiil provide consulting sen/ices to farmers in his area as well as layout and con- struction plans for various agricultural production systems. He will also disseminate research information to farmers and to other professionals in Alberta Agriculture. Mr. Wood was born on a mixed farm near Meifort, Saskatchewan. He obtained a B.E. in 1Q70 and M.Sc. in 1976 from the University of Saskatchewan. His field of specialization was power and machinery. In the summer of 1967 he worked at the federal research station at Meifort, Saskatchewan, on cereal grain plot maintenance. During the summers of 1969-1971 and during 1972 and the summer of 1973 he worked for Lefebure Distributors in Meifort. In 1974, foil owing temporary employment with SED Systems Ltd. in Saskatoon, Mr. Wood obtained employment with the University of Saskatchewan. Here he was responsible for redesigning and constructing a forage plot harvestor weighing system. -30- DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS TO HAI L OF FAME The deadline for submission of nominations to the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame is July 1 . Nomination forms, available from district extension offices and Alberta Agriculture's commun- ication branch, must be returned to Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame, Communications Branch, 9718- 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8 by July 1. ydlbcrra Phone (403) 427-2127 -30- AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS SERINE LJ June 28, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Big Packaged Haying Systems Food Price Culprits? 4 Alberta Forage Situation 6 Bluetongue 8 Japanese Dairy Expert Visits Alberta 9 Director of Federal Research Station Honored 11 Controlling Dandelions In A Lawn 13 Progressive Farming Days 14 Coming Agricultural Events 15 Breton Plots Field Day 21 /dlbena AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-21 27 COMMUNICATIONS June 28, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BIG PACKAGED HAYING SYSTEMS by Page Harrison Department of Agricultural Engineering University of Alberta Round Bales are Popular in Big Packaged Haying In a big-packaged haying system, hay is accumulated or packaged in quantities that can exceed one ton each. With the exception of the square bale, big-packaged hay is designed for outdoor storage and feeding. No doubt this is the main reason for the interest in big-packaged hay in western Canada. Some studies in the eastern United States confirm that weathering losses are not serious, being confined to the top four to six inches for the loaf-shaped stacks and to the outside two to four inches for the round bales. In another study, the dry matter loss was 20 per cent after 280 days for outside storage. For inside storage the loss was 16 per cent. Unless the difference in losses exceeds 10 per cent, it is difficult to justify inside storage. ncu 1 1 to justify inside /dlbcrra one (403) 427-2127 " Continued) AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS 2 Big Packaged Haying Systems (cont'd) A report from Manitoba in 1973 indicates that the lowest harvesting cost per ton of hay was ob- tained with the big-packaged round baler. The costs reported in the following table will be much greater today but the relative cost should be about the same. The table indicates that the systems are suitable for volumes of 300 tons per year or more. The big-packaged round baler has a particular advantage at the lower annual tonnage of harvested hay. COMPARISON OF HAYING RATES AND COSTS* Cost/Ton Investment Man Harvest 300 500 Cost Hours Men Rate ton/year ton/year System (dollars) 100 Tons Required Tons/hour (dollars) (dollars) Conventional Haying Systems Loose Hay 7,800 75 3 4 8.00 6.50 Small Bales 10,000 56 2-3 5 8.35 6.45 Silage 8,250 60 4 7 7.80 6.20 Big-Packaged Haying Systems Load Stacks 17,650 43 2 8 11.80 8.45 Round Stacks 16,650 43 2 8 11.00 7.85 Round Bales 8,400 34 2 9 6.30 4.75 *without storage costs Transporting the big-packaged stacks to and from storage is accomplished with the stack accumulator or a stack mover. In some cases the stack mover can deliver the hay into feeder bunks. Methods of transporting round bales are quite variable. One can use a tractor, a pick-up truck with a suit- able attachment, a stack mover or a special multi-bale wagon. Because the equipment can be simple, some of the manufacturing is done by small local businesses. The names of these small manufacturers can be found in the classified advertisements in farm weekly newspapers. - (continued) - Big Packaged Haying Systems (cont'd) Feeding big-packaged hay can be done from a stack mover, with a feeder attachment or with a tub grinder. The latter can process twenty tons of hay an hour but it requires considerable horsepower and is expensive. Round bales also can be processed through a tub grinder but the least costly method is self- feeding. Losses from big-packaged hay will be considerable unless limit feeding is practised, or some attempt is made to control animal access to the packages. When unrestricted, animals knock down hay which is then trampled and not eaten because more hay is available. Such waste can be minimized by pro- viding some type of barrier between the animals and the hay packages. One barrier is made from panels which are hinged at the four corners so that as the hay is con- sumed the animals will collapse the panels on the diminishing package, thereby providing a reasonable clean-up of the hay. The panels may be built in 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16-foot lengths. Four 8-foot feeder panels could be used for feeding a round bale. If this does not provide sufficient feeding stations, then multiple enclosures can be used, feeding two or more round bales simultaneously. The longer feeder panels would be used with the loaf stacks using two eight-foot panels with two 16-foot panels for stacks 14 feet long. The estimated cost of the materials for each panel as of 1975 (Edmonton) was: 8 foot -$170 10 foot -$206 12 foot $248 14 foot -$282 16 foot -$295 The cost of each enclosure (if square) would be four times the above price. An eight-foot en- closure, for example, would be $680. Early indications are that big-packaged hay is an appropriate haying system for western Canada. Once skills of operation and management are acquired, it may supercede the conventional systems. Big-packaged haying equipment will be demonstrated at Progressive Farming Days, xheduled lor July 6 - 8, at Olds College, Olds, Alberta. -30- June 28, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4 FOOD PRICE CULPRITS? by Jim Dawson Marketing Analysis Branch Alberta Agriculture As inflation and rising prices have reached front page headlines over the past two years, con- sumers have become increasingly price conscious, with food often the center of attention. During such periods it seems natural to search for 'culprits' in the food production and marketing sectors. However, picking a culprit is the easy way of explaining high prices, as it by-passes all of the complexities involved in producing, processing and distributing food products. Producer marketing boards are a common target of complaint. While the specific target may be one or two marketing boards, the publicity is often aimed at all marketing boards. Such a generalization is unfair, as the methods and objectives of producer marketing boards are about as diverse as the products they market. A basic principle of marketing boards is to provide a degree of bargaining power to agricultural producers who are selling a product in a market which has a limited number of buyers. The result is often limited change in the average price, yet a more equitable distribution of revenue between small and large producers selling the same quality of product. The major goal of producer marketing boards is to maximize marketing efficiency, with the final result being either maintenance of, or an increase in, producer incomes. Two common objectives of marketing boards are to provide producer equity in the market place and to enhance income stability to producers. Among the different approaches used to achieve such goals and objectives are: provision of market information, product promotion, domestic and foreign market development, price pooling, pro- ducer licensing, price negotiation or price setting, production or marketing quotas, provision of assembly or storage facilities, etc. □vision ot assemDiy /dltorra - (continued) - 5 Food Price Culprits? (cont'd) Any one, or a combination of these strategies, may be used, depending upon the powers granted under provincial or federal legislation. It is a common misconception to think that factors which create additional returns for the pro- ducer are paid through higher costs to the processor or to the consumer. For example, storage or assembly facilities can rationalize the flow of product to market, thereby reducing seasonal supply bulges and shortages which are common for many agricultural products. 'Broad brush' criticisms are unwarranted. There are over 100 producer marketing boan: s in Canada, and just like people, each one has its own personality and its own book of rules. -30- June 28, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6 ALBERTA FORAGE SITUATION Widely scattered showers in most of Alberta and some excellent rains in the Peace River region and south-western Alberta have greatly improved the outlook for cereal crops but the hay and pasture situation remains serious. This statement was made by Alberta Agriculture's forage crops specialist, Larry Gareau. He reports that genuine concern about an impending forage shortage is already developing in a large sector of the province. This concern is particularly evident in central, southern and north-eastern Alberta, where the cattle population is at an all-time high. "Grass in pastures and on rangeland is extremely short and is showing signs of going to seed", Mr. Gareau says. "In fact, we are seeing many overgrazed pastures and bare spots at the time of year when it is normal to see more grass than the cattle can eat." Also, much of the hay in the province has reached the harvesting stage. However, if it is cut now, it will yield less than half of the first cutting of a normal crop. "While a general three-inch rain would go a long way towards relieving the present crisis, pros- pects for adequate fodder supplies this winter are still very gloomy", Mr. Gareau says. "On the basis of a 10 per cent reduction in our tame hay acreage compared with last year, the 3 million acres of tame hay in Alberta will at best produce 4.5 to 5 million tons of hay. However, over 6 million tons will be re- quired to overwinter our 2 million cows and yearling heifers, not to mention another 2 million head of bulls, steers and calves that will have to be fed." This situation means that we must obtain at least another 2 million tons of good quality hay if we are to maintain our present cattle herds and to insure a satisfactory level of livestock husbandry. Perhaps the answer to the problem is for farmers to sacrifice one to 2 million acres of cereal crops. These crops could be pastured or cut for hay or silage. An alternative would be to seed part of the province's 7 million acres of summerfallow to oats or a mixture of oats, wheat and barley for greenfeed. If seeded before the middle of July such crops will produce excellent cereal hay. - (continued) - lone (403) 427-2 i 7 Alberta Forage Situation (cont'd) Mr. Gareau stresses that the need to salvage all available forage for next winter's feed cannot be overemphasized. He suggests cutting the thousands of tons of hay along roadsides and around sloughs that go unharvested every year and cutting weedy crops before they reach maturity. The latter practice, in addition to providing good feed, would help solve dockage and weed reinfestation problems. "The careful storage of forage to retain its nutritive value and to avoid costly losses is another way to stretch feed supplies", says Mr. Gareau. However, he believes that balancing the number of cattle that will have to be fed next winter with available feed supplies by planning ahead is probably the most important single factor in preventing a future feed shortage. "Waiting until next fall or for a crisis to develop", he says, "is asking for trouble. The forced disposition of cattle because of a shortage of feed and the necessity of buying extra feed, regardless of the price, is an invitation to disaster! In fact, under the present circumstances, it seems rather ironical to see large truckloads of hay being moved out of the province at half the price hay will be selling for by next December." -30- June 28, 1976 8 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BLUETONGUE "What is this new disease called bluetongue?" is a question many livestock owners are asking. According to Dr. Frank Baker, beef cattle extension veterinarian with Alberta Agriculture, blue- tongue is an infectious virus disease of sheep and cattle. It is spread by sandflies, and is, therefore, most prevalent in the summer and in low-lying areas where the flies breed. The main symptoms of the disease in sheep are inflammation and ulceration of the mouth, difficult breathing, diarrhea, occasional lameness and a rapid loss of condition. As in the case of foot and mouth disease, which bluetongue resembles, significant losses are caused by the loss of meat, milk, wool, abortions and a prolonged convalescent period rather than by deaths. Most bluetongue cases in cattle are very mild and usually go unnoticed. However, abortions and severe clinical signs similar to those seen in sheep have been recorded. "Vaccination", says Dr. Baker, "is the only satisfactory way of controlling bluetongue once it has become established in an area." Because there is no effective treatment for the disease, the slaughter of all infected animals is mandatory in Canada. Owners of slaughtered animals receive compensation. Until recently Canada was free of bluetongue. Dr. Baker points out that the importance of the recent cases in B.C. to Alberta cattlemen is not only in the threat they pose to our sheep and cattle, but also in the significant loss of some of our export markets. "As long as we could satisfy Australia and New Zealand that we were free of bluetongue", Dr. Baker says, "we enjoyed a multi-million dollar semen export market in those countries. Under- standably, when they became aware of the presence of the disease here, they stopped all importation of semen from Canada. Britain has banned the importation of all Canadian sheep and cattle." hnnp 4?7-?1?7 - 30- ydlbcrta June 28, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 JAPANESE DAIRY EXPERT VISITS ALBERTA Mitugi Sato, chairman of the Japanese Hokkaido-Alberta Dairy Technique and Scientific Association, recently spent five days in Alberta evaluating the dairy exchange program that was initiated between the two countries in 1974. This was Mr. Sato's fourth visit to Alberta. He was last here in 1973 when he helped to work out the mechanics of the present program. The year before that he came to Alberta to discuss with Dr. Hugh Horner, then minister of agriculture, the idea of a dairy exchange program between Japan and Alberta. Mr. Sato's first visit was back in 1928 when he came here to evaluate this province's butter and cream grading system, the standards of which were so high that they achieved international recognition. When asked if he was pleased with the results of the dairy exchange program, known as the Hokkaido-Alberta Dairy Technique and Scientific Association in Japan and as the Alberta-Hokkaido Dairy Exchange Program here, Mr. Sato said that he felt that it was working very well. He reported that two professors and 25 Japanese exchange students have taken advantage of the program since its inception. The professors worked on research at the University of Alberta, while the 25 exchange students spend a year on Alberta dairy farms. According to Mr. Sato, language and finances are the main difficulties encountered in the pro- gram. He thinks that it would be a good idea if all Alberta research workers took a basic course in Japanese before going to his country. English is compulsory in all Japanese high schools. Mr. Sato says the Japanese exchange students who have spent a year on Alberta dairy farms returned home with considerably more knowledge of feeding, milking and farm mechanization than they had when they arrived. "The dairy farms are much bigger here than in Japan where a few farmers have 70 to 75 head but the average herd consists of only 20 to 25 head," he says. - (continued) - /dlberra 10 Japanese Dairy Expert Visits Alberta (cont'd) Among the highlights of Mr. Sato's busy schedule in Alberta were his renewed acquaintance with Pat Farris, who recently returned from Hokkaido Province after spending 12 months with a Japanese dairy family, and his meetings with the 1 2 Japanese exchange students who are now on Alberta dairy farms and with the many Alberta families who have played host tc Japanese exchange students over the last three years. Mr. Sato also spent some time with the Japanese Consulate General, Mr. B. Kikuchi, and Alberta's minister of agriculture, Marvin Moore. In addition to discussing various aspects of the program with Mr. Moore, Mr. Sato had talks with members of the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agriculture and with personnel at Olds College. At the present time Mr. Sato, who graduated from Ohio State University in the United States in 1922 with an M.Sc. (agriculture), is advisor to Snow Brand Milk, one of the world's largest milk and food companies. He started it as a co-operative in 1925, at which time he was the company, doing all the jobs from janitoring to accounting. Today the company has subsiduaries around the world and employs 10,000 people in Japan alone. -30- June 28, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DIRECTOR OF FEDERAL RESEARCH STATION HONORED Jack Stothart, who retires on August 12 after 22 years as director of Agriculture Canada's research station at Lacombe and 44 years of federal service, was honored by a gathering of friends recently. The gathering was sponsored by the Lacombe Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Stothart was born in Newcastle, New Brunswick in 191 1 . He was educated at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro and at McGill University's Macdonald College in Quebec. He received his B.S.A. from McGill in 1932 and his M.Sc. in 1936. His first job was with the federal animal husbandry division at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. During World War 1 1 he served with the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Canadian Division, landing in France on D-Day. At the end of the war in Europe, he was second-in-command of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders. He was awarded the D.S.O. In 1949 Mr. Stothart was transferred from Ottawa to Lacombe where he became head of the livestock section of the federal research station. He and Dr. H.T. Fredeen developed the Lacombe breed of swine which was released to the public in 1958. As the first breed of swine to be developed in Canada, it has made a notable contribution to the Canadian agricultural industry. Mr. Stothart was promoted to director of the research station at Lacombe in 1955 and was made a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada in 1966. He has judged swine at most of the major shows in Canada, including the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto and the All Canadian Swine Show at Brandon, and his reputation as a livestock judge is Canada-wide. He has also published a number of scien- Jack Stothart, retiring director of Agriculture Canada's research station at Lacombe tific papers. (continued) /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 Director of Federal Research Station Honored (cont'd) As Agriculture Canada's cattle buyer in Europe, Mr. Stothart selected the Simmental, Limousin and Chianina herds for the federal research programs. In the area of recreation, Mr. Stothart was a member of several championship crews with the Ottawa Rowing Club before World War II. In 1940 he was chosen to represent Canada at the Olympics, slated for Helsinki, Finland, but the war interfered with these plans. -30- June 28, 1976 13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTROLLING DANDELIONS IN A LAWN Are dandelions a problem in your lawn? You can reduce their numbers and eventually eliminate them with 2, 4-D amine, says Arnold Stearman of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch. Usually one to 2 fluid ounces of commercial 2, 4-D amine, mixed with 4 or 5 gallons of water, will provide adequate coverage for an area of about 2,500 square feet when applied with a hand sprayer. Mr. Stearman stresses that label directions should be followed carefully. Since new dandelion plants often develop from seeds which have originated in some other area, another application of 2, 4-D amine in the late summer or early fall is strongly recommended. "The best way to keep weeds, including dandelions, out of a lawn," Mr. Stearman says, "is to have such a thick, healthy stand of grass that there is no room for weeds to become established." Fertilizing, spraying and possibly reseeding bare spots may be required to achieve this goal. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS June 28, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROGRESSIVE FARMING DAYS Progressive Farming Days - 1976 will be held at the Olds College, Olds, from July 6 - 8. There will be both indoor and outdoor displays and demonstrations, featuring such things as farmstead mechanization, farm machinery displays, forage handling equipment demonstrations, and an extensive home and outdoor living section. The home and outdoor living section will feature such diverse displays as variety vegetable growing, garden pest control, uses of concrete, microwave cooking, summer safety, back packing and garden tractors. It will include speakers on many of these topics. All in all Progressive Farming Days promises to be a tremendous show for the whole family — and it is free! -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 Ahena AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS June 28, 1976 15 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMING AGRICULT JRAL EVENTS Agriculture Institute of Canada St. Mary's University Halifax, Nova Scotia July 4 - 8 Annual Meeting of Canadian Phytopathological Society St. Mary's University Halifax, Nova Scotia July 4 - 8 Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineering Nova Scotian Hotel Halifax, Nova Scotia July 4 - 8 The Royal Agricultural Show Royal Agricultural Society of England, National Agricultural Centre Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ July 5 - 8 Progressive Farming Days Olds College Olds, Alberta July 6-8 Canadian Feed Manufacturers' Association Annual Conference Inn on the Park Toronto, Ontario July 7 - 9 Agricultural Service Board Weed Tour Lac St. Anne, Alberta July 7 - 9 International Hereford Show Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Grounds Calgary, Alberta July 8 & 9 Canadian Seed Growers' Association Annual Conference Sheraton Landmark Hotel Vancouver, B.C July 8-10 Annual Meeting of American Phytopathological Society Radisson, Muehlebach Hotel . Kansas City, Missouri ifllJuly 1 1 - 1 5 - (continued) - /^,h/VI IV#I AGRICULTURE Mmi/197 9197 COMMUNICATIONS rhone (403) t\ll l\ll Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) 16 First International Symposium (Feed Composition, Animal Nutrients Requirements and Computerization of Diets) Utah State University Logan, Utah July 11-16 Forestry Committee of the Great Plains Agricultural Council Regina, Saskatchewan July 12-15 Canadian Home Economics Association Convention Ottawa, Ontario Ju'y 15-17 International Potato Bargaining Conference Holiday Inn (City Centre) Vancouver, B.C Ju;y 18-21 Alberta Women's Week Olds College Olds, Alberta Ju'y 19 - 23 International Federation for Home Economics Congress Ottawa, Ontario Juiy '9-24 Klondike Days Agricultural Feature Show - Farmfair 76 Exhibition Grounds Edmonton, Alberta July 21 - 31 Canadian Federation of Agriculture Truro, Nova Scotia July 23 - 25 Potato Association of America Meeting University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point Madison, Wisconsin July 26 - 30 International Association of Agricultural Economists - 16th Triennial Conference Nairobi, Kenya July 26 - August 4 Canadian Federation of Agriculture Prince Albert, Saskatchewan July 27 - 29 Conference of Canadian Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Agriculture Hilton Hotel Quebec, P.Q July 27 - 30 10th International Course on Vocational Education & Teaching in Agriculture Gwatt & Zollihofen, Switzerland July 29 - August 27 Hort-Week Olds College Olds, Alberta August 2 - 6 - (continued) - Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) 17 International Symposium on Vegetable Production on Organic Soils University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario August 3 - 5 American Soybean Association - Annual Meeting Crown Center Hotel Kansas City, Missouri August 8-11 Reclamation Symposium Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Centre Wooster, Ohio August 9-12 Alberta Potato Workshop and Tour Alberta Horticultural Research Center Brooks, Alberta August 1 1 & 12 Canadian Hatchery Federation Belausejour Hotel Moncton, N.B August 17 - 19 Dewberry Agricultural Society Mini-Fair Dewberry, Alberta August 18 World Simmental Congress Pretoria, South Africa August 25 - September 8 Flowers Canada National Convention Montreal Airport Hilton, Dorval P.O. Montreal, P.Q September 11-14 National Dairy Council Quebec City, P.Q September 19-22 Feed Industry Conference Palliser Hotel Calgary, Alberta September 23 & 24 Western Farm Management Extension Committee Winnipeg, Manitoba September 28 - 30 (tentative) International Plowing Match Bruce County - Earl Johnston and neighbouring farms Bruce County, Ontario September 28 - October 2 International Dairy Federation Quebec, P.Q October 3 - 8 Seminar on Agricultural History University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario October 16 - (continued) - Coming Agricultural Events (cont' d) 18 Canada Grains Council Semi-Annual Meeting Vancouver, B.C October 27 & 28 Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative Limited Annual Meeting Mayfield Inn Edmonton, Alberta November 2 International Salon of Food and Agriculture Place Bonaventure Montreal, P.Q November 2 - 7 Alberta Broiler Growers' Marketing Board Four Seasons Calgary, Alberta November 3 Northern Alberta Hereford Club Annual Meeting Bruderheim, Alberta November 6 Women of Unifarm Convention Macdonald Hotel Edmonton, Alberta November 8 & 9 Canadian Simmental Association Annual Meeting Toronto, Ontario November 11-14 Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties Macdonald Hotel Edmonton, Alberta November 16-19 Alberta Seed Potato Growers Association Highlander Motor Hotel Calgary, Alberta November 17 Alberta Potato Growers Association Highlander Motor Hotel Calgary, Alberta November 18 Alberta Potato Commission Highlander Motor Hotel Calgary, Alberta November 19 Alberta Simmental Association Annual Convention Palliser Hotel Calgary, Alberta November 22 - 24 Canadian Western Agribition Regina, Saskatchewan November 26 - December 3 Annual Meeting of The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America Houston, Texas November 28 - December 3 - (continued) - Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) 19 Cattlemen's Shortcoi irse Banff, Alberta November 28 - December 3 Royal Smithfield Show Eariscourt, London, En gland December Unifarm Annual Convention Macdonald Hotel Edmonton, Alberta . . , December 6-10 Alberta Hereford Association Annual Meeting Red Deer, Alberta December 13 & 14 1977 Canadian Charoiais Association Annual Convention Brandon, Manitoba February 3 - 5 Western Canadian Society for Horticulture Winnipeg, Manitoba. . .* February (3rd week) Alberta Poultry Industry Conference Mayfie'd Inn Edmonton, Alberta February 22 - 24 Alberta Commercial Egg Producers Association Mayfield Inn Edmonton, Alberta February 23 Alberta Egg & Fowl Marketing Board Mayfie'd Inn Edmonton, Alberta February 24 Alberta Turkey Growers' Marketing Board Mayfield Inn Edmonton, Alberta February 24 Canadian Horticultural Council Ottawa, Ontario March (1st week) International Agricultural Plastics Congress 1977 Town and Country Hotel Convention Center San Diego, California April 11-16 World Aberdeen Angus Forum Edinburgh, Scotland June 10-23 4H Beef Show & Sale Bow Island, Alberta June 11 - (continued) - 20 Coming Agricultural Events (cont'd) 1977 Highland Show Edinburgh, Scotland June 21 - 24 Third International Farm Management Congress Hamburg, West Germany July 17-22 Alberta Polled Hereford Club - Annual Meeting Alberta Hereford Centre Innisfail, Alberta August 13 Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth - Alberta Tour Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta November 20 - 24 Late Additions to Coming Agricultural Events Northern Great Plains Summer Meeting and Field Tour Miles City, Montana July 16 & 17, 1976 Society of Range Management Summer Tour and Meeting State Game Lodge Black Hills, South Dakota ; . 7 ,T. July 20 - 23, 1976 World Meat Congress Buenos Aires, Argentina August 3 - 6, 1976 Mexabition 1976 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 19-22, 1976 Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists Holiday Inn Winnipeg, Manitoba November 20 & 21 , 1 976 Canadian Honey Council Holiday Inn Winnipeg, Manitoba November 22 - 25, 1976 Saskatchewan/Manitoba Implement Dealers Association Regina, Saskatchewan , January 13 - 15, 1977 Prairie Implement Manufacturers Association Calgary, Alberta February 9 - 1 1 , 1977 Canadian Seed Growers' Association Annual Conference Regina Inn Regina, Saskatchewan July 13 - 15, 1977 Agricultural Institute of Canada University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario August 14 - 18, 1977 -30- 21 June 28, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BRETON PLOTS FIELD DAY Alberta Agriculture and the Department of Soil Science at the University of Alberta are holding the Breton Plots Field Day on Friday, July 9. The field day will feature tours of the soil fertility plots, including long-term experiments and some new ones. The program will include a film on forage mechanization, a talk on the role of forage in the Alberta economy and a resume of the work being done at Breton. A light lunch will be available at the site from 12:30 on, courtesy of the Breton Anglican church women. The Breton plots are located about 70 miles southwest of Edmonton in the grey wooded soil zone. Some of the plots, which have been in operation since 1930, show the effects of fertilizers and crop rotations on soil productivity. Several short-term experiments are also being evaluated. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 5, 1976 CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS COLLECTION UK PUBLICATION'S OIFJCIELLES CAN AD: ENNES NATIONAL LIBRARY /BIBI.TOTHEQUE NATIONALE CANADA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Better Taste - Better Buy! 1 Bloat Prevention 3 Saskatoon Fruit Research Produces Encouraging Results 5 Lecanium Scale Insects 6 Street Pricing. Silage Quality Factors 9 E. Coli Resistant Pigs Now Possible 11 Principles of Landscape Planning 12 Phone (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BETTER TASTE - BETTER BUY! Be sure that your visit to this year's Edmonton Exhibition (July 21 - 31 ) includes a trip to Alberta Foodexpo in the Sales Pavilion! Open daily from 1 :00 p.m. until 1 1 :00 p.m., Foodexpo will be the scene of displays, demon- strations, samples, giveaways and a naturally, better taste restaurant, all highlighting foods pro- duced and processed in our province. Foodexpo is sponsored by 24 companies, all members of the Agri-Prom Association of Alberta, formed jointly by Alberta Agriculture and members of the food industry to promote Alberta-produced foods. Last year the Edmonton Journal called the Agri-Prom restaurant "the best place to eat on the Grounds", and Agri-Prom members are doing their best to maintain that reputation this year, offering full meals, snacks, and wines, all Alberta produced. Featured items on the menu are pizza, Ukrainian food and spaghetti. Continuous entertainment will be presented at Foodexpo. There will be Klondike singers Liz and Agnes, magic acts and the bluegrass band, Prairie Dog, will play every evening. The Wheel of Chance will also be in operation, awarding Alberta food products to lucky visitors. - (continued) - Liz and Agnes, Klondike entertainers, are featured daily from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Alberta Foodexpo in the Sales Pavilion. >dlbcrra (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Better Taste - Better Buy! (cont'd) While you're in the Sales Pavilion, be sure to see "Delightful Dairyland", a collection of displays and demonstrations featuring milk and milk products. To reach Alberta Foodexpo, take the Coliseum entrance to the Exhibition Grounds and watch for the Sales Pavilion on your right. There is no admission charge. -30- Ahexi AGR ICULT July 5, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3 BLOAT PREVENTION by Dr. Frank Baker Beef Cattle Extension Engineer Alberta Agriculture Deaths from bloat continue to cost Canadian cattlemen millions of dollars every year inspite of the millions that have been spent on research. Each year brings new claims of a breakthrough by scientists and new hope for farmers. But each year finds us back at square one with no significant reduction in the incidence of bloat. Legumes, such as alfalfa and clover, are the main cause of bloat and certain strains have a greater potential for causing bloat than others. Hence, the greatest promise of benefit from research would seem to lie in the development of relatively bloat-free strains of legumes. Bloat often occurs when cattle are abruptly transferred from a dry pasture to a new pasture with lush growth. It is caused by the fermentation of forages and the production of more gas in the rumen than the animal is able to expel by belching. The belly of the animal becomes greatly distended, and, unless aid is given quickly, it may die of asphyxiation. To relieve the situation a stomach tube should be passed through the nose or mouth of the ani- mal to the stomach. After the gas has been expelled some mineral oil or antiferment should be given. If the gas cannot be expelled via the stomach tube, and the animal is in distress, the rumen should be punctured (on the left side) through the abdominal wall with a trocar or, in extreme cases of emergency, even with a knife. No time should be lost in performing this operation. After the animal has been 'struck' with a trocar or a knife, it should be given penicillin intra- muscularly to prevent infection from developing in the abdominal wall. Good management and close surveillance are still the key factors in the control of bloat. Pro- ducts containing poloxalene when fed daily will control bloat, but their use is generally restricted by their cost and the practicality of administration. Following are some suggestions for dealing with alfalfa and cover crops where bloat is a pro blem. Some may not be practical for all situations, but, hopefully.some will prove beneficial - (continued) - DkAn« //im\ /io7.ti')7 COMMUNICATIONS ai is a pro- Hfccrra Bloat Prevention (cont'd) • Pasture legumes only after they are in full bloom. • Keep cattle off pastures during, and just after, wet weather. The most likely period for bloat to occur is when there is young fresh growth such as in the spring and after a rain which follows a dry period. • Feed cattle dry hay before turning them on to a legume pasture to prevent them from gorging themselves. • Have some good, palatable hay in the field where the cattle are pastured to enable them to get enough coarse material for good rumen function. • Make sure the cattle have continual access to a mineral mix, preferably one with a calcium/ phosphorus ration of 1:1. • Keep loose salt available. If the salt tends to cake, mix it with 2 pounds of cooking type oil per 100 pounds of salt. It may be necessary to vary the amount of oil, depending upon whether or not the salt continues to cake. • Graze legume pasture in strips, using electric fencing, and making sure that all the pasture has been eaten before moving the cattle to the next strip. • Paint a four-inch wide strip of oil (4 ounces of neatsfoot oil in a gallon of mineral oil) on one side of each animal from its shoulder to its rear flank. This should be done each day 30 minutes be- fore cattle are put on a legume pasture. When the animals lick the oil it goes into the rumen where it prevents gas bubbles from forming. In the case of dairy cattle, one tablespoon of a detergent, such as 'Tide', given in the cow's chop each morning before she is put on pasture seems to help prevent bloat in many cases. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 A\bex\o COMMUNICATIONS July 5, 1976 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SASKATOON FRUIT RESEARCH PRODUCES ENCOURAGING RESULTS Continuing research at the Alberta Horticultural Research Center at Brooks has shown that marketable products can be manufactured from western Canada's native saskatoon berries. 'Joe' Mazza, food scientist at the center, has found that treating the fruit with a special (pec- tinolytic) enzyme solution at a temperature of 63°C for 30 minutes prior to pressing improves the yield, the soluble solids content, the color and the flavor of the juice compared to the non-use of the enzyme. He has discovered, for example, that by using 1.27 quarts of 0.5 per cent enzyme solution per pound of saskatoons, and by heating the mixture for 30 minutes at 63°C, he can extract over 1 .75 gallons of juice from 10 pounds of fruit. Without this enzyme solution the volume of juice extraction would be only a few pints. "The resultant juice", he says, "possesses an adequate fruit flavor, an excellent color and suf- ficient soluble solids (sugars) and acidity for use in jelly, punches, milk shakes, wine and table beverages." In the latter case the saskatoon juice should be blended with another type of juice. According to Mr. Mazza, the yield and quality of the juice varies with the volume and concen- tration of the enzyme solution, the heating time, the temperature and the pressure applied. Because of the lack of pilot plant facilities at the Alberta Horticultural Research Center, Mr. Mazza has only been able to test his newly developed method for saskatoon juice extraction under laboratory conditions. However, he believes, that it can be attempted commercially. Here is how he suggests going about it. Crush the field-cleaned and washed fruit in a commercial crusher, such as a grape crusher, and mix the pulp with a pectinolytic enzyme solution. Then quickly heat the mixture to 63°C in a vacuum preheater or steam jacketed kettle. Keep the mixture at this temperature for 30 minutes, agitating it to prevent it from scorching and to ensure a uniform temperature. Following the 30-minute heating period, a pressing aid can be used, and pressing should be commenced immediately. The residue in the press cloth is disintegrated and re- pressed with water to extract the remaining sugars and the remaining flavor and color constituents. Then, c'ear the juice with a filter or centrifuge machine. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS July 5, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6 LECANIUM SCALE INSECTS Have you noticed pale to dark brown, spherical lumps on the small branches and twigs of your flowering plum, elm or varigated dogwood? If you have, the chances are it is infested with lecanium scale insects. Hugh Philip, entomologist with Alberta Agriculture's plant industry laboratory, reports that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of these insects this spring and summer in some urban centres. He points out that lecanium scale insects also attack false spirea, white birch, ash, some apple varieties and many other trees and shrubs. The females of this species are brown, hemispherical in shape and inactive. They mature in early summer, mate and produce eggs. The eggs remain under the scale from mid-June until late July when they hatch. "If you lift the scale off the twig, you can see a cluster of small eggs under it", Mr. Philip says. The eggs hatch into yellowish-brown, flattened 'crawlers' which immediately move to the leaves of the tree where they feed until fall. They settle along the leaf veins and secrete a scale covering over themselves. However, before the leaves drop in the fall, they crawl off the leaves and attach themselves to the twigs where they overwinter. Both the mature and immature scale insects suck the juices from the leaves and twigs of an in- fested tree or shrub. A heavy infestation will cause the leaves to become discolored and may kill the twigs and small branches. A heavy infestation will also reduce the tree's vigor, and a black sotty fungus may develop on the sticky secretion (honey dew) which these insects produce in large volume. "Control of lecanium scale insects", says Mr. Philip, "is necessary only if the tree or shrub is suffering severe damage. Otherwise natural control will alleviate the problem." There are two periods when spraying is effective against these insects. One is before the buds on the tree burst in the spring. At this time a dormant oil spray can be used. The other is in July and early August when the 'crawlers' are active. During this period the infested tree or shrub (if not too large) can be sprayed with malathion 50 per cent emulsifiable concentrate at the rate of 2 teaspoonsful per gallon of water. Pruning heavily infested branches may also help to reduce the infestation. AGR ICU LTU R E Phone (403) 427-2127 "30" COMMUNICATIONS July 5, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7 STREET PRICING Why were the quotations committees of the Country Elevators Association (commonly referred to as the street pricing committees) disbanded this spring? They had been responsible for setting prices for the vast majority of "pre-" and non-board grain purchases for over 50 years. According to David Walker, recently of Alberta Agriculture's marketing division and now with the federal Anti-Inflation Board, four factors were mainly responsible for the abandonment of these committees. One was the vast improvement in communications which has removed the problem of re- laying price information. Another was the improvement in grain iransportation at the farm level. It has loosened the ties between the farmer and his nearest elevator. A third factor was the increased awareness of the anomaly inherent in competing elevator companies which agree between themselves on what the day's price will be. The fourth, and probably the most important factor, was that certain elements of the grain business have been fairly consistently able to offer prices above or at premiums to street price levels. They have been able to do this because they are using a more cost-effective way of merchandising than was the case in the past. How then are producers going to determine street prices? Prices will, undoubtedly, be moni- tored and reported by the media, but only after the fact. Hence, farmers who are contemplating a sale will have to phone their local elevators for quotations. Since different buyers may offer different prices, a farmer will have to make more than one phone call if he is to obtain the best price. In the long run, and, undoubtedly, of greater significance to producers, is the fact that prices offered by an elevator company on the same day, may vary by more than differences in freight schedules from one elevator to another. "By specializing in the handling of non-board grains, particularly rapeseed, certain sections of the grain trade have been able to maintain the necessary turnover to justify inland cleaning and to reduce the merchandizing period and, thereby, inventory costs", Mr. Walker says. "These cost savings have been reflected in the premiums offered to producers." While this specialization has, as yet, had only a limited impact on the total movement of non- board grains, it is likely to attract increasing interest. Farmers will be attracted by the premiums - (continued) - /ement of non- h A imiums when and Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATION! 8 Street Pricing (cont'd) where they exceed the cost of the extra trucking to specialty elevators. As, and if, the number of these specialized facilities increases, cases where it pays a farmer to truck further for a better price will also increase. At the same time the grain trade is likely to find the development of specialized facilities an advantageous way of attracting business. "In essence", says Mr. Walker, "such a trend represents a rationalization of the grain handling system with savings being principally, but not completely, derived from a shorter merchandizing period and reduced grain-carrying (inventory) costs. While farmers will continue to be able to deliver to their local elevator, they may find it advantageous to deliver further afield." activities should be heralded as a sign of progress. He points out that the opportunity to provide higher prices where cost savings justify them will enable elevator companies to rationalize their merchandizing activities to the ultimate benefit of the grain farmer. From this point of view Mr. Walker thinks the conclusion of the street pricing committees' -30- AGR ICULTURE 03) 427-2127 July 5, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 SILAGE QUALITY FACTORS A high quality silage contains high levels of easily digested nutrients in a form that will be readily consumed by livestock. According to Ross Gould, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Stettler who spent last winter researching silage quality factors, silage to be most useful must be preserved with a minimum loss of nutrients in the freshly harvested forage. He also points out that production of a high quality silage requires an anaerobic (absence of oxygen) fermentation and a reduction in the pH level as soon as possible after the material is put into the silo. Research indicates that the best quality silage is made from a low moisture material (under 60 per cent) from which the air has been excluded as soon as possible after harvesting. The moisture content of silage can be partially controlled by cutting the crop at the optimum stage of maturity and by pre-wilting it in the field. Research has also shown that the temperature of the fermenting material should not exceed 25 - 30°C if it is to achieve the highest quality in terms of nutrient retention, digestibility and palatability. Minimum heat generation can be achieved by cutting the silage material into lengths of about half an inch. Not more than about 10 per cent of the particles should exceed one and a half inches. The smaller particle size is recommended because it allows the plant material to settle closer together, thereby leaving less space for entrapped air. This is particularly important in the case of low moisture silage and plant material that is harvested when relatively mature. The production of heat in silage is mainly the result of plant material respiration, which can take place only in the presence of oxygen. Hence, the exclusion of air by packing finely cut material and by the proper sealing of the silo will reduce heat production. Glass-lined steel silos and banker and pit silos properly lined and sealed with plastic will keep out the air. s anP bunker and ydlberra -(continued)- agriculture Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 10 Silage Quality Factors (cont'd) It has been shown in research studies that the most firmly packed silage, regardless of its moisture content, sustains the least dry matter loss and contains the highest percentage of digestible dry matter and protein. Browning Browning, the reaction between protein and sugars that is responsible for brown, tobacco- smelling silage, will occur at any moisture level and at temperatures of 40°to 100°C, even in the absence of oxygen. This browning reaction has been implicated in the failure of some haylages to produce the digestible protein levels which might be expected from their crude protein content. In some samples, pro- tein digestibility was as low as 8 per cent. The susceptibility to browning varies with the plant species being ensiled. Research suggests, for example, that 20 to 40 per cent of the plant material in orchard grass is susceptible to browning, while 20 to 80 per cent of the material in alfalfa is susceptible. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 A\ba\a AGRICULTURE July 5, 1976 1 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE E. COLI RESISTANT PIGS NOW POSSIBLE The breeding of pigs that are resistant to the disease, E. coli, is now a possibility, according to scientists in England. The scientists, who work at the Institute for Research in Animal Diseases at Gompton, Berkshire, have discovered that a sticky substance, known as K 88, forms a coating over E. coli bacteria. It is this coating which causes the E. coli to stick to a piglet's intestine where it mu.tiplies. However, some piglets resist this; sticky substance and are able to get rid of the bacteria. Since these animals exhibit a resistance to the disease, work is now proceeding to identify resistant families. The institute is also experimenting with a vaccine produced from K 88. The antibodies pro- duced by the vaccine are passed through the colostrum from the sow to her piglets where they neutralize the stickiness of any E. coli bacteria in the intestine. According to the director of Alberta Agriculture's veterinary services division, Dr. H.N. Vance, the Infectious Diseases Organization in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is also working on the E. coli problem. -30- ione (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 5, 1976 12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE PLANNING A scale drawing of the house and grounds should be the first step in landscape planning. Planning on paper will enable you to get the landscape components into better perspective, to eliminate waste space and to incorporate various design principles into your planning. It will also enable you to save time, money and effort and to beautify your surroundings with discrimination. Here are some landscape planning principles suggested by Andy Birch, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Stettler. Harmony - perhaps one of the most important aspects of landscape planning is harmony. Har- mony refers to the selection and planting of suitable plants that are compatible and blend well with each other and the environment. Do not attempt to incorporate every variety of tree, shrub and flower avail- able. Choose one shape or form and use it to co-ordinate your design. Scale - this refers to the size relationship between each unit in a grouping or area. Scale your planting to suit the site and home that it is surrounding. Balance- proper balance is important to create a fullness and pleasant appearance. Be careful to get a proper distribution of plantings. Avoid congesting or over planting of one area. If one part of the landscape already contains a large tree, perhaps two smaller trees on another part is all that is needed to restore balance. Rhythm - one can add rhythm to the grounds by similar groupings of trees, shrubs and plantings in regular repeats. Similar groupings placed at regular intervals provide a relaxing and restful atmosphere. Emphasis- through emphasis you create highlights in the arrangement. A well placed tree or shrub, a birdbath or a gate can act as a focal point in your design. "In essence, landscaping involves organizing available space in such a way that it has a neat, attractive and a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere," Mr. Birch says. Liberia °" AGRICULTURE k iam\ Am oi«J7 COMMUNICATIONS hone (403) 427-z 1 11 a Hi FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1"- ' ii LI CATIONS DE PUBL CA ••)• - I ELLES NATIONAL UBHABV/ ii .i / r CANADA HEQLE NATIONALS THIS WEEK Western Australia Marketing Group Visits Alberta 1 Canada-Alberta Small Farm Development Program 3 MSQ Dairy Strategv 1976-77 For Industrial Milk Shippers 5 Type A/New Jersey Influenza 7 Pesticides and Bees! 8 Big Round Bales 10 Hort-Week Deadline 11 Mulching Preserves Top Soil Moisture 13 Senior District Agriculturists Appointed 14 District Agriculturists Appointed 16 Agricultural Economist Appointed 17 /dlberra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2 1 27 COMMUNICATIONS 'July 12, 1976 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WESTERN AUSTRALIA MARKETING GROUP VISITS ALBERTA A group of six men, all members of the Western Australia Meat and Livestock Marketing Study Group, arrived in Edmonton recently to study Alberta's marketing systems. They were H.G. Neil of Western Australia's Department of Agriculture (leader), J.S. Samson and A.J. Cameron, both representing the Pastoralists snd Graziers Association of Western Australia, J.B. Newman and A.D. Gorman of Western Australia's Farmers Union and M.T. Locke of the Meat and Allied Trades Association of Western Australia. Prior to their two and a half day stay in Alberta, the group visited the British Columbia Depart- ment of Agriculture and from here they were going to Chicago, Toronto and Ottawa before visiting the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark and South Africa. While in Alberta they had meetings with various Alberta Agriculture officials and toured the public stockyards in Edmonton as well as a number of packing plants to get a first hand look at our grading systems. They also went to the Alberta Hog Producers* Marketing Board, Unifarm and the University of Alberta. While in Calgary they visited the Alberta Cattle Commission and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association as well as a large Safeway store to see our methods of processing and packaging. According to Mr. Neil the delegates were very impressed with Alberta's hog marketing system from the point of view of the way it has cut down on marketing costs without using powers of acquisition in the free market place. The men were also impressed in the province's grading and inspection services which are paid for by the federal government as opposed to being paid by the producers, which is the case in Western Australia. Still another thing that impressed them was the simplicity of our beef classification system. Mr. Neil said the Western Australia Meat and Livestock Marketing Study Group came to Alberta after having examined a great number of marketing systems throughout the world. They came to the con- clusion that Alberta's system operates under very similar conditions to those in Western Australia. - (continued) - AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS /dlberra Western Australia Marketing Group Visits Alberta (cont'd) 2 "You, like us", said Mr. Neil, "have long distances to haul your products, large delivery points and still use the auction system of marketing. It has been very useful for us to get ideas from your producer organi- zations and to get their opinions on your marketing systems." He also said the group was impressed with the philosophy of the provincial Agricultural Pro- ducts Marketing Council which, to quote Mr. Neil, "is dedicated ^o giving producers a fair deal in a free trade economy. From what I have seen there is obviously a lot of interest directed towards primary pro- ducers and towards promoting reasonable prices to keep people on the land." -30- July 12, 1976 g FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANADA-ALBERTA SMALL FARM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The provisions of the Small Farm Development Program (SFDP), an agreement signed by the federal and Alberta governments in 1972,are currently under review. This five-year agreement, which has provision for a possible extension for two additional years, expires at the end of March 1977. While all provinces across Canada enterec into similar agreements, tailored to meet their special needs, the program met its earliest and greatest volume of business success in Alberta. The agreement in- cludes the Land Transfer Program (LTP), administered by the Farm Credit Corporation, and counselling services which are provided jointly by Alberta Agriculture's field extension staff and staff seconded to Alberta Agriculture by Agriculture Canada. Activity in the land transfer program, which has been heaviest in the northern half of Alberta, has virtually dried up now as a consequence of a doubling in farm real estate values since 1972. This situation has rendered many prospective applicants ineligible. Both the criteria for eligibility under LTP and the provision of counselling services to farmers are currently under review at both government levels. Grants of up to $ 3,500 may be paid to farmers who sell their farms for less than $40,000 and leave agriculture, either to retire or seek other means of livelihood. Also, special credit may be approved for beginning farmers with very limited cash resources and for expanding farmers whose total assets are less than $75,000 and who are purchasing their land from a farmer who was eligible for a grant under SFDP. During the 40-month period ending in December 1975, there were about 250 special credit loans totalling nearly $4 million and some 1,900 vendor grants totalling nearly $6 million in Alberta. How- ever, as indicated, most of this activity occurred early in the program, mainly between 1973 and 1974. Despite the strict eligibility criteria for vendor grants under LTP, it is estimated that approximately 30 per cent of Alberta farmers leaving active farming over the past four years have qualified undeg /iUBcria - (continued) - agriculture -.one (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Canada-Alberta Small Farm Development Program (cont'd) The other main feature of the program has been the provision of counselling services by seconded federal staff and by district agriculturists in response to referrals by the Farm Credit Corporation's credit advisors and the Agricultural Development Corporation. Counselling is provided to help farmers better understand their alternatives before they make decisions on such things as expansion, retirement or some other kind of employment. During 1975 alone over 7,400 major counselling interviews and farm visits were conducted under the program, as well as over 400 meetings and courses for SFDP clients. This volume was about equally split between some 28 seconded Agriculture Canada staff and Alberta's extension and farm management personnel. Counselling services for people moving out of farming emphasize the alternatives of retirement planning, retraining and other employment opportunities. It is carried out mainly by one-to-one discussions, although group meetings have also proven effective. Counselling services for developing farmers emphasize farm planning related to the acquisition of resources, farm business organization, enterprise selection, financial management and farm records. Information on sound cropping practices and animal husbandry are also part of these services. Farmers who obtain grants or special credit through SFDP's land transfer program are made aware of, and offered these services which are intended for any small farm situation. By January 1, 1976, the 15 rural development staff had provided intensive counselling to over 1 ,300 Alberta farm families. Besides this, they had worked in a less intensive manner with an additional 1,900 clients. Further information on the Small Farm Development Program is available from your local Farm Credit Corporation office or from your district agriculturist. -30- July 12, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE M S Q DAIRY STRATEGY 1976-77 FOR INDUSTRIAL MILK SHIPPERS by Alan Nelson Alberta Agriculture Farm Management Specialist Red Deer Last year's dairy policy for industrial milk shippers called for maximum production to establish quota. This year the policy is aimed at reduced milk production. Many industrial shippers are interpreting this to mean reduced production per cow. Another way to reduce production is to cull poorer producers. When working out your own strategy, be sure you pay attention to the rules of the new dairy policy. The most important rule is that Market Share Quota (M S Q ) is based on pounds of butterfat. An . example would best show how that rule can affect your strategy. The example is of an industrial shipper who has 10,000 pounds of butterfat M S Q. Feed costs are based on hay at $50 per ton and a dairy ration t14%) at $ 130 per ton. Plant milk price for the example is $8.45 per hundredweight at 3.5 per cent butterfat. The price is adjusted plus or minus 1 0^for each one- tenth change in butterfat test, and the producer nets a $ 1 .30 per hundredweight subsidy. The problem: Production last year was 1 1,236 pounds of butterfat at 3.8 per cent. An 1 1 per cent reduction to the 1975-76 quota brought this down to 10,000 pounds of quota for 1976-77. Only 94.5 per cent of this qualifies for subsidy or 9,450 pounds of butterfat. The number of cows in the herd are 32, producing 30 pounds per cow per day. What are his alternative courses of action under the current policy? Strategies: (1) Cut down production by reducing feed. Cut milk production to 25.5 pounds of milk per cow per day, butterfat increases to 4 per cent (9,450 lbs B.F. t 4% = 2,362.5 cwt milk/year). Gross Income (2,362.5 cwt x $10.25) = $24,216 Feed Costs ( $ 350 per cow per year x 32 cows) = 1 1 ,200 Return Over Feed Costs = $ 13,016 - (continued) - Iberia M.S.Q. Dairy Strategy 1976-77 For Industrial Milk Shippers (cont'd) 6 (2) Keep herd production the same, cuil 6 cows, 27 in herd. 30 pounds per cow per day and 3.8 per cent butterfat Gross Income (2,486.8 cwt x $10.05) = $ 24,993 Feed Costs ( $390 x 27 cows) = 1 0,530 Return Over Feed Costs = $ 14,463 (3) Maximum Production, cuil 11 cows, 21 in herd. 50 pounds per cow per day at 3 per cent butterfat Gross Income (3,150 cwt x$ 9.25) = 1 29,137 Feed Costs ($ 518 x 21 cows) = 10,878 Return Over Feed Costs = $ 18 259 Strategy 3 will put $5,000 more into farm revenue than cutting feed intake and $3,800 more than just culling some cows. Note that Strategy 3 follows the philosophy of some farmers doing the opposite of what the 'government' wants to see happen. Strategy 3 involves both culling low producers and pouring the feed to the remaining good cows. If the strategies sound confusing, another way of looking at the new rules is to get the most out of what you have the least of-in this case butterfat M S Q. You can ship two hundredweight of milk at 4.5 per cent butterfat and receive a total of $ 21 .50. You could, as an alternative, ship three hundredweight of milk at 3 per cent butterfat and receive a total of $27.75. In both cases you would be using 9 pounds of your butterfat based M S Q. The lower butterfat milk used the same butterfat pounas but you ship one hundredweight of milk more. The one hundredweight of milk more then makes up for the reduced price of the lower butterfat milk. Butterfat content may be difficult to adjust. It depends on the ability of the individual cows, the kind of feed, previous herd production level of butterfat and milk. Mainly feeding for increased volume will decrease butterfat content of the milk. At a M S Q of 9,450 butterfat pounds, the industrial shipper can only ship (9,450 t 365)= 25.9 pounds of butterfat per day to stay within quota and the 94.5 per cent eligible for subsidy. How many pounds of milk he ships with it makes a dollar difference in his profit. -30- July 12,1976 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TYPE A/NEW JERSEY INFLUENZA The reporting of swine-type influenza in man has engendered many queries regarding the public health implications of the disease, its veterinary significance and the importance of swine and swine pro- ducts as potential sources of human infection. According to information received by Alberta Agriculture's veterinary services division from the U.S. Veterinary Public Health Division, recent surveillance in that country indicates that true swine influenza continues to circulate in swine herds just as it has done for decades with no recognized changes in virulence or distribution. Persons with frequent exposure to swine such as swine veterinary practitioners, swine producers and abattoir workers, says the American report, have a higher rate of antibody to swine influenza virus than persons not in contact with swine. This fact was demonstrated in studies over a de- cade ago. The swine influenza viruses are apparently of low pathogenicity for man, and most infections result in no clinical illness, although persons in close contact with swine frequently develop influenza anti- body, the report says. Hence, contact with swine or swine products has not been demonstrated to increase the risk of exposure to, or infection from, highly virulent influenza viruses. By the same token no epidemiological association has been identified between persons infected with the A/New Jersey swine- type virus (the swine-type flu diagnosed during the 1975-76 influenza season in military recruits stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey) and the degree of contact with swine or swine products. Hence, the A/New Jersey influenza is a human disease, and person-to-person spread is the expected mode of transmission. 30- one (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 12, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 PESTICIDES AND BEES! by Ulf Soehngen Supervisor of Apiculture Alberta Agriculture Pesticides - this word strikes terror into the hearts of beekeepers. Unfortunately, insecticides, and to a lesser degree, herbicides, are permanent parts of the agricultural scene, necessary evils, that we, as beekeepers, shall have to learn to live with - so long as they are handled and applied intelligently. In many cases, agricultural chemicals are the only practical means available to a farmer for re- ducing the loss of his crops to pests. Usually these chemicals are applied in accordance with recom - mendations made jointly by Alberta Agriculture and Alberta Environment for any given crop and pest species combination. Many different factors are considered in making these recommendations. Several of the more important ones include: efficacy, effect on non-target species (such as bees), residual effect and operator safety. These are reviewed and the recommendations up-dated constantly as new materials are marketed, or as new information about current ones becomes available. However, it should be mentioned that the pesticide that kills all pests, under all conditions, but that does no harm to bees and other non-target organisms, has not yet been invented. Accidents will happen! But, they can be kept to a minimum through proper planning and through beekeeper and grower co-operation. There are several steps a beekeeper can take to ensure that accidents involving his bees are kept to an absolute minimum. 1) Get to know your agricultural fieldman and provide him with a list of apiary locations. Since he must be notified whenever large scale applications of agricultural pest control chemicals are planned, the agricultural fieldman is in a position to warn the beekeeper should his colonies be in danger. 2) Get to know the applicators operating in your area where aerial applications of pesticides are At common and point out potentially endangered bee yards to them. They will be happy to co-operate with co-operate with - (continued) - Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Pesticides and Bees! (cont'd) 9 you. It is to their interest, as much as it is to yours, to ensure that the least possible damage occurs from their work. 3) Decide what, if any, course of action is open to you on being informed of an impending spray application in your area and then follow through with your decision. Depending on the chemical to be applied (see your agricultural fieldman for toxicity to bees and rate of breakdown), the crop to be sprayed (a field of potatoes or barley, for example, rarely poses a threat unless it contains weeds attractive to the bees) location of the field to be sprayed relative to your apiaries (generally, the farther away, the better) you have several choices. You may elect to; a) do nothing b) cover the entrances of your colonies with black plastic or wet burlap. This method appears to be most effective if application is by air. Colony entrances should be covered before flight begins, and may remain so for up to two days. c) move your bees. Wherever possible, it is to the advantage of the beekeeper to have several potential apiary sites to which his colonies can be moved in an emergency. If you suspect spray damage : a) Collect a good handful of dead and dying bees from each colony affected. Place samples in individual paper bags (not plastic) and freeze them immediately. Dead bees disintegrate rapidly, making analysis and diagnosis of cause of death impossible. b) Fill in a pesticide damage report form, as accurately as possible. Accurate reporting will do much toward obtaining a clear diagnosis. c) Contact your agricultural fieldman for details on how and where to send your samples for analysis. 30- July 12, 1976 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BIG ROUND BALES Users of big round hay bales have come into the accident picture of late. The Alberta Safety Council has been receiving reports of deaths and serious injuries, most of which occur when handling these giant bundles. The three main hazards are: -tipping the tractor •the bale rolling off the raised front loader and back onto the operator •the bale rolling downhill Here are precautions that will make your haying operations safer: • operate the baling equipment as directed in the instruction manual • if possible, use a rear mounted carrier •if a front-mounted bucket or fork is used, carry the bale low and keep the speed slow. Add ample rear ballasts to offset the heavy front load to maintain balance. If the tractor is a low-profile model and the bale obscures the view, carry it low and go slow, or drive in reverse-a heavy bale lifted high can tip the tractor especially on slopes, or during turns on rough ground. •"drop bales where they can't roll Make this hay harvest a safe one! -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUN ICATIO July 12, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11 HORT-WEEK DEADLINE Are you planning to take part in this year's Hort-Week, scheduled for August 2 - 6 at the Olds College? If so, you had better contact the college now and let them know what course or courses you are interested in taking. The deadline for applying is the middle of July. The following courses are offered this year: • Homemakers' Flower Arranging Course - a one-day introductory course in arranging garden flowers for the home. It is open to home owners, gardeners and anyone else who is interested in learning about flower arranging. • Artistic Arrangements - a one-day course on making and judging artistic flower arrangements. It is designed for those with some basic experience in flower arranging. • Judging Course - a one-day course on judging potted plants, yards and gardens. It is designed for people who have taken the introductory judging course and who wish to obtain their judging certi- ficate, but anyone who wants to improve his or her judging skills can attend. • Judging Roses - a one-day course designed for those who have taken the introductory course on rose judging. • Basic Commercial Design School - a four-day techniques course in floral design. It is open to anyone who is interested in developing skills in handling and arranging flowers. It includes the mechanics of flower arranging, wiring.taping, the use of ribbon and flower care. • Advanced Commercial Design School - a four-day advanced technique course in floral design. It is open to anyone who has taken a basic design course and who has had some practical experience in this field. Participants will work under the supervision of a qualified instructor. • Growers' Clinic - a three-day course for commercial greenhouse operators. It will feature well known authorities talking on such topics as "Easter Lilies", "Foliage Plants", "Bedding Plants in Ontario", - (continued) - Hort-Week Deadline (cont'd) 12 "Insect and Mite Control", "Future Trends", "Research at Ottawa" and "Alberta Programs". There will also be a workshop on various growing media and a question and answer period on insect problems. Further details and the price of these various courses may be obtained from the Division of Continuing Education, Olds College, Olds, Alberta, TOM 1P0. -30- fiGR I CULTURE MUNICAT'IONS July 12, 1976 13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MULCHING PRESERVES TOP SOIL MOISTURE Mulching is becoming increasingly popular as a means of reducing the number of cultivations required by a garden as well as for cutting down weeding and for preserving top soil moisture. Weed growth and lack of soil moisture pose special problems for people going on vacation. "In addition to preserving moisture, mulches prevent soil surface crusting, reduce soil temper- ature fluctuations, and retard weed growth by excluding the light", says Alberta Agriculture's horti- cultural specialist, Arlene Chesney. "In fact, they can completely suppress weed growth." There are two types of mulches-organic and inorganic. Organic mulches tend to be cheaper and work just as well as an inorganic mulch. Organic mulches include peat moss, leaves, grass clippings, straw and compost heap material. When they decompose they add valuable humus to the soil. Black plastic sheeting is an example of an inorganic mulch. Mulching involves spreading the organic or inorganic material around the base of the plants. The depth of mulch depends upon the type of material used. Grass clippings, for example, may be an inch or more thick, while black plastic sheeting may be 4 to 6 mils thick. Black plastic stretched over the soil between rows of plants hastens plant maturity and holds in the soil moisture, but it should be removed at the end of the growing season. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 July 12, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 SENIOR DISTRICT AGRICULTURISTS APPOINTED The director of Alberta Agriculture's extension division has announced the appointment of three senior district agriculturists. They are Stan Pettem, Brian Colgan and John Tackaberry who will assume their new roles at the Drumheller, Leduc and Valleyview extension offices respectively. As senior district agriculturists, they will provide leadership and co-ordinate the development and direction of all programs administered by Alberta Agriculture in their immediate districts and in specified adjoining districts. Stan Pettem Stan Pettem is a native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Following graduation in 1934 from nor- mal school in Moose Jaw, he embarked on an eight year teaching career in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. In 1942 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. Following his discharge in 1945 he pursued a B.Sc. (agriculture) at the University of Saskatchewan. After graduation he joined the staff of the Vermilion School of Agriculture (now Vermilion College) where he taught mathematics and machinery maintenance for three years. In 1952 Mr. Pettem transferred to Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist branch. He was appointed to Drumheller office later that year, where he has remained for the past 24 years. During this period he served as a member on the board of directors of the Drumheller Co-op for 12 years and more recently as a director for the Drumheller Stampede Board and as an ex-officio director for the Drumheller District Agricultural Society. Mr. Pettem's new position will entail supervising programs for the districts of Drumheller and Hanna as well as for the newly established office at Oyen. Brian Colgan A native Albertan, Brian Colgan attended the University of Alberta and graduated W't^^^|^|i^^j -(continued) - agriculture Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Brian Colgan (cont'd) B.Sc. (agriculture) in 1968, having majored in animal science. From 1969 to 1970 he attended Carleton University in Ottawa as a political science student. He then joined the Alberta Department of Health and Social Development as a rehabilitation counsellor. In 1971 he moved to the Agricultural Developmeni Corporation where he worked as a loans officer at Camrose. In 1973 he transferred to Alberta Agriculture's extension division. Mr. Colgan has been district agriculturist at Leduc for the past three years and replaces Don Young as senior district agriculturist in that office. Mr. Young was transferred earlier this year as senior district agriculturist to Wetaskiwin. John Tackaberry Born in Berwyn, Alberta, John Tackaberry completed his senior matriculation at the Fairview High School in 1966 and graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. (agriculture) in 1971 . He specialized in soils, animal science and economics. Following graduation he joined Alberta Agriculture as an assistant district agriculturist at Lamont. The following year he transferred to Wainwright as a district agriculturist and then to Valleyview in May on the same year. Mr. Tackaberry was district agriculturist at Valleyview at the time of his present appointment. As senior district agriculturist he will supervise government programs for the Valleyview and Falher districts. -30- July 12, 1976 16 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT AGRICULTURISTS APPOINTED The director of the extension division of Alberta Agriculture, John Calpas, has announced the appointments of Carole Rex and David Pilling to the positions of district agriculturists at Oyen and Lamont respectively. Miss Rex will be the first district agriculturist to be appointed to the newly established exten- sion office at Oyen. Mr. Pilling who will work with George Shewchuk, district agriculturist at Lamont, replaces Robert Forster who resigned this spring. Carole Rex A native of Holland, Manitoba, Miss Rex graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.Sc. (agriculture), having majored in entomology. Following graduation she was employed by Agriculture Canada at the research station at Morden, Manitoba. She subsequently worked at the University of Manitoba in the Plant Science Department. From 1974 until her present appointment, Miss Rex has been employed by Agriculture Canada as a farm management consultant with the Small Farm Development Program. She was seconded to Alberta Agriculture at Vermilion. David Pilling David Pilling is a native of Picture Butte, Alberta. After attending high school in this province, he attended Brigham Young University in Utah, U.S.A. He graduated in 1975 with a B.Sc. (agriculture), having majored in animal science. Mr. Pilling joined Alberta Agriculture last fall as assistant district agriculturist at Hanna, the position he has held until his present appointment. >dlbcrra AGRICULTURE 3hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Julv 12, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 17 AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST APPOINTED The head of Alberta Agriculture's farm business management branch, Wilson Loree, has announced the appointment of Ken Motiuk to the position of agricultural economist. In his new position, Mr. Motiuk's main responsibility will be farm business analysis activities. In this capacity he will act as co-ordinator of the Alberta Farm Business Analysis and the Farm Data Manual and will assist with CAN FARM records system operations. Mr. Motiuk was born and raised on a mixed farm near Mundare, Alberta, where he graduated from high school with honors. He attended the University of Alberta, and graduated this year with a B.Sc. (agriculture), having specialized in agricultural economics. Mr. Motiuk has been involved in various activities such as Opportunities for Youth projects and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS DRI-tiC 1 fat 3 7 OTJ ' July 19, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE can ad:/ ■ L I L'ULi CATIONS de i u; : c:elles CA sAD i NATIONAL Llli KARY, d CANA ilEOUE NATIONALS DA THIS WEEK Comparative Pricing 1 4-H Transferred To Agriculture 4 Range Management Pays 6 Alberta's Agriculture In Perspective 9 Horse Export Requirements 12 A Clean Sprayer Is A Must 13 Moisture Retension Products For Hanging Baskets and Balcony Planters 14 Safety Precautions For Farm Machinery 15 Plant Science Field Day 17 Plant Breeding and Crop Management Field Day 18 Silo Publications 19 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 19, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 COMPARATIVE PRICING by George Davison Executive Assistant Alberta Grain Commission Since the street price committee has been disbanded a number of farmers have expressed con- cern about comparing the prices offered by various grain companies. It is good that there is competition and that there is a range of prices available. The confusion arises from the differing ways prices are quoted. The majority of the companies are offering a 'country buying price' from which the farmer subtracts rail freight. Some companies are continuing to offer a 'street' price to which the farmer adds a freight adjustment. Others, notably feed mills and processors, offer a 'flat' price which is net of freight (neither add or subtract freight). It is also possible that companies could offer 'basis' Winnipeg futures. In effect they all do this now, but it is not that obvious to the farmer. Which way is correct? More important how do you compare them? Basis pricing reflects the costs or margins which are controllable by the grain handling com- panies. It is expressed as a discount of 'so many cents' under the nearest deliverable futures contract on the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange. The Winnipeg contract is the highest price the grain handling company can receive if it has hedged its purchase which is the normal case. The company is in the business to handle grain not to speculate. The basis is the margin or discount which covers his costs and provides the profit. A grain producer or grain user should be familiar with basis pricing if he wishes to hedge directly or forward contract with a grain company. More farmers and feedlot operators are approaching grain mar- keting from a business point of view and over time basis pricing will probably become the normal way of quoting prices. The Alberta Grain Commission quotes the discounts offered by Alberta grain dealers and coun- try elevators every day on its free phone-in-service. The Winnipeg Commodity Exchange broadcasts the Am range of discounts offered in Western Canada. There is currently a very wide spread between the best - (continued) - (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Comparative Pricing (cont'd) 2 price (lowest discount) and the lowest price (highest discount). This primarily reflects the marketing ability of various companies as the biggest controllable cost built into the discount is the cost of carrying inventory. Over time this price will narrow as farmers respond to price and offer increasing quantities to the best bidder. Country buying prices are a logical extension of basis pricing. The country buying price is the nearest deliverable futures contract price minus controllable grain handling costs. Because there is a range of discounts, there is a range of country buying prices. These are directly comparable to each other and if you know the range of prices, you can often find the best price very quickly. The range of prices can be determined by phoning the Alberta Grain Commission's phone-in-service. To determine the price paid to you (the country cash price) subtract the local freight charges to the appropriate port. Rapeseed and flaxseed normally go to Vancouver, while the feed grains and rye generally go to Thunder Bay. The statutory freight rates vary between the two ports. They also differ for each grain because the statutory rates are expressed per hundredweight creating a difference on a per bushel basis. The forthcoming metric conversion will at least solve one problem! The rates to the same port vary between points in Alberta which is another good reason why country buying prices are quoted rather than country cash prices. Livestock feeders looking for the best price would try to find the highest discount or lowest country buying price to which they would add the difference between Thunder Bay freight and the usual country elevator handling and administration costs. These costs are relatively constant, but can vary between companies and over time. Flat or at the door prices are offered by major users of grain. These include feed mills, feedlots, poultry farmers, commercial hog finishers, and, of course, rapeseed crushing plants. Flat prices are in effect cash prices and there is no further deductions for freight. To compare flat prices to country buying prices, you either subtract rail freight from the range of country prices or add rail freight on to the flat price so that the flat price is now in the range of country buying prices. Street prices are determined by subtracting controllable costs from the appropriate futures con- tract price and then subtracting a 'standard' freight charge which is larger than most existing statutory - (continued) - Comparative Pricing (cont'd) J rates in Alberta. The farmer's country cash price is the street price plus the difference between the 'standard' freight rate and the actual freight rate at his point of delivery. To compare street prices with country buying prices both must be either converted to street prices or both must be converted to country buying prices or both must be converted even further to country cash prices. The Alberta Grain Commission converts street prices to country buying prices pri- marily because it is easier to change the relatively few prices offered in street form, than it is to change the many prices offered as country buying prices. The conversion factors are flax - 1 7 3/4 , wheat - 25 3/M , oats - 14 3/4f:and barley 20 3/4<£. To convert to country buying prices you add these conversion factors to the street price. To convert to street prices you subtract the conversion figures from the country buying prices. The calculations will be easier after metric conversion. The current situation is confusing, but it is possible to compare and obtain the best price. With the wide range of prices available it certainly is in the farmer's interest to compare, shop-around and get the best price possible. In time, as it becomes obvious to grain buyers and sellers that there is flexibility for price and supply and for cash and forward transactions, basis pricing will probably become the major pricing system used. To phone the free phone-in-service offered by the Alberta Grain Commission dial 0 and ask the operator for Zenith 2-2075. If you are on the following exchanges you must dial direct. 'standard' freight deduction equals country buying price and nearest deliverable futures price minus grain handling margins equals country buying price. Calgary Edmonton Grande Prairie 265-1540 423-4383 532-9397 329-4909 347-8155 853-5422 Lethbridge Red Deer Vermilion In summary, fat prices plus local rail freight equals country buying prices, street prices plus -30- July 19, 1976 4 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4-H TRANSFERRED TO AGRICULTURE The formal transfer of the 4-H Program to Alberta Agriculture from the Department of Re- creation, Parks and Wildlife is scheduled to take place later this summer. The transfer came about as a result of recommendations made by a special task force study into the 4-H Program and its relationship to government. Consisting of representatives from government and the private sector, the task force was established following the Alberta government's decision to transfer youth programs associated with the former Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation to appropriate content departments. The transfer is expected to facilitate the co-ordination and liaison with other rural and urban youth development programs. The 4-H Program was transferred to the Department of Youth from Alberta Agriculture in 1966 with the idea of giving the young people of this province a government department and, hence, an identity of their own. However, since that time the government has undergone many changes, and it now appears that Alberta youth prefer to have access to many government departments rather than to be tied to a specific one. Since 1966 enrollment in the 4-H Program has almost doubled and now stands at 1 1 ,000. A fairly substantial proportion of the members come from Alberta's smaller cities, towns and acreages on the fringe of cities like Edmonton and Calgary. Members' ages vary from 10 to 21 , but the majority are in the 10 to 18 age group. The number of projects available to 4-H members has also increased in the last 10 years. In 1966 there were 13 projects; now there are 29. Among the projects that have been added are outdoor sports, handicrafts, photography, automotives, apiculture and speech arts. All members are now actively involved in public speaking and communication. The projects are also more specialized than they used to be. In the beef projects, for example, -(continued)- agriculture Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 4-H Transferred To Agriculture (cont'd) b there used to be only steer feeding; now there are heifer sub-projects., carcass sub-prciects and so on. This specialization has come about as a result of the increased specialization in the agricultural industry itself. Travel exchanges and camping are areas of the 4-H Program that have expanded considerably in recent years. The exchange programs include travel within the province, within Canada and to foreign countries. Still another area of expansion has been the creation of 4-H councils. These councils co-ordinate the activities of 4-H clubs on a district, regional and provincial level Ted Youck, director of the 4-H and junior forest warden branch, sees a continuation in the pre- sent growth of the 4-H movement, which, incidently was established in Alberta in 1917 - almost f 0 \ ears ago.' He also envisages 4-H playing a vital and, perhaps, an even more active role in the communiti :s f om which its members come. -30- July 19, 1976 6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RANGE MANAGEMENT PAYS by Ross Gould Alberta Agriculture District Agriculturist Stettler Careful range management pays! Overuse of range is just like squandering an inheritance. It may appear to be easy going and profitable in the early years, but when the range has been depleted of healtny, palatable grasses, your income will be seriously hurt and it will take long, hard years of careful management to restore the range. The Correct Grazing Rate A range will produce only a certain amount of forage each year, depending upon the climate and soil. If a healthy range and optimum production is to be guaranteed from year to year, the forage must not all be grazed each season. If too many stock are placed on a range or pasture they will not have enough to eat, gains will be poor and conception rates will be unsatisfactory. Not only will profits suffer but the range will deteriorate; good grass will be replaced by weeds and unpalatable grasses and eventually the range will not be able to carry as many animals. It is not hard to tell when a range is being properly used. Nearly half of the current year's growth should remain at the end of the grazing season. This carryover is not waste. It is a sign that enough plant growth was allowed to provide for some seed and supply root reserves for next spring's growth. The carry- over could be considered an investment in next year's production. There are some other signs, besides carryover, which indicate the condition of a range. On a range that is in good condition palatable grasses are strong and thrifty; there are many seed heads of grasses; there is adequate litter on the ground; the soil is open and rich in organic matter and there are few unpalatable weed species. On a range that is in poor condition the valuable grasses have been destroyed and replaced by low - (continued) - Phone 1403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS Range Management Pays (cont'd) 7 producing plants and weeds. A pasture full of pasture sage, pussytoes, and loco weed, for example, is usually being overused. Often the soil is compacted; there is very little protective litter; most of the mois- ture runs off and the topsoil is beginning to wash away. Carrying Capacity The productivity of native range is measured in terms of 'carrying capacity'. This is expressed as the number of acres needed to supply feed for a mature beef cow with calf or the equivalent. It is most often reported as acres per animal unit for one month of grazing (acres/A. U.M.),but sometimes it is re- ported as acres per animal unit for the entire grazing season. The main factors which effect carrying capacity are the soil, the local climate and the condition of the range itself. Hence, carrying capacity can vary a great deal within a district, depending upon soil conditions and previous management. Carrying capacity can also vary widely from year to year, depending upon the seasonal rainfall. Range management specialists have prepared estimates of the kinds of carrying capacity that we can expect from our native range in various parts of the province. For example, the fescue grassland and the western porcupine grass range,both in east-central Alberta, have different carrying capacities. In an average year fescue grassland in 'good' condition has been estimated to carry an animal unit for a month on 2 acres. A five-month grazing season would then require 10 acres to support a cow and calf on average native pastures in this area. A native pasture in excellent condition might support a cow and calf unit on 7.5 acres. On the other hand, a cow-calf unit is estimated to need 2.4 acres per month on a good porcu- pine grass range for a five month grazing season. An excellent range in this area might produce enough grass to carry a cow and calf on 10 acres for a five month season. Stocking cattle on native ranges for very long at rates higher than these are likely to result in poor weaning weights, poor conception rates and a range with a carrying capacity that has been reduced by nearly 50 per cent. In fact, an overgrazed range would be doing well to carry a cow and calf for five months on 15 to 18 acres in a year of average rainfall. - (continued) - Range Management Pays (cont'd) Distributing Livestock If not controlled, stock tend to collect in favored areas such as around water holes, valley bottoms and in choice meadows. These areas soon become overgrazed, production declines and animals do poorly, while feed goes to waste in the unused areas. Good distribution of stock depends on certain basic practices. Herding is one way to achieve improved cattle distribution on a large range area. It is essential to keep animals away from heavily grazed spots, and to move them to fresh range since they seldom do this on their own until after the range has been damaged. 'Salting' can be used to encourage stock to move to less used areas of the range. Some range managers suggest placing salt licks at least a quarter of a mile from water and other heavily used areas. When an area has been properly grazed the salt should be removed to prevent overuse. Dugouts and watering spots themselves can be used to help distribute stock more evenly over a range. In some cases it is wise to temporarily fence off major water developments and to encourage stock to graze in other areas by providing smaller temporary dugouts. The major water sources can be used later in the season when the temporary water supply is exhausted. Drift fencing can be constructed to encourage stock to move away from their more preferred grazing sites. The range should be studied carefully to assess where overgrazed and undergrazed areas have developed. To encourage cattle to move to less used range, drift fences can be placed diagonally across trails between water holes and preferred grazing areas. Encouraging stock to graze the whole range through herding, careful use of salt licks, provision of water spots and use of drift fencing will increase production from the range and prevent damage from the overuse of the more popular grazing areas. -30- July 19, 1976 9 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA'S AGRICULTURE IN PERSPECTIVE With almost 50 million acres of land devoted to crop and livestock production, Alberta has developed one of the most productive agricultural economies in the world. According to Alberta Agriculture's statistics branch, this province produced 20 per cent of the total Canadian agricultural 'output' last year with less than 8 per cent of the country's population. Alberta-produced wheat, which is sold through the Canadian Wheat Board to more than 40 countries, is in great demand because of its high quality. This year the province's wheat acreage has jumped to 5.3 million acres with total production expected to exceed 140 million bushels. Local con- sumption accounts for only a quarter of the province's annual wheat production. To meet world demands for an ever-increasing variety of agricultural commodities, Alberta farmers are continually diversifying their production and adding new crops or changing existing ones. Rapeseed, for example, was virtually unknown to Alberta farmers 20 years ago. In 1975, however, rape- seed production in this province exceeded 27 million bushels. Another example of the adaptability of Alberta farmers was their rapid switch from rapeseed varieties with a high erucic acid content to those with a low erucic acid content. More than half Canada's forage seed exports originate in Alberta, and the production of dehy- drated alfalfa, a relatively new activity, has increased rapidly during the past few years. At the present time 12 plants are producing 1 07,000 tons of processed alfalfa products for both domestic and export markets. Alberta maintains the largest livestock population of Canada's western provinces, accounting for 50 per cent of the cattle and calves, 45 per cent of the hogs and 55 per cent of the sheep and lambs. Several thousand head of dairy and beef cattle breeding stock, as well as millions of dollars worth of semen, were purchased from Alberta cattle producers last year. j^^llQC^rfC^I - (continued) - 10 Alberta's Agriculture in Perspective (cont'd) The expansion of cattle feeding, slaughtering facilities and improved refrigerated transportation methods have resulted in an increase in the proportion of livestock processed in Alberta's slaughtering facilities. Figures for 1975, show combined cattle and calf slaughter in the province amounted to 748 million pounds of beef and veal. Pork production exceeded 160 million pounds, while mutton and lamb accounted for 3.5 million pounds. Poultry production was 73 million pounds. Although Albertans eat more than 210 pounds of meat per capita, the major portion of the province's meat production goes to other Canadian markets and for export. Specialized livestock feeding operations in Alberta continue to place additional requirements for feed grain production. This year Alberta farmers anticipate producing over 350 million bushels of barley, oats and mixed grains. In fact, grain producers in the province seeded more oats and barley than were seeded in any other Canadian province, a total of more than 8 million acres. Milk processing is a highly developed industry in Alberta. Approximately 55 per cent of the total milk production is used in the manufacturing of dairy products. Sixty-two per cent of the milk used in manufacturing goes into creamery butter, 13 per cent is used for cheese processing and 25 per cent for the manufacturing of concentrated milk and ice cream mix. Alberta's honey production currently averages 18 million pounds a year, representing 40 per cent of Canada's annual production. The honey is light colored and has a delicate and subtle flavor. Alberta grows a large variety and volume of vegetables for immediate consumption and for canning. Progress made in solving problems associated with cooling and processing has extended the period during which quality can be maintained in fresh vegetables. The result has been that Alberta-grown carrots, turnips and potatoes are being marketed throughout most of the year. In addition, top quality Alberta- produced potatoes are processed into potato chips, French fries and granules for the export market. The present trend in Alberta is to larger, more viable farms through the consolidation of existing operations. The province's total farm capital value last year was estimated at $7.5 billion and the average investment per farm was $100,000. Twenty years ago the average farm size was 550 acres,- today it is - (continued) - 11 Alberta's Agriculture in Perspective (cont'd) larger than 800 acres. This increase in farm size and the steady upward trend in farm 'input' costs has made Alberta's farmers more efficient and enabled them to reduce their production costs so that they can compete favorably in present markets. -30- July 19, 1976 12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HORSE EXPORT REQUIREMENTS A recent change in federal export requirements, states that all Canadian horses entering the U.S. must have an official health certificate, including a negative test for equine infectious anemia (swamp fever). The test must be done in an approved Agriculture Canada laboratory within 30 days of the exportation date. Agriculture Canada's two approved labs are located in Ottawa and Lethbridge. The blood sample for the test (known in the industry as a Coggins test) may be taken by a private veterinarian accredited by Agriculture Canada's health of animals branch. At least one veterinary practioner in nost communities is accredited. The accredited veterinarian must send the sample to Ottawa or Lethbridge as soon as possible. If a negative test results, he can issue the horse owner with the official export certificate after it has been endorsed by the nearest health of animals branch district office. The veterinarian must give the horse a clinical examination-usually at the same time as the blood sample is taken-before he issues the export certificate. For Canadian horses to re-enter the country after a trip to the U.S., the health of animals branch requires a certificate indicating a negative Coggins test within the previous six months, in addition to a clinical examination within 14 days of entering Canada. The same requirement applies to U.S. -owned horses coming into Canada. -30- Phonfi (403) 427-2127 >dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 19, 1976 13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A CLEAN SPRAYER IS A MUST A clean sprayer is a safe sprayer! If you want to avoid injury to your crops always clean your sprayer out thoroughly after having used it to apply 2(4-D or 2,4-D-type herbicides. It only takes a very small amount of 2,4-D, for example, to injure a rape crop being sprayed with an insecticide. Arnold Stearman cf Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch recommends flushing out the spray tank, filter, screen and all the hoses, booms and nozzles on your sprayer with clean water and draining them. Then wash these same parts out with a soap or detergent solution. Next run one quart of household ammonia in 50 gallons of water through the sprayer. And, finally, flush it out with clean water again. "Even this treatment", says Mr. Stearman, "will not guarantee the complete removal of all traces of 2,4-D and some injury may occur to very sensitive crops. Removal of all the 2,4-D residue is virtually impossible. The only way you can be absolutely sure of having no trace of 2,4-D is to use a separate sprayer when applying 2,4-D and 2,4-D-type materials." -30- PhnnP (dmi 497-9197 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 19, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOISTURE RETENSION PRODUCTS FOR HANGING BASKETS AND BALCONY PLANTERS If you are having problems keeping the soil moist around the plants in your hanging basket or balcony planter you will be interested to know that there are products on the market which increase the moisture retension of the soil around the roots of the plants. These products act as a sort of sponge, absorbing a large quantity of water, thereby reducing the frequency of watering. According to Arlene Chesney, Alberta Agriculture's horticultural spec alist, they do not have to be mixed with the soil before the plants are planted, but should be put arourd the stems of the plant. They can be obtained from most garden supply centres. Water is probably the single most important requirement for plants that are grown in a re- stricted space. In addition to water, these plants require considerably more fertilizer than plants growing in the ground. A fertilizer can be incorporated into the soil in a hanging basket or planter, but it must be done carefully so that the roots of the plants are not disturbed. Two fertilizers which are suitable for this pur- pose are RX-15 and 20-20-20. "Best results will be obtained if the fertilizer is applied early in the spring and then again in July", Miss Chesney says. Insects can be as much of a nuisance in hanging baskets and balcony planters as they are in the garden. Again, recommended materials are available from garden supply centres. -30- ^llbcrrc July 19, 1976 15 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR FARM MACHINERY The Alberta Safety Council reports that farm machinery accident statistics reveal the proper use of shielding or guards could have prevented most of the injuries. A breakdown of the accident cases by the main object involved indicated that: • 'belt and pulley' accounted for one out of every four injuries •'chain and sprockets' and 'augers' were each involved in one out of every five accident cases % 'power-take-off components' were involved in one out of every seven cases When classified by cause or how the accident happened, results were as follows: • 'caught in or between' accounted for four out of every five cases reported • 'struck by' accounted for 15 per cent of the cases More than two out of every three farm machinery accidents studied occurred because of the operator failing to completely shut off the machine before performing an inspection or other work on the unit or because he was operating the equipment without the proper shielding in place. The Alberta Safety Council strongly recommends that the following safe operating practices be adhered to: • be sure that all shields or guards are in place before any machine is started • replace any damaged or misplaced guards or shields • replace or secure all safety shields that you remove or open for access when making field re- pairs before re-starting the operation • make certain that everyone is clear of the machine before starting power unit or activating any drive mechanism • always shut off the engine before leaving the operator's platform to adjust, lubricate, clean or unclog a machine, unless otherwise specified in the operator's manual /dltorra - (continued) - 'hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 16 Safety Precautions For Farm Machinery (cont'd) • wait until all power driven parts have stopped before attempting to inspect or service the machine • provide a temporary guard for knives when working near them • keep proper tension on all belts to reduce slippage and the temptation to manually 'help the pu aiong' at high risk to the hands. Also adjust chain drives properly. • keep hands free and clothing away from moving parts of the machine • stay clear when the machine is operating of such component parts as snapping or husking rolls, straw spreaders and choppers, cutterbars, augers, feed rolls, etc. which may be unguarded for the proper function of the machine -30- July 19, 1976 17 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLANT SCIENCE FIELD DAY The University of Alberta's Department of Plant Science is holding its annual field day at Parkland University Farm, 74 Avenue and 1 14 Street, Edmonton, on July 21 . The program commences at 10:00 a.m. It will include slide-illustrated presentations on "Plant Productivity", "Plant Mycoplasma Diseases" and "Range and Pasture Research at the University Ranch". Weather permitting, the afternoon will be devoted to plot tours at Parkland Farms and the Ellerslie Farm. The plots will include vegetables, ornamentals, forages, field crops and herbicide trials. Alternative arrangements for indoor presentations have been made in case of rain. Further information on the Department of Plant Science field day can be obtained by tele- phoning 432-3239. -30- PlinnP 497-9197 COMMUNICATION July 19, 1976 18 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLANT BREEDING AND CROP MANAGEMENT FIELD DAY Visitors are invited to attend the plant breeding and crop management field day at Agriculture Canada's research station at Lacombe on August 12. It commences at 1 :00 p.m. Those who attend will be able to see the many experiments of interest and value to farmers throughout central Alberta. New herbicides for wild oat and quack grass control and a number of new grain varieties will be featured. Transportation will be provided by the research station for tours of the horticultural, cereal and crop management areas. Coffee will be provided at the picnic grounds between 12:00 and 1 :00 p.m. for people who wish to bring their lunch. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 Ab®\a AGRICULTURE July 19, 1976 19 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SILO PUBLICATIONS Two new publications on silos are now available from Alberta Agriculture. One, entitled "Vertical Silos and High Moisture Storage Structures" discusses the advantages and disadvantages of steel and concrete vertical silos. It also contains a guide showing the capacity of tower silos of various heights and diameters and explains how to select the size of vertical silo to suit specific livestock operations. Another section deals with the importance of a good foundation to the proper func- tioning of a vertical silo and explains how to construct such a foundation. The final section outlines the importance of the many factors that must be taken into consideration when choosing a location for a vertical silo. The other publication, "Horizontal Silos" gives detailed and illustrated information on the con- struction of concrete trench and bunker silos. Other sections discuss silage stacking, the proper sealing of a silo, silo dimensions and silage feeding. The final section contains a table showing the capacities of hori- zontal silos of various widths and depths and a formula for calculating the tonnage capacities of different sizes of horizontal silos. Copies of "Vertical Silos and High Moisture Storage Structures" and "Horizontal Silos" can be obtained from the publications office, Alberta Agriculture, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 26, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS COLLECTION DE PUBL'CAiiOMS LTFiCIELLES CANAD1ENNES NATIONAL LIBRARY /B; BI»!OTHEQUE NATIONALE CANADA THIS WEEK British Agricultural Show - A Real Success 1 Alberta Cattle Price Prospects 3 Evaluation of Tower Rapeseed Meal For Young Pigs 5 Land Banking - A Planning Concept Harvesting Greenfeed 9 Safe Use of Pesticides 10 Slug Control 12 Saskatoons! 14 Preserving Cut Flowers 16 Provincial Horticultural Show Publication On Farm Machinery Custom Charges 19 /dlborra AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 rniwtMi imipatihmc July 26, 1976 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BRITISH AGRICULTURAL SHOW - A REAL SUCCESS "A real success!" That is the way Wilf Walker of Alberta Agriculture's nutrition and food marketing branch describes the reaction of Alberta exhibitors to the Royal Agricultural Show in England. Held earlier this month, the Royal is Britain's largest agricultural show. Mr. Walker says Alberta's six processing firms that exhibited products at the show obtained useful leads for future export sales and also obtained distributors in Britain for many of their products. Vauxhall Foods of Vauxhall finalized a number of contracts for the export of potato granules in Britain. The granules, used by the institutional trade, are reconstituted into mashed potatoes and extruded as French fries. There was also considerable interest at the show in the frozen French fries and the frozen corn on the cob, exhibited by York Farms of Lethbridge. The British public were also taken with the peanut butter chip cookies, exhibited by Sunland Industries Ltd. of Edmonton. This was rather surprising since Britain is noted for her biscuits. Although the British are familiar with chocolate chip cookies, they had never seen peanut butter chip cookies before. However, the product that caused the most excitement was the frozen, hardboiled 'foot-long' egg, exhibited by Highland Produce of Two Hills. This product, consisting of a dozen eggs 'rolled into one; made the TV news in Britain and was seen by about 30 million people. Alberta and Saskatchewan jointly exhibited honey and alfalfa products. The honey proved popular with the British because of its mild flavor. The joint cheese exhibit also drew attention, especially the marbled cheddar cheese from Faith Farms of Wetaskiwin. The British had never seen marbled cheese before. The alfalfa products proved to be another popular exhibit, particularly in view of the shortage of forage which has resulted from the severe drought in Europe. - (continued) - Phone (403) 427-2127 /d terra 2 British Agricultural Show - A Real Success (cont'd) Alberta and Saskatchewan also co-operated in a display of Hereford, Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus cattle. The cattle, consisting of four bulls and a cow with two calves, had been sold in Britain at last year's Royal Agricultural Show. They were selected for this year's show because of the embargo placed on Canadian cattle entering Great Britain, caused by bluetongue. British farmers showed a great deal of interest in the cattle, particularly in the size, early maturity and early calving of the Canadian Hereford breed. Alberta machinery firms represented at the show included Sprung Instant Structures Ltd. of Calgary, Craig's Manufacturing Ltd. of Morinville, Spierco Industries of Calgary and Vertec Industries of Vermilion. In a number of cases these firms made sales at the show and obtained distributors in Britain for their equipment. Vertec Industries, for example, sold their display grain dryer and Sprung Instant Structures sold several of their tent-like buildings which can be used for aeroplane hangers, graii . storage sheds and workshops. Representing the Alberta cattle industry at the Royal Agricultural Show were D.E. Atkinson, president of the Alberta Aberdeen Angus Association, George Hay of the Alberta Hereford Association and R.H. Byers of the Alberta Shorthorn Association. Alberta government officials who attended the show included Wilf Walker; Wilf Bowns, Alberta Export Agency; Harry Hargrave, former Alberta marketing commissioner; J.H. Hanna, assistant deputy minister of Alberta Agriculture's marketing division; Ralph Hamlett and John Barron of Alberta Business Development and Tourism and Herb Pickering, agent general, Alberta House, London, England. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 Liberia COMMUNICATIONS July 26,1976 3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA CATTLE PRICE PROSPECTS Prices for A1 and A2 steers (Calgary) are unlikely to go beyond the low $40 level during the third quarter and well into the fourth quarter of this year. This is the opinion of Maurice Kraut, market analyst with Alberta Agriculture. He says, de- pending upon fall conditions and feedlot placements this summer, fed cattle prices could improve in November or December. Even though the number of cattle on feed in the June 1 survey had fallen, the decrease was less than occurred in 1974 and the U.S. cattle feed survey shows that good volumes of fed beef should keep pressure on the market into the fall. Feeder Cattle There is currently pressure on feeder cattle prices, reflecting the depressed fed beef market and uncertainty about the fall fed beef market. The following table shows representative marketing margins recorded at Calgary since January of this year. A1/A2 Steers 800 + Feed Cost Margin 700 + Feed Cost Margin Feeders Feeders *Jan /76 $439.23 $ 275.20 $ 126.67 $37.36 $ 238.35 $ 168.89 $31.99 February 432.52 302.60 125.56 4.36 272.30 167.41 - 7.19 March 415.25 314.80 123.33 -22.88 279.65 164.45 - 28.85 April 459.36 325.20 120.56 13.60 292.25 160.74 6.37 May 462.00 335.52 120.56 5.92 292.88 160.74 8.38 June 449.08 320.40 120.56 8.12 288.05 160.74 0.29 1st week July 440.00 304.00 120.56 15.44 266.00 160.74 13.26 *This was based on a straight comparison of January slaughter steers versus January feeders. For a closer evaluation there should be a lag of 4 - 5 months between the purchase of the feeder and sale of the slaughter animal. These margins seem to indicate that producers think market prices are going to go down even further in the next quarter. - (continued) - COMMUNIC (403) 427 2127 4 Alberta Cattle Price Prospects (cont'd) Calves Prices for calves weighing over 550 pounds should be around the $40 level this fall. However, if barley prices drop to $1 .75 to $1 .80, which seems unlikely at present, this price level could increase. Conversely, if grain prices jump, and fed cattle prices are around $40, calf prices could drop lower than the $40 level. Such a situation would be accompanied by an increase in the volume going for slaughter. Cows With lower cow slaughter through the summer, cow prices should be stable until the fall at which time the traditional fall cow marketing pattern will likely depress prices once again. This could mean Calgary D1 and D2 cows might peak around August at $26 to $27 and gradually fall to the low $ 20 level. One factor that could temper this drop is that imported boneless beef will be arriving in Canada at more realistic prices towards the end of August. Australia and New Zealand have agreed to minimum price of 6$ a pound below the price they sell to the United States. Previously this boneless beef was coming into Canada at a price as much as 25<|r a pound below that of the United States and depressing Canadian cow prices. In the final analysis, however, cow marketing levels and prices will depend heavily on pasture conditions and on calf prices this fall. -30- Aba\Q AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 26, 1976 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EVALUATION OF TOWER RAPESEED MEAL FOR YOUNG PIGS Experiments carried out by the University of Alberta's Department of Animal Science show that it will be possible to incorporate the new low glucosinolate, low erucic acid rapeseed varieties, like Tower, in the diets of young pigs at considerably higher levels than are recommended for present rapeseed varieties. The objective of experiments carried out between April and September 1975 and between July 1975 and January 1976 with 40 pigs in each period was to compare results obtained from Tower rapeseed meal and from commercial rapeseed meal as the whole or partial replacement for soybean meal in the diets of pigs from four weeks of age to market weight. The pigs weighed about 12 pounds whe. the experiments started and were fed five different diets based on wheat and barley. The supplemental protein sources in the five diets were low glucosinolate, low erucic acid rapeseed meal, commercial rapeseed meal, soybean meal, a 50/50 combination on an equal protein basis of low glucosinolate, low erucic acid rape- seed meal and soybean meal and a 50/50 combination of commercial rapeseed meal and soybean meal. The scientists report that the 50/50 combination of low glucosinolate, low erucic acid rapeseed meal and soybean meal resulted in a feed intake, daily gain and feed/gain ratio similar to that obtained from a straight soybean meal supplement even though the 50/50 combination contained 1 1 .9 per cent rapeseed meal during the starting period. "This", they say, "confirms our previous conclusion that when rapeseed meal from low glucosinolate, low erucic acid varieties becomes commerically available, it may be fed at higher levels than are now recommended for commercial rapeseed meal." However, they feel that it would be desirable to have a lower fibre content in rapeseed meals because a slight depression in the digestibility of energy and nitrogen was recorded in the case of both the low glucosinolate, low erucic acid rapeseed meal and the At commercial rapeseed meal, even though they were used only to partially replace soybean meal in the di - (continued) - (403)427.2127 COMMUNICATIONS iet. IVJ 6 Evaluation of Tower Rapeseed Meal For Young Pigs (cont'd) The complete substitution of low glucosinolate, low erucic acid rapeseed meal and the complete or partial substitution of commercial rapeseed meal for soybean meal in the diets of young pigs resulted ;n a reduced feed intake and daily gain and a poorer feed/gain ratio than was obtained from soybean meal used as the whole protein supplement. However, since the levels of rapeseed meal fed were high - 14.1 to 31 .3 per cent of the starting diet -- the results do not invalidate the present recommendation of including 5 per cent of currently available commercial rapeseed meals in the diets of young pigs. -30- Phnno Mmt /mom ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 26, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7 LAND BANKING - A PLANNING CONCEPT by Diana Boylen Resource Economist Alberta Agriculture Many briefs submitted at the recent Alberta Land Use Forum hearings suggested the need for a provincial land bank. While there are many types of land banks, the most common is one defined as a stockpile of land owned by the public which results from a policy implemented by a continuous program of land buying and which is managed and disposed of for public benefit. The bank is held by a federal, provin- cial or municipal government for future use as needed. A land banking system includes three objectives: • Planning - its objective includes control over the nature, timing and location of lanu develop- ment. It could include consolidation of fragmented farmland, the enlargement of marginal farms, and a breakdown of large land holdings into viable economic family farm units, particularly in areas where the development pattern has already been established. • General Pricing - its objective is to control and lower land prices. It is conceivable that if the public sector could control a large enough supply of land for a long enough period, land prices in both public and private real estate would be influenced. • Profit Sharing - it is based on the premise that public expenditures (eg. roads), create second- ary benefits beyond their original purpose, and that some of those profits due to subsequent increases in land value should be recovered for the general public. To be successful a land banking program requires an accurate assessment of future land needs, an accumulation of land over a long period of time at a low initial cost, and a management strategy that maintains adequate reserves of developed and undeveloped land. Many people argue that land banking wouid promote a more equitable distribution of profit and provide better planning strategies because it would be more responsive to community needs. They claim it would limit increases in land and service costs due to speculation, inflation or urban influence. A land /nIII^A^I a - (continued) - AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 8 Land Banking - A Planning Concept (cont'd) bank would need to hold less land for a specific development and the interest rates available to such a system would be much lower than those for a private land developer. A land bank would also promote a more equitable distribution of profits from land, particularly in areas with land distribution problems. Many of the reasons against a program of land banking are centred around the same points as the arguments for one. However, it is important to remember that there is still not enough evidence to substantiate either side of the land banking debate. But we do need to consider whether it can, or should be, a force, as is zoning and taxation, in shaping the economic and social aspects of land use. -30- ne (403) 427-2127 /dlberra July 26, 1976 9 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HARVESTING GREENFEED The stage of growth at which greenfeed should be cut depends upon the type of livestock to which it will be fed. According to Ross Gould, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Stettler, research work being carried out at the University of Saskatchewan has shown that the highest protein yield per acre is likely to be obtained when greenfeed is cut in the flowering stage (just out of the boot stage). On the other hand, the most total energy will be obtained when the crop is cut in the dough stage. Hence, if the feed is intended for animals like dairy cows or overwintering calves, bot! of which have a high protein requirement, it should be cut in the flower stage. However, because overwintering beef cows have a low protein requirement but a need for energy, greenfeed intended for them can be cut in the dough stage. "Greenfeed that is cut in the dough stage should be chopped before it is fed to reduce wastage", says Mr. Gould. "If it is not cut the cows tend to pick out the heads and leave the straw." -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 26, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES Each year some accidental deaths and illnesses can be attributed to pesticides, states the Alberta Safety Council. Reliable data on pesticide mishaps are scanty, but the victims are often small children exposed because of improper storage or other user oversights. Worker mishaps usually involve improper handling or application methods, failure to use recommended protection equipment or other violations of established safe practices or the failure to follow label instructions. cular attention to specific warnings and first-aid measures. Consult your dealer or an agricultural authority if you have any questions on any aspect of product usage. Make sure everyone working with you also understands what to do. • Use the appropriate personal protective equipment as directed on the label to shield you from harmful contact with toxic or irritating materials. • Mix the material accurately and carefully. Keep children and non-workers out of the area. Clean up spills. Return unused pesticides to safe storage promptly. • Rinse and drain empty glass, metal or plastic pesticide containers three times. Keep the empty containers in a safe place until they can be discarded. Never leave them laying around. • Set up application equipment for proper dosage and apply the chemical carefully for good coverage with minimum drift. Avoid applying on windy days. • Clean up your application and protective equipment when finished. Don't smoke or eat until you have changed clothing and washed up. ^l^^^>PtU Here are some basic pesticide precautions recommended by the Alberta Safety Council. • Select the correct pesticide and applicating equipment for the particular pest problr n. • Read and heed the label! Follow all directions and observe all safety precautions. Pay parti- - (continued) - AGRICULTURE Phone (403) 427 2127 COMMUNICATIONS 1 1 Safe Use of Pesticides (cont'd) • Pest treated areas to warn people to stay out. • Store pesticides by themselves in original labeled containers in a cabinet, room or building that can be locked. • Dispose of pesticide containers or excess pesticides as suggested on the label or by the dealer. • Identify pesticide storage with a sign at the building entrance, and another on the door to the actual room or cabinet where they are kept. This will inform fire fighters where pesticides are stored so they can take needed precautions and it will warn visitors of a potential hazard. -30- Phnnp fdmi 497- 91 97 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 26, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SLUG CONTROL Slugs can be a real problem in flower and vegetable gardens as well as in greenhouses. They attack vegetables, ornamentals and small fruits, especially ripe strawberries. The practices of adding a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and to keep weeds under control promotes better plant growth, but it also provides ideal conditions for slugs. Since both soil temperature and moisture are important for slug survival, anything that promotes soil moisture retention and the avoidance of temperature extremes, as mulches do. also increases slug survival. Most slugs feed at night, but some feed on dull, damp days. They are very hardy, but in hot, dry weather or during frosts they do not feed or come above ground. They lay their eggs in the soil a under boards or rubbish. Newly hatched slugs will mature and begin reproducing in three to five months, de- pending upon the temperature. Hence, slugs which hatch in the spring could mature, mate and lay eggs in the fall for next year's generation. An important part of slug control is sanitation. Get rid of plant rubbish, boxes, sacks and other material that provide the slugs with a hiding place in which to lay their eggs. Sanitation is extremely important in greenhouses where it is always damp. Do not let any plant material collect under benches or in corners. Traps or barriers are useful for protecting special plants in a small area. Boards not less than six inches square make effective traps. The slugs will collect under the board which you can pick up each morning to remove the slugs. The best barrier against slugs is a fly screen about four inches wide. Sink the lower edge about 2 inches into the soil around the plant that is to be protected. There are many commercial baits, dusts and sprays on the market for slug control, and all are effective when used according to directions. For best results apply them on a warm, moist night when the ill slugs are most active. Since all slugs do not come out every night, repeat the treatment five days later. /4\uJCA IvJ - (continued) - 'hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 13 Slug Control (cont'd) If the slugs are abundant, more applications may be needed. Place the material as close as possible to the plants, but do not spray or oust the edible part of any plant. Further information on baits, dusts and sprays is contained in the publication "Control of Slugs - 1976", prepared by Agriculture Canada and distributed by the publications office, Alberta Agri- culture, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 26, 1976 14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SASKATOONS! It's saskatoon time again, and here are some helpful hints on their many uses from Betty Birch, Alberta Agriculture's district home economist at Stettler. She says, for example, that fruit which is barely ripe gels more readily than really mature fruit. It also has a higher vitamin C content than mature fruit and is better for freezing and preserving. However, if you are planning to make wine with your saskatoons, the really ripe fruit is usually better because it has a higher sugar content. When used in a pie, saskatoons are inclined to be a little flat. To overcome this problem, and to help the fruit to gel, Mrs. Birch suggests adding some acid. She recommends rhubarb, tart apple or lemon juice for this purpose. "A good combination", she says, "is about 3 cups of saskatoons and one cup of rhubarb. The rhubarb will supply some acid and a little juice, a definite advantage if the berries are a bit dry. Add about 3/4 cup of sugar (depending upon your taste) and one tablespoonful of tapioca for thickening." Saskatoon pies may be frozen either before or after they have been baked. One problem with freezing saskatoons is that they are inclined to go hard. However, you can minimize or overcome this pro- blem by adding some rhubarb or a few raspberries. If you plan to freeze your saskatoons without making them into pies, pack them dry in bags or small cartons. If you want to put sugar with them, allow about one cup of sugar to 6 cups of fruit. To make saskatoon jelly, put the saskatoons and any other fruit you want to add in a saucepan and barely cover the fruit with cold water. Boil it slowly until the fruit is well cooked. Then strain it through a jelly bag and add as much sugar as you have juice (by measure) and cook the juice for about 20 minutes. - (continued) - COMMUNICAI ION! Abex\( 15 Saskatoons! (cont'd) You use the same procedure to make saskatoon jam except that you put the fruit through a coarse strainer instead of through a jelly bag. Seal both your jelly and jam jars with liquid paraffin. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127 A\b®\a AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS July 26, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 16 PRESERVING CUT FLOWERS Cut flowers can retain their fresh appearance for nearly a week when properly handled. In fact, some long-lasting varieties may last up to two weeks. Alberta Agriculture's horticultural specialist, Arlene Chesney, says proper conditioning or 'hardening' following cutting, and the after care, are the secrets to a long life for cut flowers. The first step is to cut the stems with a sharp knife or shears. It makes little difference whether the cut is straight across the stem or slanting, but it is important to make the cut just above a side branch to encourage more blooms on the plant. Next, strip off the foliage from the lower four to six inches of the stem so that no fo|: lge will be submersed in the water in the vase. Removal of this excess foliage not only provides more room in the vase but it also reduces the amount of bacteria and fungi that will be caried into it. The subsequent growth of these organisms shortens the life of cut flowers. The third step is to remove another one to two inches from the stem of each flower. This pro- cedure ensures the rapid absorption of water. Then put the stems into a pail containing about four inches of warm water (43°C). The two critical points in this step are that the pail or other container be scrup- ulously cleaned and that the water be warm. Containers, especially those which have previously been used for plants, should be thoroughly scrubbed inside to remove all traces of plant residue that may harbor bacteria or fungi. Multiplication and growth of these organisms can clog the water-conducting channels in the stems, causing the flowers to wilt rapidly. Warm rather than cold water is recommended because it travels up the stems faster and more easily. You can add some commercial flower preservative to the water if it is easily obtainable from your local florist or garden centre. A preservative definitely lengthens the life of cut flowers. ydlberra Phone (403) 427-2127 (continued) - COMMUNICATIONS 17 Preserving Cut Flowers (cont'd) The final step in conditioning cut flowers is to place the container in a cool, shaded area for at least two hours so that the flowers and stems will absorb water rapidly, and, thereby, regain their former freshness and crispness. This process can be hastened by wrapping the exposed stems and the flowers in a piece of plastic or paper to reduce water loss through respiration. -30- Phone (403) 427-2127' ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUN I CAT IONS July 26, 1976 18 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROVINCIAL HORTICULTURAL SHOW The Tofield Garden Club invites exhibitors and visitors to attend the Provincial Horticultural Show, scheduled to take place in the Tofield Agricultural Complex on August 14 and 15. Exhibitors are asked to complete their entry forms and to return them to Theone Jones, secretary of the Tofield Garden Club, Tofield, by August 9. Entry forms and prize lists are available from the same place. Visitors are invited to attend the show from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on August 14 and from 1 :00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on August 1 5. Anyone who would like to attend the opening banquet at 6:30 p.m. on August 14 should make his or her reservations before August 1 . In addition to exhibits, the Tofield Garden Club has arranged for a number of displays, including a display of horticultural books. The Provincial Horticultural Show, an annual event which is held in different parts of Alberta each year, is designed to bring together as many exhibitors from across the province as possible. This year it is being jointly sponsored by the Alberta Horticultural Association and the Tofield Garden Club. -30- 3hone (403) 427-2127 CO MM UIM I CAT IONS July 26, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PUBLICATION ON FARM MACHINERY CUSTOM CHARGES The publication "Rental and Custom Charges for Farm Machinery" has been developed to help farmers and custom operators calculate rental and custom charges for various types of farm machinery operations. It consists of two sections. The first tells the reader how to calculate his charges on the basis of the type of machine he is using, its size and the hourly wage for the operator. The second is a work sheet where the user enters his individual figures to calculate his hourly cost or custom rate charge. "Rental and Custom Charges for Farm Machinery", prepared by the Manitoba De: irtment of Agriculture, is available from the publications office, Alberta Agriculture, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2C8. - 30- Phone (403) 427-2127 >dlberra Angu ? 107eP FOR IMMEDIATE RF LEASE Hog Price Outlook mmt SEP 20 19JS a/ THISWEEK Recommendations For Beef and Veal Marketing 3 Alberta Hosts Australian Visitors Young Sire Proving Program COLLECTION DE PUBL-CA IO.sS OiF.CIELLES GA^APJCNKES NATIONAL HBRAR Y/B BL?OTHEQUE NATION ALE «-A.\AjjA 4-H Organization Within Agriculture. .10 Harvesting Herbicide-Treated Forage 11 Soil Sample Problem Areas Now 12 Round Baler Versus Other Systems 14 Applying 2,4-D In The Boot Stage Of Wheat and Barley 16 Yellowing In Cereal Crops 17 Grazing After An Application Of 2,4-D 1; Tractor Safety Reminders 19 Dividing Iris Clumps 20 Engineer Coming To Alberta Under Exchange Program 21 Extension Division Appointments 22 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 2, 1976 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOG PRICE OUTLOOK Alberta hog prices may go above the $65 level in late summer, but a gradual downward trend to the low $60 or high $50 levels, is forecast for this fall until the end of the year. If cattle prices worsen in the fall, hog prices could go even lower. Alberta Agriculture's marketing analyst, Maurice Kraut, says the high price levels that some had expected in the second quarter of this year did not materialize because of heavy beef marketings in the United States, which directly affected Canadian beef and pork prices. "Changes in prices from here on", he says, "will mainly depend on what happens to U.S. cattle and hog prices. As long as Canada is a net importer of pDrk, prices here should follow U.S. marketings very closely." While hog production is gradually increasing in Canada, prospects for higher Western Canadian hog production are not overly optimistic. With barley prices at $2 a bushel or higher, the marginal hog producer is unlikely to contribute much toward a production increase. On the other hand, Eastern Canadian production should exceed the 1975 level late in the third quarter of this year or early in the fourtn quarter. However, this situation will still leave Canada in the position of a net importer of hogs this year-the first time since 1969. The June 1 USDA survey shows hog production in that country is expanding at a faster rate than is the case in Canada. "The number of hogs on farms", says Mr. Kraut, "indicates that third quarter volume will likely be around 5 per cent higher than it was in 1975 and that fourth quarter marketings (reflected by light-weights in the survey) could be 14 per cent higher than in 1975." These estimates point to a possible 3 to 4 per cent total increase in 1976 marketings compared with those recorded in 1 975. The total U .S. pig crop for the last quarter of this year is estimated to be 1 7 per cent above last year's level. /dlberra -(continued) - agriculture Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 2 Hog Price Outlook (cont'd) The faster up-swing in U.S. hog slaughter compared with Canada, plus a considerably higher Canadian and U.S. broiler production than in 1975, means that hog prices will stay below last year's levels. In fact, Mr. Kraut thinks that increasing hog numbers in Canada and the U.S. are likely to result in prices in the vicinity of $50 for most of next year. -30- August 2, 1976 ° FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEEF AND VEAL MARKETING The federal Commission of Inquiry into the Marketing of Beef and Veal has come up with the following recommendations: The Beef Marketing System • The Commission rejects the principle of regulated domestic production for beef and veal. The real equity and income problems faced by beef producers should not be solved by controls on production. • The output of all packing houses in Canada should be processed at least to the sub-primal stage and boxed at the point of slaughter and early action should be taken by government to reverse the current trend to growth in central processing by retailers. • Retailers should be required to clearly label the grade of beef on the packaged beef cuts sold at their retail counter and clearly state that grade of beef in any form of advertising they use. • There should be an integrated set of national meat inspection standards developed jointly by the federal and provincial governments. • The identification of carcasses for railgrade payment to producers should be subject to govern- ment supervision, all weighing of railgraded carcasses should be carried out by independent bonded weigh masters not in the employ of the packer, and differentials in conformity with physical and market criteria should be determined for the purpose of final payment to producers. •Arrangements should be made so that all packers purchase ail animals for slaughter exceeding some established minimum weight, perhaps 700 lbs. liveweight, for immediate payment on an official railgrade and weight basis. •Teletype auctions for the purchase of all slaughter animals exceeding an established minimum weight, perhaps 700 lbs. liveweight, for payment on an official railgrade and weight basis should be intro- duced at least in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. - (continued) - AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS /dborra Recommendations For Beef and Veal Marketing (cont'd) 4 • The terminal stockyards (except the one in Regina) should be closed. Better located public assembly points for live animals should be established. All auctions in Canada for the sale of animals on a liveweight basis should be classified into two groups. 1 . those with 20,000 or more cattle, calf or cow marketings per annum which would be designated public markets subject to a revised set of national regulations under the Livestock and Livestock Products Act; and 2. those with less than 20.000 cattle, calf or cow marketings per annum which would con- tinue to be subject to provincial jurisdiction. • The federal government should develop a comprehensive, consistent market information collection system employing modern techniques for the distribution of this information to the wides~ group of participants and users possible. The federal government should leave the field of market fore- casts to private agencies but be prepared to help finance those interest groups who prepare such market analysis for general inforamtion. • All freight rebates paid by packers to wholesalers in Montreal should cease. • The principle of statutory tariff quotas is rejected by the commission. The existing Export and Import Permits Act provides all the latitude and authority necessary to safeguard the Canadian market from undue supply and demand forces or from sudden policy changes in other countries. • The Canadian government should press for reciprocity with the U.S.A. in the tariff levels applied to all live cattle, calves, fresh and frozen beef and veal. • A common code or set of health standards for cattle and beef should be developed among Canada's main trading partners, particularly with the U.S.A. • The deferral of capital gains tax, as it now applies to the family farm, should be extended to cover family farming corporations. • A taxpayer's income from a farming business should be included in the list of items which would qualify a~i amount as a deductible payment for an income averaging annuity. The Veal Marketing System • While there should be improvements in the regulation of the numerous small auction markets - (continued) - 5 Recommendations For Beef and Veal Marketing (cont'd) in Canada, there should be no direct move to concentrate them into fewer bigger units. • The marketing of veal calves should be made more effective by improving the existing mech- anisms of terminal and country auctions and by improving the scope and integration of health inspection standards. • Retailers should make a greater contribution to consumers' wants and to the veal producers' market by extending their efforts to create a better demand for veal. Recent experience with such pro- motions in Western Canada should be followed. • The veal producer should be encouraged to increase the output of milk-fed veal by making milk powder available at the same price it would obtain in the export market. -30- August 2, 1976 6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA HOSTS AUSTRALIAN VISITORS Australia and Alberta have more in common than you might think. At least that is the opinion of five Australians who made separate visits to Alberta this spring and summer to study the organization and presentation of our agricultural programs related to extension services, education and technical information and assistance. Individual briefing sessions were arranged by Alberta Agriculture in accordance with each per- son's particular field of interest. Malcolm Wegener, principal extension officer from Brisbane in Queens- land, spent part of his six weeks in Alberta visiting Alberta Agriculture's regional and district extension offices. He also participated in agricultural related activities such as extension planning and staff training sessions. Robert Luff, principal of the Glenormiston Agricultural College in Glenormiston, Victoria, also spent some time with Alberta Agriculture's extension personnel getting an overall briefing on the agricultural structure in this province. In addition, he spent some time at the Olds College where he got first hand information on the operation of an agricultural college in Alberta. Dick Laffan, district agronomist from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, was particularly interested in small farm and rural development with a view to adapting some of our approaches to con- ditions in New South Wales. He also attended the University of Alberta's annual feeders' day program and the Alberta Institute of Agrologists' convention in Waterton Park. Bob Bygott, director of economic services in Brisbane, spent most of his time with personnel in Alberta Agriculture's marketing division and with the University of Alberta's Department of Rural Economy. He was especially interested in Alberta Agriculture's economic analysis and market intelligence programs. /dlbcrra - (continued) - Phone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 7 Alberta Hosts Australian Visitors (cont'd) Bob Carraill, chief of the division of animal industries in Melbourne, Victoria, was mainly interested in Alberta's approach to the genetic improvement of livestock, the grading system used here, the method of communicating marketing information and the environmental protection measures as they relate to intensive animal production. A number of the visitors were also impressed by the contributions that agencies like the Rural Education and Development Association are making in the areas of agricultural extension and education. -30- August 2, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 YOUNG SIRE PROVING PROGRAM Are you one of the cattlemen who is wondering how the new federal-provincial Young Sire Proving Program works? If so, the following explanation may help you. First, the program applies to purebred bulls of any breed that are eligible for registration and that are physically sound. Bulls that fulfill these requirements must then meet the following selection criteria. They must achieve a level of growth that places them in the top third of that year's calf crop from the point of view of weight adjusted to 200 days. They are then eligible to participate in the second part of the selection process which involves testing at an approved central bull testing station. If at the end of the 365-day test period a bull is in the top 10 per cent of the bulls on test, based on rate of gain, he will be eligible for the federal progeny test or third part of the selection process. To help defray part of the costs to the owner of having his bull tested at an official bull testing station, the federal government will pay $50 for each bull on test. These grants will be available for all bulls entering an official test station on or after September 1 of this year. The federal government will also pay to the owner of a bull that is enrolled in the progeny test $750 or half the total cost of the test, whichever is less, to help him meet these expenses. This phase of the program will come into effect on April 1 , 1977. Alberta Agriculture's supervisor of beef cattle performance testing, Judd Bunnage, says the pur- pose of the Young Sire Proving Program is to improve the calibre of bulls entering central test stations, thereby making the station more effective in the selection process and more attractive to commercial and purebred breeders as well as to the artificial insemination industry as a source of seed stock. "It will also facilitate the identification and selection of high performing bulls which might otherwise go unnoticed in the herd", he says. /dlberra - (continued) - hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 9 Young Sire Proving Program (cont'd) The Young Sire Proving Program was developed under the guidelines of the National Advisory Board on Record of Performance, which represents all segments of the beef cattle industry, and will complement the various provincial government and industry programs. 30- August 2, 1976 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4-H ORGANIZATION WITHIN AGRICULTURE The 4-H program will become part of a new division, to be known as the Home Economics and 4-H division, when it is transferred to Alberta Agriculture from the Department of Recreation, Parks and Wildlife on September 1 of this year. Home economics and 4-H will both be branches within the new division for which a director is still to be appointed. Under the new organization the home economics branch will continue to be involved in 4-H activities in addition to its traditional role of extending home management, nutrition, family living and other home economics services to agricultural communities. Its relationship to 4-H will be increasingly emphasized in the future. Alberta Agriculture as a whole will be extensively involved in provincial, regional and district 4-H council activities as well as with the numerous supporting organizations, volunteers and the province's 1 1 ,000 members. All departmental divisions, such as animal industry, plant industry and extension, will contribute to the 4-H program in their specific service areas. The provincial 4-H Advisory Council will work closely with departmental directors and branch heads and have direct contact with the minister of agriculture. Regional 4-H councils will be supported by the regional 4-H supervisors and the regional district home economists. As in the past, the National 4-H Council will be supported by representatives from Alberta. -30- /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 2, 1976 1 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HARVESTING HERBICIDE-TREATED FORAGE Alberta farmers are becoming increasingly concerned about the waiting oeriod required before herbicide-treated forage is grazed or cut. Arnold Stearman of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch says any area that was re< ted with 2,4-D or MCPA should not be grazed for 14 days after it has been treated. Forage which has been treated with dicamba (Banvel) may be harvested immediately aftei it has been treated, but such feed must be withdrawn from livestock 28 days before they are slaugh er d. Areas which have been spot treated with picloram (Tordon) should not be grazed foi fbcut 14 days after the herbicide has been applied. Grain that has been treated with carbyne or avadex should not be grazed or harvested for forage before normal harvesting time. -30- >hone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 2, 1976 12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOIL SAMPLE PROBLEM AREAS NOW Have you ever thought of using any spare time you may have during the summer to take soil samples from problem areas in your fields? Although soil sampling is usually done in the fall or early spring, the summer is the best time to sample poor growth areas because their exact locations can be identified by the abnormal color, height or thickness of the crop. However, the affected plants should be inspected carefully before the sample is taken to make sure that the condition is not being caused by disease or insects. "When you have identified a poor growth area in your field", says Alberta Agriculture's soil specialist, Richard Leitch, "take samples from at least 10 to 15 places. Then thoroughly mix them to- gether and submit approximately one pint of air-dried soil to the Alberta Soils and Feed Testing Laboratory in Edmonton." Although a 0-6 inch soil sample is adequate to determine fertilizer requirements under Alberta's soil and cropping conditions, it is adviseable in poor growth areas to take more than one depth of sample at each location. In addition to the 0-6 inch depth, you could take samples at depths of 6-12 inches and at 12-24 inches. These deeper samples will help in the diagnosis of the problem. It is also adviseable to take an identical set of samples of an adjacent normal growth area in the field. A comparison of test results from the two areas will show how the soils differ and how this difference is related to the difference in crop growth. Among the possible causes of poor crop growth are an acid soil condition, a high salt content in the soil, a hard pan formation and soil nutrient deficiencies. A soil test makes it possible to identify which of these factors is responsible for the problem and will show how severe it is. With this infofl|ation you can plan appropriate action to correct it or to at least prevent it from becoming more seriousl^^^^l IV^I AGRICULTURE lone (403) 427-2127 - (continued) - COMMUNICATIONS 13 Soil Sample Problem Areas Now (cont'd) "When submitting soil samples from problem areas", .°ays Mr. Leitch, "be sure to complete the information sheet, contained in the soil sampling kit (available from district agriculturists), in detail for each sample and to explain the problem as you see it." Space is available at the bottom of each sheet for your comments and personal assessment. Additional information on such things as The stage of crop growth, size and color of plants, and crop damage is heipful in the interpretating of soil test resul s. / * dia- gram will often help to explain the relative location of areas sampled in the field. Further information on soil sampling is contained in the leaflet entitled "Soil Sampling Gi ide", available from your district agriculturist. -30- August 2, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 ROUND BALER VERSUS OTHER SYSTEMS The round bale is the most efficient and inexpensive method of harvesting less than 500 tons of forage a year, but the stacker system is more economical for harvesting more than 500 tons. This is the opinion expressed in a report received by Alberta Agriculture from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. It is based on a study carried out by New Liskeard College of Agri- cultural Technology in Ontario. However, the report goes on to say that the round bale system is not suitable for all types of farming. A dairy farmer, for example, who confines his cows during the winter would find it difficult to unroll the bales for feeding in the barn. On the other hand, under a free-style system where the cows go outside, the round bales can be used quite easily. To get an idea of the efficiency of square bale, round bale and the stack harvesting systems, those carrying out the study recorded the length of time it took to harvest 100 tons of forage, the number of men required and the rate at which the crop was harvested. They found that 120 man-hours were required for square bales. With four or five men on the job, the harvesting time was three tons per hour. Both the round balers and the stackers required only one or two men for 30 to 40 man-hours to harvest the same volume. However, there was a difference in the harvesting rates of the round balers and the stackers. The round balers could harvest four to 12 tons per hour, while the stackers harvested six to 15 tons per hour. Another important consideration in the efficiency of the different systems is the amount of crop lost through spoilage. Square bales stacked inside a barn, if baled at the correct moisture level, will not deteriorate appreciably. However, if they are stacked outside, losses can be extensive. Well made stacks, and 'twined' round bales stored outside have an average loss of about 5 per cent. On the other hand, 'untwined' or rolled bales can sustain losses of up to 100 per cent if left outside. Thejr low density allows the rain and snow to penetrate right through them. - (continued) - 'hone (403) 427-2127 /d terra 1 R Round Baler Versus Other Systems (cont'd) In view of the above, anyone planning on investing in a new forage harvesting system would be wise to talk to other farmers first and to plan his 'field to cow' operation carefully. This is the best way to make sure that the system you choose will fit your specific requirements. 30 August 2, 1976 16 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APPLYING 2,4-D IN THE BOOT STAGE OF WHEAT AND BARLEY The herbicides 2,4-D and MCPA are not registered for use on wheat or barley crops during the boot or heading stage. Arnold Stearman of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch says that although crops sprayed in the late boot or early heading stage may not show any immediate effect, damage may be reflected later on by heads that do not fill properly. When applied on the late side of the spraying season, 2,4-D often causes sterility which can vary from zero to 100 per cent. Poor emergence of the head is a symptom that may develop after late spraying. The sheath be- comes restricted in size, causing the head to have difficulty emerging. However, it is also possible that a field treated in the more mature stage of development may not sustain any damage. There are only a couple of days when spraying will cause sterility, and if the crop is sprayed a day earlier or a day later, it is unlikely that any damage will occur. -30 - 'hone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 2, 1976 1 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE YF LLOWING IN CEREAL CROPS Why are there so many yellow or very pale green cereal and oilseed crops this year in many parts of the Peace River region. Hector Goudreau, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Falher, says the yellowing is caused by a nitrogen deficiency in the soil which has been intensified by an excess of moisture. "The reason that a healthy, green crop is often seen standing beside a yellow stunted crop", he says, "is that the former probably received an application of nitrogen fertilizer or was seeded on summerfallow, while the latter was more dependent on the nitrogen normally released by the soil." There are three sources of nitrogen available to crops. One is that provided by a fertilizer. Another is that stored in the soil in a form that is available to crops, normally present on summerfallow land and the third is the nitrogen released by the soil to the crop during the growing season. A crop that has to depend mainly on the nitrogen released by the soil during the growing season is going to be ex- tremely def icier t in this nutrient when the normal release is interfered with by excessive moisture. According to Mr. Goudreau, patches of crop that have died-off in low lying areas of a field have had the oxygen supply to their roots cut off by excessive moisture. As a general rule, earlier seeded crops did not suffer as much from this year's excessive moisture as those that were seeded later. Because the former were more advanced in growth when the wet weather started, they used up more of the moisture, thereby alleviating the saturated soil condition. -30- /dlberra AGRICULTURE tone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 2, 1976 18 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRAZING AFTER AN APPLICATION OF 2,4-D Did you know that the palatability of some poisonous plants, not normally eaten by livestock, may be increased by an application of 2,4-D or a similar compound? For this reason you should not permit grazing for at least a week after the herbicide has been applied. Also, the nitrate content of some plants may increase after they have been sprayed with 2,4-D. The nitrates are reduced to nitrites by micro-organisms in the intestinal tract of plant-eating animals and may cause poisoning. However, an increase in the nitrate content of plants does not always follow a herb- icide application,and a high nitrate content can also be caused by natural conditions. Arnold Stearman of Alberta Agriculture's weed control branch says the majority of herbicides are not toxic to livestock after they have been sprayed on plants. He stresses that the main danger comes from animals eating small amounts of these chemicals that remain in so called 'empty' containers,and from their coming in contact with spray solutions that have been dumped on the ground or into a body of water. -30- (403) 427-2127 ydlberra COMMUNICATIONS August 2, 1976 19 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TRACTOR SAFETY REMINDERS Keep tractors properly serviced and read and heed the instruction manual, says the Alberta Safety Council. Also: • Make sure the slow-moving vehicle emblem is bright, clean and readily visible. • Use flashing warning lights day and night when on the road. • Stop before entering or crossing a road. • Shift to a lower gear when hauling heavy loads up and down hills. • Make sure everyone is out of the way before moving. • Refuel only when the engine is shut-off. Don't smoke while refueling. •Wear hearing protectors (muffs or ear inserts) if the tractor is noisy. • Wear a filter mask in dusty or'chaffy' conditions. - 30- ione (403) 427-2127 /dltara COMMUNICATIONS August 2, 1976 20 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DIVIDING IRIS CLUMPS This is the time to divide iris clumps that are three or four years old, says P.D. McCalla, head of Alberta Agriculture's horticultural branch. If iris clumps are not divided every three or four years, they become too large and the plants become overcrowded. If you wait until fall to do this job, the new plants will not have enough time to establish sufficient root growth before winter sets in. If the roots are brittle when you dig up your irises, let them lie in the sun for an hour or so to soften up. Then take a sharp knife and cut the young, healthy roots from the outside of the clump for re- planting. It is not a good idea to use the spade for dividing the clump because it makes large wounds through which disease organisms may enter. Before replanting the young roots, trim back the foliage to two or three inches. Throw away the central portion of the clump. It is usually weak and may be starting to decay. -30- hone (403) 427 2127 ydlberra August 2, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ENGINEER COMING TO ALBERTA UNDER EXCHANGE PROGRAM Donald Allen, district engineer and provincial potato storage specialist in New Brunswick, is coming to Alberta on August 9 under an exchange program arranged with Alberta. He will be taking over Alberta Agriculture's farm structures specialist work in Lethbridge for one year from Dennis Darby who will spend the next year in Woodstock, New Brunswick. Mr. Allen has worked closely with Mr. Darby on the Vegetable Storage Committee of the Canada Plan Service and will bring some interesting ideas and sound engineering experience to Alberta. He has several years' experience as an extension engineer and has worked extensively with potato storage facilities. His master of science program was on the ventilation of storage structures. Mr. Darby's responsibilities related to the Canada Plan Service will be handled by Rod Constable, regional engineer in Lethbridge,during Mr. Darby's absence. -30- 'hone (403) 427-2127 ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 2, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 22 EXTENSION DIVISION APPOINTMENTS The director of Alberta Agriculture's extension division, John Calpas, has announced the appointments of Miles Kuryvial to the position of senior district agriculturist at Spirit River and of Wilf Cody to the position of district agriculturist at Stony Plain. Mr Kuryvial A native of southern Alberta, Mr. Kuryvial attended the University of Alberta. He obtained a B.Sc. (agriculture), having majored in animal science in 1959 and an M.Sc. with a major in animal nutrition in 1961. He joined Alberta Agriculture in 1962 as an associate district agriculturist at Stony Plain and later transferred to Lethbridge to assume the position of district agriculturist. Three years later he joined the commercial firm of Northwest Nitro of Medicine Hat as sales representative. In 1966 he rejoined Alberta Agriculture as district agriculturist at Leduc. In 1969 he accepted the position of regional livestock supervisor with Alberta Agriculture's animal industry division and was appointed supervisor of the artificial insemination program in 1972. He remained in that position until his present appointment. At Spirit River he replaces Roland Witte who transferred to Medicine Hat last May. Mr. Cody Mr. Cody is a native of Pilger, Saskatchewan, and a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan. He received his B.Sc. (agriculture) in 1 954. Following graduation he was employed by the Saskatchewan Department of Municipal Affairs as an assessment officer for nine years. During the next two years he was self-employed in Courtney, B.C. .where he operated a commercial nursery. In 1965 Mr. Cody joined Alberta Agriculture as district agriculturist at Vermilion. Two years later he transferred to the Fairview Extension office where he remained until 1973 when he transferred to the new extension office at Lloydminster. i^^Hr^C^T idt -(continued) - agriculture >ne (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS 23 Extension Division Appointments (cont'd) In 1974 Mr. Cody joined the East Indonesia Regional Development Study Project which had its headquarters at Bali. While in Indonesia he was responsible for investigating the social services delivery system in three provinces in the eastern portion of the country. As district agriculturist at Stony Plain, Mr. Cody replaces Tom Brown who resigned from Alberta Agriculture last spring. -30- August 9, 1976 mm CANADIANA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Grade Goats Are Eligible For Shows Swathing Cereal Crops Harvesting Rapeseed Provincial Meat Inspection Service . CANADIAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS C< LLECTION de- PcnucAiioNS-omGiELLn CANAOiENNES NATIONAL LIBRARY' i( BUOTHXQUS NAT1QNALE CANADA Forage Containing Rapeseed 7 Reduce Farm Silo Accidents 8 Preparing Seed and Sheaves For Exhibition 10 Making Quality Silage 11 Drying Fruit 17 Alberta Horticultural Research Center Field Day 19 Extension Bulletin Available From Machinery Institute 20 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRADE GOATS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SHOWS Amelia, the goat on the left, shown by Eva Mausolf of Edmonton, won trophies for best udder and best grade goat and came first in the grade milking class for which she received a star certificate. She is a two-year-old Saanen Toggenburg cross. The goat on the right, Laura's Lady, shown by Marilyn King of Morinville, took second place in the grade goat milking class. Many people believe that only purebred goats can be entered in a goat show. However, this is not true in Alberta. Ruth Mausolf, editor of the Alberta Goat Breeders Association magazine, "Slant", says that all the shows in this province have classes for grade goats of every breed. "The grade classes", she explains, "are the same as the purebred classes and winners receive the same prize money and trophies as the winners of the purebred classes." The same situation is true of the milking classes. If a goat gets 1 8 points in these classes she re- ceives a star certificate from the Canadian Goat Association and becomes a star milker. This status makes her and her offspring more valuable from a sale point of view. ill - (continued) - one (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 9, 1976 Grade Goats Are Eligible For Shows (cont'd) A goat in a milking class is awarded one point for every pound of milk she produces, half a point for every pound of butterfat and 0.1 to a total of 3.6 points for every 10 days she has been milking since she freshened. Mrs. Mausolf points out that a grade goat with no papers becomes eligible for papers if she becomes a star milker. Then if she is bred to a purebred sire the female offspring from her female offspring will have Canadian Status. This means that they will be eligible to compete in the purebred classes at any goat show. -30- 2 August 9, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SWATHING CEREAL CROPS Every year a growing number of farmers are swathing their cereal crop earlier than used to be the general practice, says Alberta Agriculture's cereal and oilseed crops specialist, Sherman Yelland. Among the advantages he cites for earlier swathing are that it catches weed seeds before they shell out on the ground; it shortens the time that the crop is exposed to the 'elements' and natural shattering; it results in swaths that are more securely anchored in the stubble (unless the stubble is very light) and, most important of all, it hastens the time that the crop can be combined and safely stored in the bin. Wheat Wheat can be swathed as soon as the moisture content drops to 35 per cent (the kernels are in the firm dough stage and starting to turn yellow). When cut at this stage of maturity, the grain dries faster in the swath than in a standing crop, and, under favourable weather conditions, is ready for combining in four or five days. Wheat intended for seed can be swathed at a moisture content of 25 per cent and left to dry until the moisture drops to at least 20 per cent. If combined above 16 per cent, the grain should be artificially dried. To avoid germination damage, the drying temperature should not be allowed to go above 43° C. - (cont'd) - tone (403) 427-2127 /dlbcrra COMMUNICATIONS August 9, 1976 Swathing Cereal Crops (cont'd) Earley Feed barley can also be swathed at the 35 per cent moisture level (when a kernel can be cut with the thumb nail without showing any water on the kernel), but malting and seed barley would be better left until the moisture content is down to at least 30 per cent (kernels are changing to a straw color, are firm when pressed between the finger and thumb and no moisture appears). With malting barley, the whole field should be ripe, but not over ripe because of shattering and kerne, damage during combining. Oats Oats can be swathed at a moisture content of 40 per cent (early dough stage) without any danger of shrinkage. Fall Rye Fall rye should be swathed when the moisture content is 45 per cent (milk stage) or it will shatter during swathing and combining. -30- 4 August 9, 1975 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HARVESTING RAPESEED A rapeseed crop is ready for swathing when it is a light gold with a slight greenish tinge and the green seeds are firm when rolled between the finger and thumb, says Sherman Yelland, cereal and oilseeds specialist with Alberta Agriculture. Research carried out at the federal research station at Melfort, Saskatchewan, has shown that swathing rapeseed at 35 per cent moisture has no adverse effect on the yield, color, oil or protein con- tent of the seed. However, swathing at 45 per cent seed moisture or above caused a 300 to 400-pound per acre drop in seed yield, increased dockage and resulted in about a one per cent drop in the oil and protein content of the seed. On the other hand, delaying swathing until the seed moisture content dropped to 20 per cent or less resulted in a fluffy swath, which was susceptible to blowing, and increased losses from shattering and frost damage. The moisture content, including any grain, weed seeds and other dockage material, should be below 1 0.5 per cent, and preferably lower than 9.5 per cent when the rapeseed is binned. Moisture is an important factor because of the danger of heating, particularly if the crop is going to be stored on the farm. "When the moisture level is above 9.5 per cent, rapeseed growers would be wise to re-auger their rapeseed after it has been in the bin for three to five days", Mr. Yelland says. Re-augering will break up any pockets of green seed and dockage material that could start to heat. Localized heating can occur even when an overall sample has a moisture content of less than 10.5 per cent. Even when the rapeseed has been re-augered, the bin should be checked regularly, because heating can completely destroy a bin of rapeseed, and, at best, will cause it to be heavily discounted. Either situation could mean the loss of thousands of dollars. /dlberfd ne (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNir.ATinMc; August 9, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROVINCIAL MEAT INSPECTION SERVICE More than 30 Alberta livestock abattoirs now have an inspection service, provided for under the Alberta Meat Inspection Act, and it is anticipated that more than 50 will be under inspection when the five-year 'phasing-in' period ends in 1978. According to Dr. H.N. Vance, director of the provincial veterinary services division, meat in- spection involves much more than the name implies. He says, "In addition to checking the animals before slaughter and all portions of the carcass after slaughter, the inspectors make sure that a high degree of sanitation is maintained throughout the processing operation. This involves checking the plant and equip- ment thoroughly before each slaughter day and periodically during the slaughter process." The result is a safe, wholesome product that has good keeping qualities. Dr. Vance strongly advises consumers to check for the Alberta or Canada inspection legend ('Alberta Approved' or 'Canada Approved' Stamp) when buying meat. This legend is proof that the meat was processed under satisfactory abattoir conditions. Consumers are also advised not to look for 'bargains' from uninspected meat sources. "The 'bar- gains' ", Dr. Vance says, "often turnout to be disappointing from the point of view of quality, a situation that is inevitable when the source and processing conditions are completely unknown." -30- hone (403) 427-2127 /dlberfa AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 9, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORAGE CONTAINING RAPESEED Alberta Agriculture's Soil and Feed Testing Laboratory in Edmonton has received numerous requests for information about feeding greenfeed or silage which contains volunteer rapeseed. Dr. Jerome Martin, animal nutritionist at the laboratory, says there is no danger in feeding greenfeed or silage containing rapeseed to beef cows, feeder cattle or feedlot animals. He explains that any harmful compounds that may be in the raw rapeseed are apparently rendered inactive in the animal's rumen. However, he points out that if the feed contains a large proportion of rapeseed (perhaps 50 per cent), the feed may be less palatable than normal, and hence would be consumed at lower rates. Dr. Martin does not recommend feeding forage containing any appreciable amount of rape- seed to milking dairy cows. "There seems to be some evidence", he says, "that the rapeseed can affect the flavor of the milk." It is a good idea to have all forage, regardless of whether or not it contains rapeseed, analyzed to determine its nutritive value. Rations can then be formulated to use the forage to the best advantage. A forage analysis costs $2 per sample. The sample should be sent to the Soil and Feed Testing Laboratory, O.S. Longman Building, 6909 - 1 16 Street, Edmonton, T6H 4P2. -30- AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 9, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REDUCE FARM SILO ACCIDENTS Every year the health and even the lives of farmers across Canada are jeopardized by the care- less handling of silage during and immediately after the fermentation process. It is during the fermentation process that toxic and dangerous gases are formed. These gases ate carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is the really dangerous gas. Alberta Agriculture's forage crops specialist, Larry Gareau, recommends the following pre- cautionary measures, which he says, will go a long way towards reducing the number of farm accidents connected with silos. material has been standing for six hours or longer, without first ventilating the silo. In the case of a tower silo, this can be done by turning on the blower for 10 to 15 minutes. • «9ep children away from silos while they are being filled and for at least three weeks after they have been filled. It is during this period that the fermentation process takes place. • Ventilate the silo room and silo chute immediately after adding forage to a tower silo. Because silo gases are heavier than air, they will settle in the area at the foot of the silo chute. • Get out of the silo quickly at the first sign of throat irritation or coughing. A doctor should be called immediately because severe lung damage can develop even after an apparent recovery from exposure to silo gas. Farmers who use wheel tractors to pack forage in a horizontal or pit silo would be wise to take the following precautions. • Have a roll-over bar on the tractor. • Spread the forage evenly on the silo face to reduce the chance of the rear wheels digging down in a soft spot. This could cause the tractor to overturn. • Never allow a tractor to free-wheel backwards down the slope. Use the reverse gear and avoid • Never enter a tower silo or a covered horizontal or pit silo after the exposed chopped suddenly engaging and disengaging the clutch. - (continued) - AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Phone (403) 427-2127 August 9, 1976 Reduce Farm Silo Accidents (cont'd) • Never allow an inexperienced operator to drive a tractor in the silo. • Consider the use of weights on the front end of the tractor. A load of rocks or earth in the front-end loader can be used for this purpose. A blade mounted on a three-point hitch at the rear of the tractor will also prevent the tractor from tipping over backwards. -30- 9 August 9, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PREPARING SEED AND SHEAVES FOR EXHIBITION Here are some pointers from Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Thorhild, Art Tilma, on preparing cereal crop exhibits. The first step is to select seed that is ripe (not immature or green) and that is free of weeds and damaged kernels. Hand threshing does less damage than combining. Select kernels that are uniform in size, shape and color. Grain that is to be exhibited in sheaves should be cut by hand. Select stems with strong straw and of equal length. The heads should be full, of equal size and the same shape. Dry the grain inside a building for a few days, and make sure it is well dried before putting it in a sheaf. Tie the sheaf with a string (not tape) below the heads so that it is between two and three inches in diamexer below the head. Tie the sheaf again lower down with a string, being careful not to tie it so tightly that the straw breaks. Cut off the ends of the stems to make the stems all the same length. They should be 18 inches or longer. -30- hone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 9, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAKING QUALITY SILAGE by Ross Gould Alberta Agriculture's District Agriculturist Stettler A high quality silage is one which contains high levels of easily digested nutrients in a form which will be readily consumed by livestock. Such a silage will show no signs of browning from over- heating. It will not have the rancid smell of butyric acid which makes it unpalatable to livestock. Three main factors influence the quality of silage that reaches the animal. They are: quality of the plant material put in the silo, type of fermentation process involved and heat damage. Plant Material The nutritive value of silage is limited by the nutrient content of the plant material placed in the silo. Corn and cereal grains will produce high energy silages when harvested in the dough stage. Legumes and grasses are higher in protein but contain proportionally less energy. Therefore, they should be har- vested shortly after they have begun to head out to obtain the maximum protein yield per acre. Most data from cutting studies show rapid declines in protein content and nutrient digestibility in grasses and legumes that are past the early bloom stage. Proper levels of nitrogen fertilization will also increase the protein content, especially of grasses. The treatment of plant material going into the silo also influences the quality of the silage pro- duced. Material which contains 70 per cent or more moisture may suffer losses from seepage. Also, wet material is more likely to result in a rancid butyric acid type of silage. For these reasons grass and legume silages are often wilted in the field to a moisture content of 60 to 65 per cent before they are chopped for the silo. The Fermentation Process . Al Making silage is essentially a 'pickling' process in which micro-organisms convert the sugars, and AGRICULTURE hone (403) 427-2127 " (contmued) " COMMUNICATIONS August 9, 1976 Making Quality Silage (cont'd) other carbohydrates present in the plant, into acids. When the silage becomes acid enough (a pH of 4.2 or lower) other forms of micro-organisms will be discouraged and the silage is preserved. It is very much like making sauerkraut! The proper fermentation process depends upon the absence of oxygen. In the presence of oxy- gen the normal respiration or life processes of the plant will continue to use up the sugars in the plant. Less will be left for the acid forming micro-organisms and the silage will not be able to produce enough of the right kind of acid soon enough. If there is not enough of the desirable lactic acid produced within the first five days of the pro- cess to reach a pH reading of 4.2 or lower, another group of micro-organisms may take over the process and produce the rancid butyric acid type of silage. This material is not very attractive to livestock. Re - searqh has shown that rancid silage is more likely to occur when the moisture content of the silage is 70 per cent than when it is 50 to 60 per cent. Heat Damage As mentioned earlier, the plant material in the silo will continue to live, much like cut flowers in a vase, as long as it stays moist and oxygen is supplied. The main feature of the life or respiration process is the oxidation of the plant sugars. One of the products of this oxidation is heat. When the plant is in an open field or swath the heat is lost to the air, but in a bale, stack or silo, this heat is trapped and can build up to temperatures of 40° C or higher. Heated silage is usually brown and has a tobacco like odor. Recent research work done in Michigan, U.S.A.,has shown that when plant mnaterial is heated over 40 the proteins form a complex indigestible substance with plant sugars. The result is that the feeding value of the forage is seriously damaged. Some samples of heated silage showed protein digestibility of as low as 8 per cent, but most were from 50 to 60 per cent. Normally, the protein in silage is 70 to 80 per cent digestible. The production of undesirable heat in the silo can be prevented by packing the silage firmly to expell as much air as possible and carefully sealing the silo to prevent the entry of new, oxygen-containing air. 12 - (continued) - August 9, 1976 Making Quality Silage (cont'd) What To Do From the previous discussion it would appear that the best quality silage is made from low moisture material (under 60 per cent) from which the air has been expelled as quickly as possible after harvesting. The plant material itself must, of course, have adequate levels of protein and energy for the livestock to which it will be fed. Moisture The moisture content can be controlled by wilting a succulent crop of legumes or grass in the field before chopping. Moisture in corn and cereal silage can be controlled by harvesting the crop in the soft to firm dough stage of maturity. Silage chopped at the 60 to 65 per cent moisture level will form a ball, when squeezed in the hand, which will expand slowly when released. Material with a 70 per cent moisture level will usually form a solid, juicy ball when squeezed firmly. Silage at 50 per cent moisture or less will quickly fall apart when the hand is released. Oxygen The natural respiration (oxidation) in the plant material should be stopped as soon as possible after harvesting by removing the oxygen required for this process. This can be achieved by packing the silage firmly tc expell any trapped air and carefully sealing out the entry of any new air. The entry of air into the silo is effectively prevented by the new glass-lined sealed steel silos. Storage losses in these structures was measured at 4 to 10 per cent in research work done in Maryland, U.S.A. Researchers in Ireland have reported just as good results with carefully packed and sealed trench silos. However, they reported losses of nearly 20 per cent when the trench silo was unsealed. In their experiments they lined the sides and covered the top of the silo with 6 mil polyethelene. The sheets were carefully rolled together to seal the edges and weighted on top with wet straw or bales to remove any pockets of air on the surface. Packing The silage must be packed to expell the air and stop respiration and heat production. This is done with a tractor in the horizontal silo or by the weight of the material above in a tower silo. Wet material is more easily packed than low moisture silage. For this reason there may be some 13 - (continued) - August 9, 1976 Making Quality Silage (cont'd) problem with overheating and reduced protein digestibility in the low moisture haylage stored in sealed tower silos. Particle Size It is especially important that low moisture silage be chopped finely so that it will pack well. Research done in Australia and the United States suggests that silage cutters, to pack well, should be set to cut no more than half inch long material. "Hoard's Dairyman" suggests that the material should contain no more than 10 per cent of particles over 1.5 inches. Cutting silage too finely cap be expensive, especially if a silage cutter with a recutter is us( d. One test done in the U.S.A. in 1973 showed that a forage harvester with a recutter required three, tines as many horsepower - hours per ton - as one without a recutter. This could add considerably to the cost of harvesting silage. It doesn't seem that recutters are normally needed for cutting cereal silages in Alberta. Preservatives Various products may be added to silage to assist in preservation. They are usually added for one of three purposes: a) to provide extra carbohydrate for fermentation, b) to help provide additional acid and c) to absorb excess seepage moisture. Recently some preservatives have been marketed which are claimed to be enzymes which promote the fermentation process. So far I have not been able to get any research data for assessing them. a) Extra Energy Preservatives such as molasses or chopped grain may be added to grass and legume silages to provide extra carbohydrates. These carbohydrates can be converted into acids for the pickling process. The chopped grain can also be used to absorb some excess moisture in grass and legume silages. Molasses will provide sugar for the fermentation, but it also adds to the moisture content of the silage and has been found to increase seepage losses in silage containing more than 70 per cent moisture. b) Extra Acid in recent years preservatives such as formic or propionic acid have been added to silage to give it a head start in the pickling process. The extra acid reduces the time required to reach the target pH of - (continued) - ^ August 9, 1976 Making Quality Silage (cont'd) 4.2 or lower, and makes it less likely that the butyric acid forming microbes will take over the fermentation process. These acids are not usually needed when the plant material is high in energy (corn or cereal silage). They may be useful in the production of grass and legume silage if it is not wilted to below 60 per cent moisture before being ensiled. c) Absorbants It has been found that high moisture silage may lose some energy through seepage. It has also been found that butyric acid forming microbes which produce a rancid silage are more likely to take over and dominate a high moisture silage. Absorbants such as bran, corn cob meal or chopped grain can be added to reduce the moisture levels. In horizontal silos it may be possible to alternate between layers of moist material such as fababeans or clover, and drier, more mature cereal crops. Signs of Good Silage There are several signs of good silage. They include: Color The color of cereal silage should be green, or a pale yellow green. There should be no sign of the browning which results from overheating. Odor The silage should have a fresh, sweet odor as opposed to the heavy sour, rancid odor of the butyric acid silage. There should not be the tobacco odor which is a sign of overheating. Texture The silage should be friable (crumble freely) rather than being wet or slimy. Heat Probably one of the most reliable signs of good quality silage is the heat generated in the en- siling process. All of the research I have reviewed indicated that the best silage was made when the temper- ature never rose above 25°- 30° C. This is hardly warm to the touch. The only exception might be with a very high moisture silage which might go rancid (from butyric acid) without generating much heat. In all other cases, the heat is simply a sign that oxygen is present and is being used to oxidize the carbohydrates 1 R - (continued) -. August 9, 1976 Making Quality Siiage (cont'd) in the plant. These carbohydrates would be much more profitably used by a farmer's livestock than by producing heat in the silo. A silo which is noticably warm to the touch is probably a sign that the material has not been chopped finely enough, packed firmly enough or sealed carefully enough - or a combination of the three. Summary High quality silage can be produced when a crop, harvested in the proper stage of growth, is chopped to half an inch in length, packed firmly, and sealed carefully to prevent new air from entering the silo. The best silage is formed from material with 60 per cent moisture or less and which never really gets warm in the silo. It is usually easier to make good silage from high energy crops such as cereals or corn. Legumes and grasses generally contain less energy and more moisture and so are more likely to produce the rancid smelling butyric acid silage. -30- 16 Augusl 9 1976 Fi >R IMMEDIATE RELEASE DRYING FRUIT Alberta Agriculture's home economists have received a number of requests recently for ir formation or drying fruit. It seems that interest in this food preservation method, whicn has boen dis- placed for 4C years by canning and freezing, is beginning to revive. Many people in fruit-growing areas of Canada are drying fruits because dried fruit is more nutritious than most snack foods. When dried at home, this high energy food is relatively inexpensive. A food consultant at Agriculture Canada's research station at Summerland, British Columbia, has dried a variety of B.C. fruits in a home-made plywood cabinet heated by four 60-watt light bulbs. The fruit is held at a temperature of 45° C during the 24 to 48-hour drying period. Success in drying fruit apparently depends to some extent on the sugar content of the fruit, which varies with different varieties. Variety also has an influence on darkening during drying. Yellow colored fruits, such as apricots and peaches, retain their color better when dried in the sun than in a cabinet, says the food consultant. However they dry well as do prune plums and sweet cherries. The latter are said to be like big sticky raisins. Unfortunately, fruits with a low sugar content like berries do not dry well. They end up as nothing but skin and seeds. The five steps recommended by the federal food consultant for drying fruit are: • Use ripe fruit to ensure maximum sugar content. • Pre-treat it by exposing it to sulphur fumes or by heating it in syrup to preserve its color and food value. • Check it during the drying process to prevent scorching. • Dry it to the correct texture-pliable and leathery. • Store it in a dark place in air-tight plastic bags or jars. - (continued) - (403)427-2127 C August 9, 1976 Drying Fruit (cont'd) A leaflet, entitled 'Home Drying of B.C. Fruits' and containing directions on pre-treatment, drying ana a plan for an inexpensive drying cabinet, can be obtained from the Food Processing Section, Agriculture Canada Research Station, Summerland, B.C. A stamped, self -addressed envelope should be enclosed with the request. -30- 18 August 9, ia/b FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER FIELD DAY The Alberta Horticultural Research Station is holding its annual field day on August 29. The program starts at 9 a.m. and finishes at 4 p.m. Among this year's activities will be continuous tours of experimental fruit, vegetable and ornamental plots. Here visitors will see varietal, weed control, production and mulch trials. The field day will also feature displays of various products available for weed control and their methods of use as well as production information on vegetables and fruits grown at the center. In addition, there will be limited information on fababeans, lentils and alfalfa, based on current trials, and colorful displays of vegetables, fruits and flowers grown at the center. Specialists in information booths will be available to answer questions on weed, insect and disease problems and on plant care and flower arranging. In the homemaker section there will be a house plant clinic, a lecture on food additives and information on the use of beans as a source of protein in the diet. The whole family will be welcome at the field day, but due to the large number of people ex- pected (3,000 people attended last year), it will be impossible to give special attention to visiting groups. Further details on this year's program can be obtained from the Alberta Horticultural Research Center, Brooks, Alberta (telephone 362-3391). -30- >ne (403) 427-2127 >dlberrd AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 9, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EXTENSION BULLETIN AVAILABLE FROM MACHINERY INSTITUTE "An Examination of Pre-Germination Magnetic Seed Treaters", one of a series of bulletins and reports to be published by the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, is now available for distribution. Future extension bulletins will cover a variety of timely topics of general interest to prairie farmers. Among those planned are bulletins on granular herbicide applicators and noise effects. The reports, which will also be available soon, will evaluate various machines on an individual basis. These evaluations will include performance characteristics that can be expected under typical prairie field conditions. Both the bulletins and the reports will be printed on a standard format and pre-punched for filing in a three-ring binder, and they will be distributed through a computerized mailing system. A minimal subscription fee is anticipated for the future. Alberta farmers who would like a copy of "An Examination of Pre-Germination Magnetic Seed Treaters", free of charge, or who would like to be placed on the mailing list for future bulletins and reports should write to the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, P.O. Box 1900, Humboldt, Saskatchewan, SOK 2A0. The Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, a co-operative venture on the part of the Alberta , Saskatchewan and Manitoba governments, has stations at Lethbridge, Alberta,-Humboidt, Saskatchewan and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. It is engaged in the development and evaluation of farm machinery and in agricultural machinery research projects designed to fulfil the needs of prairie farmers. Basically, the institute's objectives are to improve machinery design and to help farmers to select and make the best use of agricultural machinery. AG R I CU LTU R E hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS SEP 20 1976 CAN. \d:an official publications DE PUBLICATIONS CJ FICIELLES CANADIENNES August 16, 1976 NATIONAL LIBRARY/ Hi Bi .tOTHEQUE NATIONALE CANADA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS WEEK Feed Grain Outlook 1 Grain Delivery Disputes 4 Oilseed Situation 6 Be On The Alert For Dutch Elm Disease 8 Wheat Outlook 10 Silo Gases Can Kill 13 Drying Vegetables 15 McAndrews Appointed To International Commission On Irrigation And Drainage 17 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEED GRAIN OUTLOOK by Peter Perkins Market Analyst Alberta Agriculture The Canadian feed grain market during 1976-77 comes under some new federal policy directives. These announced changes to the Domestic Feed Grain Policy, which became effective Augustl , have been adopted as part of an on-going attempt to fully implement the policy objectives announced in May 1974. It will be some months before the full effect of this pricing and marketing procedure can be ascertained. The reason is the flexible nature of the formula and the unknown reaction of the market itself to the expected dominating influence of the Canadian Wheat Board's (CWB) presence as a national feed grain seller at fixed price relationships based on American corn prices in Montreal. With this regulated system in effect to guage likely market opportunities and prices for Canadian feed grains, a close evaluation of the U. S. corn and soymeal situation is necessary. This is so because CWB prices should be the effective ceiling on domestic prices which will be determined by the corn/meal formula. In theory.at least.one would expect that non-board feed grain prices in the Prairies would range somewhere between the board's prices on any given day and those prices less elevator handling fees. This would seem logical since non-board feed grain sellers need only be competitive with the board's formula prices if they wish to do business. Nonetheless, non-board prices could be considerably lower than competitive board prices, if, because of quota restrictions or cash payment reasons, farmers opt to sell large supplies to the non-board market. — (cont'd) — Abena AGRICULTURE lone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 -2 - Feed Grain Outlook (cont'd) A record American corn crop seems almost assured since farmers increased the acreage devoted to this crop by an estimated 8.2 per cent and so far weather conditions have been generally favorable. In fact, on the basis of weather conditions to the beginning of July, the United States Department of Agriculture foresees a crop of 6.55 billion bushels. This would be some 790 million bushels or 14 per cent larger than last year's record crop. The demand for U. S. corn, however, is strong and it is expected to remain bouyant throughout 1976-77. The domestic demand should continue to expand ss livestock feeding operations gradually return to 1973 levels, but export volumes in 1976-77 could be less, mainly because of the expected decrease in Soviet imports. However, at least some of this reduced demand should be offset by increased imports by European countries where the severe drought has reduced their output potential to a significant extent. Price prospects for U. S. corn, therefore, appear favorable although some fluctuations can be expected as a clearer picture of world crop prospects becomes available, and a more accurate assessment of world livestock needs can be made. A corn crop in excess of 6.5 million bushels will certainly create some downward pressure on prices, especially at harvest time. However, the overall situation still appears to warrant price expectations during the 1976-77 crop year near to those experienced during the 1975-76 crop year. The demand for meal should remain strong for the same reasons as stated above. However, tighter supplies than was the case in the previous 12 months should prevail with the result that relatively high values for meal should be maintained. Hence, a meal/corn ratio for purposes of the new formula pricing of Canadian Wheat Board feed grains suggests a 2:1 ratio will likely be the norm. With corn at Montreal expected to range between $2.80 and $3.30 per bushel, barley prices in Western Canada should therefore range between $1 .85 and $2.25 per bushel. - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra ne (403) 427-2127 C August 16, 1976 Feed Grain Outlook (cont'd) -3- The uncertainty surrounding the market effect of the new domestic pricing system makes it difficult to ascertain what values can be expected from the 1976-77 wheat board 'pool' accounts. This is so because it is impossible to know what proportion of deliveries the board will sell domestically and what proportion will go for export, and, for that matter, what prices may be achieved in either market. However, weather problems in important barley and oat-growing regions outside Canada seem certain to ensure a strong international demand for Canadian feed grains. Therefore, the CWB should have little difficulty extracting favorable prices for supplies which are exported. The effective premium for barley over corn that arose last year because of smallerglobal supplies of barley and larger supplies of corn should again be available. The droughts in Europe and the central northern states of the U. S. A. have been particularly hard on barley crops, and another record U. S. corn crop should ensure a relatively strong international demand for barley at a slightly narrower barley to corn price spread. The weather difficulties in France and the United Kingdom, plus those that earlier affected the Dakotas and Minnesota, will likely mean a very keen demand for quality Canadian malting barley. A healthy price spread between the new malting and feed 'pools' should, therefore, be available. -30 - ione (403) 427-2127 ydlberra AHRiriM tiir3 August 16, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRAIN DELIVERY DISPUTES Every year as the current crop year draws to a close the Alberta Grain Commission receives requests for advice from farmers who have encountered elevator operators who have refused to take their grain. The commission, in addition to its other duties, is responsible for advising farmers in all situations which involve income from grain. When they receive a complaint that an elevator operator has refused to take a farmer's grain they invariably report it to the assistant commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission who administers the Canada Grain Act. The chairman of the Alberta Grain Commission, John Channon, says that the commission does not hesitate to intervene when it believes a situation warrants their intervention. However he feels that many conflicts would not arise if those concerned knew their rights and legal limitations. He says that it is almost inevitable that there should be a conflict when farmers rushing to deliver their grain at the last moment so that they can fill their quotas and empty their bins encounter elevator operators who are busy juggling their space in preparation for the new crop. The Canada Grain Act states that grain producers have the right to put their grain into commercial storage, i.e. a country elevator, providing they do so lawfully. This means that they must have unused cuota, the grain must not be in danger of going out of concition and there must, of course, be space for it in the elevator. Under these conditions the elevator company would be contravening the law if it refused to accept the grain. Section 48 of the Canada Grain Act states that elevator operators must receive grain into their elevator "without discrimination and in the order in which the grain arrives at the elevator." Although elevator companies are not forced to buy open market grains, they are compelled to take it in for storage. /dlborra A (403)427-2127 mMlW August 16, 1976 - 2 - Grain Delivery Disputes (cont'd) On the elevator operator's side, section 53 of the Canada Grain Act requires that the operator keep the grain in storage for only 10 days after having given a notice in writing to the storage ticket holder. This regulation is to prevent farmers from 'plugging' the country elevators. When the owner of the grain receives a removal notice, he is expected to take his grain out of the elevator. If he refuses to do so, the elevator operator is entitled to buy the grain at the market price or he can move the grain to a terminal elevator and give the owner a terminal warehouse grain receipt in exchange for his storage ticket. "So it seems," says Mr. Channon/that the law is in place to look after all situations. The problem is that the people involved are not familiar with just what rights they have under the law." -30- CORRECTION: The first paragraph of the article entitled "Alberta Horticultural Research Center Field Day" (Aug. 9 issue of "Agri-News") should read: "The Alberta Horticultural Research Center is holding its annual field day on Friday, August 27; NOT August 29 as stated. hone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE5 COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OILSEED SITUATION Oilseed crops have completely reversed their stature in the market place since April. They are again the glamour commodities, dominating price activity in most other agricultural sectors, and they are now on a highly speculative route that has lead to a greatly improved price outlook. By the middle of July protein meal and soybean prices had achieved levels not reached since early in the 1974-75 crop year, and there is a great deal of optimism that even better prices are in the offering. However, Peter Perkins, market analyst with Alberta Agriculture.warns that in view of the 30 to 40 per cent price improvement in just over two months to mid-July, a much closer look at the situation is necessary to ensure a realistic assessment of the future price direction. "The price slump of the last two weeks in July should not be construed as a lasting phenomena," he says. "Prices fell partly as a result of the reaction to the very sharp 'run-up' in prices and partly because weather during the last few weeks in the U. S. midwest has created an excellent environment for high crop yields." The initial stimulus to the spectacular price rise up to the middle of July came from the generally expected improved demand for protein meals. A rise in the price of soymeal was anticipated partly because it was cheap relative to grains and partly because an expanded world demand for protein meals was expected to follow the general improvement in economic conditions. The latter created a greater demand for meats. However, the speed and degree with which meal prices increased generally surprised everybody, and it is for this reason future price increases over the mid-July levels may be much more conservative, if, in fact, they do occur. "The relationship between meals, grains and livestock prices has altered so abruptly that it is now expected that further increases in the demand for protein meals could be held in check," Mr. Perkins says. The meal/corn price ratio at Chicago changed from 1.35 in the last week of April ° d Ahexio AGRICULTURE 6 >ne (403) 427 2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 -2- Qilseed Situation (cont'd) to 2.01 in the first week of July. At the same time, livestock price prospects are not as favorable relative to the cost of feeding, and so a slow down in the rate of increase in feed utilization can be expected, particularly if feed prices are forced higher. "What this implies," Mr. Perkins explains, "is that livestock feeding margins have altered both because livestock prices in general have weakened and because feed ingredient prices have risen." This change indicates the likelihood of a stagnant demand for meal by the second quarter of 1977, compared with the strong demand that prevailed through the first six months of 1976. Probably the most positive factors in the oilseed market at present are the knowledge that the United States will be producing less beans in 1976-77 and that the Soviet Union has ai 'eady bought 2 million tons of beans for importation during 1976-77 — the largest volume they have ever purchased for a single marketing year. Additional concern that the European drought has probably severely reduced production prospects in those countries, plus suspicion that China may have a weather- reduced crop, add positive sentiment to an already highly speculative market. At the present time, however, Mr. Perkins believes that the prospect of a further advance in prices from mid-July levels is unlikely. "Since highly speculative markets invariably over react to changes in anticipated supply/demand balances, widely fluctuating prices will likely remain until a firmer knowledge of crop prospects and demand conditions can be gained," he says. -30- 403) 427-2127 /4lberra AGRICULTURE7 COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BE ON THE ALERT FOR DUTCH ELM DISEASE Dutch elm disease, caused by a fungus that attacks American and Siberian elm trees, is very likely on its way to Alberta from Manitoba where it is now firmly established. Herman Oosterhuis, in charge of Alberta Agriculture's tree planting programs, asks anyone whose elm trees suddenly start to die-off to contact his district agriculturist or Mr. Oosterhuis himself so that the tree can be investigated. If a tree has this disease, the only way to prevent it from spreading is to cut the tree down and burn the wood. The leaves of an elm tree that have Dutch elm disease rapidly turn yellow and then brown. They remain on the branch after they have wilted. However, since there are other tree disease that cause similar wilting, the only way to be sure that the problem is being caused by Dutch elm disease is to remove the branch and have a laboratory culture done. Once Dutch elm disease becomes established in a tree, it is often only a matter of months before the tree is dead. In Manitoba trees measuring 25 to 30 inches in diameter which showed the disease in the top branches one month were dead by the end of the following month. Dutch elm disease is spread to healthy trees from an infected tree by the elm bark beetle which bores into the small branches at the top of the tree. In the case of long distances.these insects are transported from one area to another on clothing, in wood carried from one camp site to another, and in cars. Mr. Oosterhuis says the outbreak of Dutch elm disease in Manitoba is now well established in the Selkirk area, which is about 20 miles north of Winnipeg. Even though all the dead trees are being cut down and burned, it now appears that the disease can no longer be suppressed. The main reason for this situation is that Manitoba has large natural stands of elm trees along the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and these natural stands have now been invaded. — (cont'd) — /dlberra >ne (403) 427-2127 AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 -2- Be On The Alert For Dutch Elm Disease (cont'd) Mr. Oosterhuis is optimistic about keeping Dutch elm disease under control in Alberta oecause we do not have any native elms here. "It is simply a matter of keeping it in check in our established planting sites," he says, In Edmonton 40,000 of our 94,000 boulevard trees are American and Siberian elm, and a recent survey shows that another 60,000 are growing on residential lots. Elms are also extensively used in the government's field shelterbelt program because they live for 75 years or longer and because they are well suited to most growing conditions in Alberta. During the last 10 years, approximately 50,000 elms a year have been distributed to farmers under the shelterbelt program. "The above figures," says Mr. Oosterhuis, "give some idea of the havoc that an uncontrolled outbreak of Dutch elm disease could cause in our cities and on our farms . However, vigilance now on the part of those who have elms can prevent the occurence of such a catastrophe." -30 - ydlborra AGRICULTURE me (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS %gust 16, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHEAT OUTLOOK The 1975-76 Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) 'pool' account should yield Alberta wheat producers a price for top grade wheat of about $4 a bushel. This is the opinion of Peter Perkins, Alberta Agriculture's marketing analyst, and represents a price of about 25< a bushel less than in 1974-75. In hazarding a very early guess for the 1976-77 crop year, he suggests a final value in the range of $3.60 to $3.80 per bushel when accounts are finalized in January 1978. "These values," he explains, "compare favorably with 1975-76 values. The 1975-76 values will apply to marketings of aboui 510 million bushels compared with expected marketings of some 650 million bushels during the 1976-77 crop year." Statistics Canada currently estimates wheat seedings on the prairies at 26.9 million acres, representing an 18 per cent increase over last year, and with excellent growing conditions since seeding, a total Canadian wheat crop in excess of 740 million bushels is highly likely. With carryover stocks expected to be around last year's level, a national wheat supply of more than one billion bushels should be available for marketing in the present crop year. Such a supply would be the largest since 1972, and the actual harvest the best since 1966. In this case the crop would be the fourth largest on record. "Current indications point to the quality of this year's crop exceeding that of the past two years," Mr. Perkins says. "Such a situation should make considerably easier the CWB's job of selling large quantities of wheat to a market that will likely be more competitive than it has been in recent years. Although the demand for wheat is currently rather slow it can be expected to pick up in the coming months as buyers gauge their needs more firmly and assess more accurately the volumes of wheat in the hands of exporters. — (cont'd) — ydlbcrra (403) 427-2127 August 16, 1976 -2 - Wheat Outlook (cont'd) According to Mr. Perkins, the CWB has been aggressively forward-selling new crop supplies in light of the large impending wheat harvest and at prices that are competitive with similar wheats in the U. S. A. "This fact is encouraging," he says, "since it is important that these large supplies are disposed of in a manner that will limit any unnecessary build-up in carryover stocks." World Situation sluggish price movement of wheat in recent months. To date the Soviets have purchased 2 million tonnes of Canadian wheat and 1 million tonnes of Australian wheat for 1976-77 delivery as well as part of their agreed commitment to buy at least 3 million tonnes annually from the U. S. over the next five /ears. livestock sectors, and the drought of Western Europe have created an underlying positive tone for all sectors of the grain market. Although 'reasonable' crops are still possible in Europe, it is now generally thougnt that imports by those countries could be at least 10 million tons greater than normal, thereby partially offsetting the expected lower imports by the Soviet Union. Although most of this expected increase in imports into Europe will be in the form of feedgrains, such activity will help curb any sustained decline in wheat prices. sufficiently to permit increased consumption plus a rather significant build-up of stocks by mid-1977. "This assessment," he says, "is probably a little premature at this stage, but it is a likelihood that should not be totally ignored." The impending near record U. S. wheat harvest is already pointing to further accumulation of wheat throughout 1977 in that country, and an expected bumper crop in Canada will probably see the highest level of North American wheat stock since 1973 by the end of the 1976-77 The lack of sustained international export interest has been the main cause for the rather However, the sudden reappearance of a solid demand for feed ingredients from the On balance, however, Mr. Perkins still expects 1976-77 wheat production to increase market season. (cont'd) — AGR hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 -3- Wheat Outlook (cont'd) Although it is too early to gauge southern hemisphere potential, the expected improved demand in both Asia and Europe should result in a net global supply/demand balance that is not too different from that of last year. "Even though world wheat stocks will almost certainly be higher than last year, it is doubtful" Mr. Perkins says, "that this build-up will be great enough to cause any serious difficulties in the market place which are usually associated with burdensome stocks." -30- 3ne (403) 427-2127 ydlberra 12 COMMUNIC August 16, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SILO GASSES CAN KILL "The next time you decide to climb into a newly filled tower silo, think first! I've been through it. I was lucky. It only cost me a week in hospital and a bad set of lungs." This testimony to the hidden danger that lurks in a newly filled tower silo comes from Robert Berry, Alberta Agriculture's district agriculturist at Evansburg. As he says, he is lucky to be alive, but some are not so lucky! AW farm equipment and machinery have their dangers. However, tower silos have a less obvious danger, but it is just as deadly -- it is poisonous gas! When fresh forage is put into a tower silo, a biological and chemical reaction takes place which produces a number of gases. Two of them are carbon dioxide and nitric oxide. The former is not poisonous but since it uses up the oxygen in the silo it can cause a person to become faint and to lose consciousness from lack of air. Nitric oxide combines with the oxygen in the silo to form nitrogen dioxide, a deadly brownish-yellow gas that has a bleach-like smell and which is heavier than air. Being heavier than air, it tends to accumulate on the surface of the silage, flow down the chute, move close to the floor and accumulate in low areas. Small amounts of the gas may not be visible and are not always easy to detect by smell, but they are still dangerous. The inhalation of even a small amount of nitrogen dioxide causes choking, an asthmatic- like condition and a burning sensation in the nostrils, throat and chest. If more than a few 'wiffs' are inhaled violent coughing and asthma occur. After the inhalation of only a small amount of gas, recovery may at first appear to be rapid, but severe illness may develop within five to 12 hours as a result of lung tissue damage. An exposure of several minutes is usually fatal. — (cont'd) — diberra AGRICULTURf (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATION' August 16, 1976 -2 - Silo GassesCan Kill (cont'd) The danger from nitrogen dioxide is greatest during the first six to 60 hours after the silo has been fillea. However, this danger can continue for three weeks or longer. In fact, in a poorly ventilated silo, it may remain until the silo is opened to remove the first batch of feed. If you must enter the silo during the danger period, never do so alone or without first turning on the silo blower for about half an hour. Ventilate the silo, the silo chute and the silo room before entering the chute or the silo itself. Ventilation during the danger per od can be increased by opening all the windows and doors in the silo room as well as the doors in the silo roof and those above the silage level in the tower. Be sure that the lower end of the silo chute is well ventilated. Good ventilation here will prevent the gases from accumulating in the silo room or in the barn where they could be dangerous to both animals and human beings. If you are accidentally exposed to silo gas, get out of the silo at the first sign of throat irritation or coughing. Since severe illness and lung damage can develop after apparent recovery, call your doctor immediately. If animals come in contact with silo gas, consult your veterinarian as quickly as possible. If you have to enter a silo to rescue somebody, attempt to ventilate the silo before going in if this can be done quickly. Then put a rope around the victim's waist and get out of the silo as quickly as possible. While in the silo, you may be able to reduce exposure to the poisonous gasses by holding your breath. As soon as the victim is out of the silo, get him to a physician. -30 - /dlberra AGRICULTURE4 one (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DRYING VEGETABLES Drying is a simple, convenient and economical method of preserving vegetables. Helen Raynard at Alberta Agriculture's home economics laboratory in Edmonton stresses that vegetables that are to be dried should be absolutely fresh, young, tender and perfectly clean. "If a steel knife is used for paring and cutting, it should be kept clean and bright so that is does not discolor the vegetables," she says. Before being dried, the vegetables should be blanched in boiling water or steam for the same length of time as required for canning. After blanching they should be thoroughly dried between towels or put in the sun for a short time to remove the surface moisture. They may be dried in an oven with the door slightly open or on a rack on top of the stove. When dried in the oven they should be spread on platters or on sheets of metal or paper. A clean screen window or similar structure, supported by four bricks, may be used as a rack for drying vegetables on top of the stove. Drying should commence at a temperature of 110° F. and be gradually increased to 145° F. A fairly low temperature is recommended to prevent scorching, but the more quickly the vegetables are dried, the better will be their color and flavor. They should be stirred from time to time during the drying process to prevent scorching and to ensure uniform drying. It is possible with temperatures of 110° F. and 145° F. to complete the drying process in two to five hours, depending upon the type of vegetable. Following are instructions for drying green and wax beans, peas, corn, pumpkins and summer squash. one (403) 427-2127 - (cont'd) - /dlberra 15 COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 _2_ Drying Vegetables (cont'd) Green and Wax Beans — Wash beans, and remove strings. If the beans are young and tender they may be dried whole; if not, it is wise to cut them into one-inch lengths. Put them in a bag of cheesecloth or a wire basket and blanch them in boiling water for five minutes. Remove surface moisture. Then begin drying at 110° F. and raise temperature gradually to 145° F. Beans dry in from two to three hours. Peas — Garden peas should be dried when they are in ideal condition for table use. The shelled peas should be blanched for three minutes in boiling water. Then remove the surface moisture and spread them in single layers on trays. Begin drying at 1 10° F. and raise the temperature gradually in about one and a half hours to 145°F. Peas dry in three to three and a half hours. Corn- — Remove the husks and silk. Place the ears in boiling water for five minutes. Cut and scrape kernels from the cob and place them in thin layers on platters or trays. Dry in slow oven, stirring frequently. Pumpkin and Summer Squash — Pare the vegetable and cut it in about half-inch strips. Blanch three minutes, remove surface moisture, and dry slowly for three to four hours, raising the temperature from 1 10° F. to 140°F. After the vegetables have been dried they should be left in the kitchen for two to four hours to enable them to absorb enough moisture to become pliable before being stored. Then they should be stored in moisture-proof containers in a warm, dry place. -30 - one (403) 427-2127 vdlberra UR06 COMMUNICATIONS August 16, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE McANDREWS APPOINTED TO INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE C. J. McAndrews, Alberta Agriculture's assistant deputy minister of development, has been appointed to the Canadian National Committee of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. The purpose of the commission is to accumulate world information on irrigation and drainage and to distribute it to all member countries. A total of 65 countries are members of the commission. The accumulation of information and the clarification of irrigation technology is a continuous process handled through correspondence and committee meetings. The commission meets at regional and world levels at least once a year. At these meetings technical information that has been developed during the course of the year is clarified, confirmed and officially sanctioned. An international congress is held every third year. Here technical papers are presented, specific issues reviewed and plans are made to direct or promote further technical advancements that are needed in the areas of irrigation, drainage and flood control. -30 - hone (403) 427-2127 ydlberra agricultJ^e communications August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEP 20 ws ffgflfliliiZ-. ^ THIS WEEK Dairy Cattle Exported To Mexico CANADIAN OFFICIAL KJBLICAHONS DE PUBL1CA IONS OiFIClELLES IATIONAL UBHARY/BSBv.mHEQUE NATIONALE CANADA Grass Tetany 3 Chaff And Straw For Beef Cows 5 Hay Losses Are Costly. Combine Floatation Tracks 8 Regional Home Economist Honored By Saddle Lake Indians 9 Sclerotinia Stem Rot 10 Hay Supplies Available From Forage Exchange 11 Treat Fall Rye Seed 12 Alberta Beekeepers Commission Ballot Deadline 13 Power-Take-Off Precautions Prevent Accidents 14 Drying Herbs 15 Agricultural Development Corporation Appointment 17 ra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS Phone (403) 427-2127 August 23. 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAIRY CATTLE EXPORTED TO MEXICO During the last month 750 bred Holstein heifers have been shipped to Mexico from Alberta. These shipments were unique in the fact that they were made up almost completely of grade Holsteins. The animals came mainly from milksheds in the central part of the province because: this is the area where most of Alberta's dairy cattle are located. The cattle were assembled at the Hereford Test Station at Innisfail which has the best facilities in the province for collecting and preparing cattle for export. Two separate groups of Mexican buyers selected the heifers, all of which were five 10 S3ven months in calf and weighed in the neighborhood of 1,100 pounds. The Mexicans have been buying dairy cattle in the American mid-west during the past two years, but are now looking to other areas in an effort to fill their orders. According to Ed Bristow of Alberta Agriculture's dairy branch, opportunities for exporting this type of dairy animal to Mexico are only limited by the supply. The Mexicans came to Alberta in their search for more cattle as a result of connections previously established through discussions and trade missions sponsored by the Alberta Export Agency, Alberta Agriculture's marketing division and the Alberta Canada All Breeds Association. The latter is made up of all the major purebred dairy and beef breed associations in the province. It was established about two years ago to handle export orders, and it was through this organization that the cattle were able to be assembled at the Hereford Test Station. The first group of Mexican buyers who visited Alberta have already purchased approximately 5,000 head of bred Holstein heifers, mostly from the mid-western United States, and are hoping to purchase about 15,000 more in the near future. /dlbcriq >ne (403) 427-2127 fTlMMI IN irATinivic; August 23, 1976 -2- These animals will be put on small parcels of land outside Mexico City where individual farmers will be responsible for herds of between 100 and 300 head. Up to now many of the dairy farms in this area of Mexico have been located in Mexico City. The second group of buyers from Mexico, lead by a cattle dealer from the Guadalajara area, are looking for dairy cattle for individual dairy farms in that part of Mexico. The group is hoping to purchase 1 1 ,000 animals and would like to obtain 4,500 of them before the end of the year. One member of this group was so impressed with the overall quality of Alberta's Holstein cattle that he wanted to air-freight an entire herd to Mexico. He was only prevented from doing so by the lack of an import permit. Mr. Bristow is very enthusiastic about these latest export sales to Mexico. He points out that a long-term export contract to supply a reasonable number of heifers each month to an importing country like Mexico could be 'bread and butter' for an organization like the Alberta Canada All Breeds Association and could stabilize the dairy cattle replacement market in the province. "It would encourage Alberta dairymen to breed their heifers to dairy bulls, instead of to beef bulls," he says, "and it would encourage them to participate in a milk recording program. Foreign buyers are very interested in records of performance and are usually prepared to pay extra for them." -30- 2 August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRASS TETANY Alberta Agriculture's beef cattle extension veterinarian strongly advises cattlemen to check their cows every morning and evening for signs of grass tetany. Dr. Baker explains that the sudden flush of new grass from the recent extensive rains has created ideal conditions in many parts of the province for this disease, which is normally most prevalent during late winter and early spring. Also, the fact that farmers put their cattle on new pasture at this time of year creates an additional hazard because many of the fresh pastures will have very lush growth after all the rain. "Although the cause of grass tetany is not completely understood, the signs and symptoms seem to be caused by a deficiency of magnesium in the blood stream of affected animals," Dr. Baker says. He points out that the disease is probably caused by various factors interfering with the metabolism and absorption of magnesium rather than being a simple deficiency of magnesium. "Some of the factors involved may be high levels of potassium and nitrogen or an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus," he explains. Cows nursing calves are the animals usually affected by grass tetany. The cow becomes nervous or unusually alert and often becomes belligerent or 'on the prod'. As the disease progresses, she becomes unsteady on her feet and finally falls. Often a sick animal is found already on the ground with her head stretched backwards and her legs 'paddling'. — (cont'd) — )ne (403) 427-2127 /dlborra AGRICULTUR? COMMUNICATIONS August 23, 1976 Grass Tetany (cont'd) -2- According to Dr. Baker, a cow with grass tetany nearly always responds to an intravenous dose of calcium gluconate with magnesium, providing it is administered early in the course of the disease. Often cows that have been down for several hours will not respond completely to treatment. This is the reason that it is so important to check cows each morning and evening when conditions are favorable for an outbreakof grass tetany. Dr. Baker recommends giving cows on farms where grass tetany is a recurring problem a magnesium supplement consisting of 2 ounces of magnesium oxide per head per day. -30- August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHAFF AND STRAW FOR BEEF COWS If you know of a good way of collecting cereal grain chaff from behind the combine, Alberta Agriculture's regional livestock supervisor at Red Deer, Dwight Karren, would like to know about it. He says that cereal grain chaff has a higher nutrient content than straw and could be jsed to great advantage by cow-calf producers as winter maintenance rations. However, the difficulty of collecting it is a drawback to its use at the present time. Chaff is usually collected behind the combine in a small dump wagon. It is then dumped in small stacks which are picked up later by a front-end loader and hauled to the area where they will be fed. Sometimes when weather permits, the stacks can be 'grazed' in the field. Because of the advances in straw collecting, the residue from cereal crops is usually harvested as straw. Although this method reduces the collection problem, it is very unlikely that all the residue is being collected. A large proportion of the chaff, which is the more nutritious part of the residue, is usually lost. According to Mr. Karren, several straw samples were taken last year from behind a combine fitted with a chaff-saver and from behind a combine without a chaff-saver. "Surprisingly," he says, "there was little difference in the two types of samples." It seems that even with a chaff-saver, only a small amount of the chaff going through the combine actually ends up in the baled straw. Most of it seems to fall on the ground behind the combine and baler and is lost. - (cont'd) - ^Iberia i ne(403) 427-2127 POM Mi imipatidmc:' August 23, 1976 -2- Chaff and Straw for Beef Cows (cont'd) Theoretically, the new chaff-windrower should put more chaff into the bale and less on the ground. The attachment on the combine removes the chaff from the sieve and places it on the straw windrow. "However, even though not enough samples have been taken to be certain, it appears that most of the chaff still ends up on the ground," Mr. Karren says. Although it is difficult to put a value on chaff as feed, it is probably one of the cheapest sources of feed for a cow-calf producer. Cereal grain chaff usually contains unthreshed grain, brone (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE 8 CO . JUDICATIONS August 23 1 976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REGIONAL HOME ECONOMIST HONORED BY SADDLE LAKE INDIANS Oneechkapoowin Otaanisimaw! That is the name given to Edith Zawadiuk, Alberta Agriculture's regional home economist at Two Hills, by the chief and band council of the Saddle Lake Indian Reserve. It means 'Daughter of Saddle Lake' and was given in recognition of Miss Zawadiuk's "patience, perseverance and co-operation" while working with the Saddle Lake people. The Saddle Lake Indian Reserve is located 100 miles north-east of Edmonton and has approximately 2,500 residents. Roughly 77,000 acres in size, it has maintained many of the time-honored attitudes and philosophies of its rich history. As a 'Daughter of Saddle Lake', Miss Zawaduik was one of a number of government officials who was invited to take part in a recent ceremony commemorating the signing of Treaty No. 6. One hundred years ago, Treaty No. 6 was signed by Queen Victoria's representatives and the Indian chiefs and headmen of central Alberta and central Saskatchewan. It peacefully ceded to the Queen .121 ,000 square miles of territory in these areas. In addition to riding in the parade and participating in a number of official functions, including a buffalo steak banquet, Miss Zawadiuk was presented with a special plaque commemorating the signing of Treaty No. 6 by Chief Eugene Steinhauer. The Saddle Lake people have only one other honorary member of their tribe. He is Reg Kelly, an Indian from the west coast of British Columbia who was Indian agent at St. Paul in the early 1960's. Mr. Kelly is honorary chief of the Saddle Lake Indian Reserve. -30- (403) 427-2127 /dlbcrra COM August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SCLEROTINIA STEM ROT The wet weather that we have been experiencing in Alberta over the last few weeks could precipitate an outbreak of the rapeseed disease called sclerotinia stem rot. Last year was the first time that the disease caused economic losses in this province. The losses occurred in those areas where rapeseed crops were badly lodged due to excessive moisture, and a number of farmers in the Edmonton area and north of Edmonton reported losses of up to 90 per cent According to Sherman Yelland, cereal and oilseed crops specialist with Alberta Agriculture, sclerotinia can be identified by white stems which contain small, black fungus bodies (sclerotia) encased in white pith. "About the only thing that can be done now," he says, "is to swath severely infected crops as early as possible and as high as possible to exclude as many of the sclerotia as possible." One of the most important steps in controlling the disease is a crop rotation in which rapeseed is not grown on the same land more often than every four years. Another is to eliminate volunteer rapeseed in cereal crops through spraying. When allowed to mature, these volunteer plants can perpetuate the disease. Many importing countries have a zero tolerance limit on both rapeseed and cereal crops which contain sclerotia. In fact, a number of Canadian barley shipments were rejected by importing countries last year because the grain contained sclerotia. Hence, unless the disease is controlled, it could reduce Canada's cereal and oilseed exports in the future. -30- ne (403) 427-2127 ydlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HAY SUPPLIES AVAILABLE FROM FORAGE EXCHANGE The Alberta Grain Commission's Feed and Forage Exchange has many thousands of tons of hay in various parts of the province listed for sale. Since much of this hay is still standing in the field or is in bale stooks, anybody who is going to require additional hay this winter should contact the exchange immediately. Otherwise much of the hay is likely to deteriorate from overmaturity and weathering. Following is a list of the Feed and Forage Exchange telephone numbers. Calgary 261-6479 Lethbridge 328-7721 Medicine Hat 527-7555 Red Deer 343-5303 Edmonton 427-7331 Vermi lion 853-531 3 Grande Prairie 532-1426 Fairview 835-2228 -30- e (403) 427-2127 /dlberra 1 1 COMMUNICATIONS ■ August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TREAT FALL RYE SEED Farmers planting fall rye would be wise to treat their seed with Vitaflo, a formulation containing carbathiin plusthiram. This is the opinion of Sherman Yelland, Alberta Agriculture's cereal and oilseed crops specialist. He bases his opinion on information from the federal research station at Lethbridge which indicates that stalk smut, which Vitaflo controls, is on the increase in Alberta. Although the disease is called stalk smut, it extends into the heads of the crop which become blackened with smut spores and yield no grain. Also, the heads of infected plants often fail to emerge properly and are usually bent or otherwise distorted. The stems of infected plants are much shorter than those of healthy plants. Tests carried out at the Lethbridge research station on six fall rye varieties showed that the popular variety, Cougar, is much more susceptible to stalk smut than theother five varieties. Hence, anyone who grows Cougar should seriously consider treating his seed with Vitaflo. -30- >dlberra AGRICULTURE? lone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBERTA BEEKEEPERS COMMISSION BALLOT DEADLINE All beekeepers who registered with the Agricultural Products Marketing Council for the purpose of voting in the plebiscite on the Alberta Beekeepers Commission are reminded to return their ballots immediately. Ballots must be received by the returning officer before 4:30 p.m. on August 25, 1976. Ballots should be forwarded to: Returning Officer Agricultural Products Marketing Council Room 503, Agriculture Building 9718- 106 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2C8 (phone 426-2164). -30- (403) 427-2127 /dlberra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE POWER-TAKE-OFF PRECAUTIONS PREVENT ACCIDENTS Here are some safety precautions, recommended by the Alberta Safety Council, for operating power-take-off driven equipment. • Make sure all shields and guards are in place. • Stop the power from the tractor before leaving your seat to unclog a machine or fix some- thing on it. • Stay clear of unguarded moving parts on a machine. • Repair or replace damaged or missing shields. • Don't hang a shield that has been removed for repairing or servicing a machine in the shed or an a fence post. Accidents from entanglements at the tractor end of a power-take-off shaft are no longer pre- valent because of advances in power-take-off shielding, but they still happen. Usually they involve older, less adequately shielded equipment or equipment which has had the power-take-off shield removed by the user. The latest versions of power-take-off shields have the rotating shaft almost completely sealed off even at the sharp angles between the tractor and the power-take-off driven equipment. -30- /dlbsrra AGRICULTURE •hone (403) 427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DRYING HERBS The way you dry your herbs will make all the difference to the quality of product you end up with. Here is the method recommended by the home economists at Alberta Agriculture's home economics laboratory. After you have cut the plants be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight. Sunlight causes the leaves to turn brown and it will fade the dried herbs. Before drying the herbs wash the leaves thoroughly and then put them on paper toweling on a cookie sheet in a 150° F. oven. Be careful not to over-dry them or they will lose valuable essential oils. Herbs are sufficiently dry if they crackle when crunched in the hand. Store them in a labeled jar; not in paper bags, cardboard boxes or other containers which are not airtight. Again, it is important to prevent the essential oils from escaping. Check the jars in three or four days to make sure the herbs do not smell musty and that there is no moisture condensation in the jar. If the jar has a musty smell or there are any signs of condensation, spread the herbs on a piece of paper and put them in a warm oven (about 150^ F.) for several hours. Unless this moisture is removed the herbs will spoil. Some Uses Of Herbs Herbs do a lot to add variety to meals and help to 'perk up' winter meals. They can be used in soups, sauces, meats and stuffings. - (cont'd) - ydlbcrra AGRICULTURE (403)427-2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 23, 1976 Drying Herbs (cont'd) Marjorum is particularly good with fish and improves poultry and pork dressings, soups and meat dishes. It is sometimes used in sausages. Sweet Basil is often used in cheese and tomato dishes and with other foods which have a definite flavour. Sweet Basil is also used in fruit drinks. Thyme is used in sauces, stuffings, stews, soups, meat loaves and with pot roasts. Parsley can be used in the same dishes as the other herbs. -30- 1 August 23, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION APPOINTMENT Lome Ordze, chairman of tha Agricultural Development Corporation's (ADC) board of directors has announced the hiring of Art Petrie as a loans officer in the corporation's securities and field service section. Mr. Petrie will be located in ADC's headquarters office in Camrose. His main responsibility will be to provide consultations for ADC borrowers whose accounts are in arrears. In this capacity, Mr. Petrie will be analyzing the loan accounts to determine why they are in arrears and what action is required. The analysis will include consulting with the borrowers as well as referring them to others for further consulting services when this is necessary. The goal here is to attempt to resolve the problem in a way that is most satisfactory to the borrower. Mr. Petrie comes from Ontario where he spent four years working with a chartered bank. Since then he has been office manager of a farm supplies company that operated three feed mills in Ontario and has worked for an accounting firm. Here he specialized in farm accounts. He also worked as a controller with a manufacturing firm and with an accounting group in Ontario prior to coming to ADC . -30- one (403) 427-2127 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUG 2 7 19 THIS WEEK ALBERTA AGJWCU EDMONTON Deputy Minister Of Export Marketing Appointed 1 Grain Dryer Information 3 Agri-Prom's Fall Activities 5 Minerals Should Be Fed All The Year Round 6 Purchase From Licenced Farm Equipment Dealers 7 Yield Response Of Different Grain Varieties To Fertilizers 8 Birch Leaf Miner 9 Provincial Tree Nursery Activities , 10 "Alberta Farm Guide" Distributed 11 Drying Flowers 12 Northwest Beekeeping Short Course 13 Pickle Pointers 14 Agriculture Week 1976 15 August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DEPUTY MINISTER OF EXPORT MARKETING APPOINTED Marvin Moore, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture has announced the appointment of H. B. (Ben) McEwen as assistant deputy minister of Export Marketing. This new sector of Alberta Agriculture will take over the agricultural marketing activities of the Alberta Export Agency. Its functions will be integrated with other resources of the department to provide an even more comprehensive and effective service to suppliers of agricultural commodities, processed products and services into international markets. Export Marketing personnel will work closely with Alberta producers in defining and evaluating foreign market opportunities, in establishing avenues of communication between buyers and sellers and in assisting in the conclusion of sales. The current export marketing thrust is in the U. S. A., Central and South America, Japan and Western Europe. Mr. Moore emphasized that the group will co-ordinate with the departments of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Business Development and Tourism as well as other provincial and 'ederal government offices. Prior to his present appointment, Mr. McEwen was director of market development in Alberta Agriculture. He has extensive experience in both domestic and export marketing with United Co-operatives of Ontario and with the Brockville chemical division of Genstar. As Vice- President of Marketing of Brockville Chemical, he was responsible for the distribution and sale of industrial and fertilizer chemicals in Canada, the U. S. A. and other export markets. — (cont'd) — I Liberia August 30, 1976 -2- Deputy Minister of Export Marketing Appointed (cont'd) Mr. McEwen has a B. Sc. and an M. Sc. from the Ontario Agricultural College and is a member of the Agricultural Institute of Canada and the Alberta Institute of Agrologists. He has served as president of the Plant Food Council of Ontario and as chairman of the Edmonton branch of the Canadian Manufacturers Association. -30- August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRAIN DRYER INFORMATION l Are you wondering what type of grain dryer to buy? The answer depends upon your individual harvesting system. Grain dryers come in many sizes and types. There are the 'in-bin' batch, recirculating batch and the continuous flow systems. Some units are stationary, some are portable, some are electrically powered, some are tractor powered, some run on natural gas and others run on propane. Paul Barlott, head of Alberta Agriculture's systems engineering branch, says, "A dryer should be able to dry all the damp grain that can be combined in an average day." If your fields are spread over some distance, your best choice would probably be a portable dryer with a propane fuel supply. On the other hand, if your grain handling system can be centred at the farmstead, an 'in-bin' drying or continous flow system might be your best buy. As a general rule, the larger your grain operation, the more automatically controlled equipment you should use. According to Mr. Barlott, the price range for grain dryers that are suitable for most Alberta farms falls into the $5,000 to $15,000 price range, and the operating costs vary from 3^ to 14< a bushel. The operating costs include labor, repairs and fuel. Fuel costs, which account for a large proportion of the operating costs, are mainly determined by the moisture level of the grain, the grain drying temperature and the outside air temperature. Costs will be lower if the dryer is used in September rather than during the winter. Ability to dry both cereals and oilseeds and ease with which the dryer can be cleaned out are both important considerations when choosing a grain dryer. The latter is particularly important for people who sell seed. Mr. Barlott says the grain dryer should always be certified by one of the following recognized testing agencies: the Canadian Gas Association, the Canadian Standards Association or the Underwriters Laboratories in Canada. - (cont'd) - August 30, 1976 -2- Grain Dryer Information (cont'd) Alberta Agriculture's systems engineering branch has developed a computer simulation model which can evaluate the potential of any type of grain dryer. It predicts the drying rate, fuel consumption, operating and fixed costs, etc, and helps the farmer decide what are the best conditions under which to dry grain. It does this by showing which combination of factors will give the lowest costs and the highest drying rates. If you would like more information on this computer simulation model or help in selecting or operating your grain dryer, contact your regional agricultural engineer or the Systems Engineering Branch, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30 - August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRI-PROM's FALL ACTIVITIES This fall the Agri-Prom Association of Alberta is sponsoring a province-wide contest to promote the sales of Alberta grown and Alberta processed food products. The contest is scheduled for the first two weeks of September and the first two weeks of November. During these periods, most of the large retail food stores will be packing consumers' groceries in paper bags which have a list of the members who belong to Agri-Prom, the brand names of their products and an entry form for the contest. Consumers who fill in the entry form will be eligible to compete for a $1 ,000 cash prize. If they attach five labels from products manufactured by members of the association, they will also be eligible to compete for the $1 ,000 Alberta food product hamper. In addition to the contest, Agri-Prom will be advertising its members' products extensively on television in both the Edmonton and Calgary areas and will be sponsoring a large product display in Calgary's Chinook Mall from September 15 - 18. What is Agri-Prom? It is a non-profit organization that was formed three years ago by Alberta Agriculture and 20 members of the food industry to promote the sale and consumption of Alberta products. Since then the membership has increased to 30,and includes producer organizations, processing firms and retailers. The firms range from large meat packing plants and retail chain stores to small processing firms that employ less than a dozen people. Each new member contributes $1 ,500 to the association which is matched by equal funds from Alberta Agriculture. Agri-Prom is governed by a board of directors consisting of six representatives from the food industry and three from Alberta Agriculture. Each year a new president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer is elected from among the members. This year's president is Don Rogers of Andres Wines. -30 - 5 '^(403) 427 2127 COMMUNICATIONS August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MINERALS SHOULD BE FED ALLTHE YEAR ROUND Do you feed minerals to your cattle all the year round? Dr. Frank Baker, Alberta Agriculture's beef cattle extension veterinarian, reports tl it was revealed during recent cattle disease investigations that the owners of the cattle were not fe a mineral supplement during the summer months. "They thought," says Dr. Baker, "that the catt obtained sufficient minerals from their pastures. However, this is not the case." Dr. Baker stresses that cattle should have access to minerals all the year round. Among the problems that can occur from lack of minerals on a year-round basis are poor heat del in the breeding herd, poor conception rates, reduced milk production, failure on the part of youn animals to attain normal growth rates and a lowered resistance to disease. Dr. Baker says he is surprised to find so many farmers who still believe that their cat need to be fed minerals only during the winter months. He is surprised because, there is so much information on good nutrition available today. "The cost of feeding minerals all the year round," he points out, "is minimal compar with the losses that can occur from lack of minerals and compared with the benefits derived fron a healthy cattle herd." -30- Ah August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PURCHASE FROM LICENCED FARM EQUIPMENT DEALERS Protect yourself when buying farm equipment which costs over $1,000 by purchasing from farm equipment dealers who are licenced under the Alberta Farm Implement Act, advises R. G. McFadyen, administrator of the act. Dealers licenced under the act meet the shop and service standards, and provide the warranties set out by the Alberta Farm Implement Act. They are also bonded for your protection. For further information contact the Farm Implement Act Administration, Agriculture Building, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, T5K 2C8 or telephone 427 - 2188. -30- 427-2127 AX2 AGRK COMMUNI August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE YIELD RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT GRAIN VARIETIES TO FERTILIZERS Are specific fertilizer rates required for each of the numerous wheat, barley and durum The scientists at the Swift Current federal research station say no. They have been conducting fertilizer tests for the last four years at the research station Current and at Indian Head. In these experiments they tested up to 28 varieties of wheat and up t varieties of barley grown at each location in one year. Over the four-year period 59 wheat varietie: 18 barley varieties were tested. Each variety was grown with no fertilizer, a medium rate of fertili; heavy rate of fertilizer. In another series of five-year tests on sandy loam and in heavy clay soil near Swift Cum varieties of wheat and eight varieties of durum and barley were grown with seven different rates o fertilizer. Results from the tests indicate that there is no distinct difference in response to fertiliz any of the wheat, barley or durum varieties. This means that there is no need for-special fertilizer ments for each variety. The most satisfactory fertilizer rate for any variety, say the scientists, will similar results on all other varieties. They stress that the optimum fertilizer level can only be dete by a soil test. Doug Penney, soil fertility specialist with Alberta Agriculture, agrees with these findinc points out that some of our older, lower yielding barley varieties, like Olli and Gateway, do not r to the heavier fertilizer rates. "Their response to moderate levels is similar to that of the newer Vc he says, "but they do not have the higher yield potential of some of the new varieties. It is this h yield potential that enables a variety to respond to the higher fertilizer rates." 30 ^IrV August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BIRCH LEAF MINER If you are worrying about all the native paper birch and weeping birch trees that have turned brown, or which have brown patches on them, you can stop worrying. They are unlikely to suffer any serious damage, and there is nothing that can be done for them at this time of year. The discoloration was caused by the larvae of a wasp-like insect called the birch leaf miner. This insect lays its eggs close to the centre vein of the leaves when they first emerge in the spring. The tiny larvae live between the top and the bottom layers of the leaves and, depending upon their number, gradually eat away the green tissue. Early damage shows up in the form of small, brown patches on the affected leaves. As feeding progresses, the patches become larger, sometimes covering the whole leaf if there is a heavy infestation of larvae on the leaf. Several generations of birch leaf miners are produced in one season. According to Herman Oosterhuis, in charge of Alberta Agricult jre's tree planting progra a healthy tree can normally lose most of its foliage without being seriously injured even if the young leaves are attacked early in the growing season. "However, repeated loss of foliage can weaken the tree and make it susceptible to attack by other insects and diseases," he says. In the case of a very light infestation, the situation may be brought under control b\ picking off the affected leaves, providing the larvae are still inside the leaves. However, the best method of controlling birch leaf miners on small trees is to spray the tree with a systemic insecticide 'ike dimethoate (Cygon 2E). It should be first applied when the leaves come out in the spring. If the tree is too large to spray, the insecticide can be painted on the bark of the trunk below the branches Both types of application must be applied at least twice during the growing season, and the trees mi be treated every year as long as there are birch leaf miners around. -30- August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROVINCIAL TREE NURSERY ACTIVITIES This has been a busy summer at Alberta Agriculture's tree nursery at Oliver, located a few miles north-east of Edmonton. During one month the staff at the nursery potted 10,700 decidous and evergreen seedlings for the provincial parks program and transplanted 313,800 conifer seedlings for the government's field shelter- belt program. A crew of seven workers transplanted over 34,000 seedlings a day. During this same month more than 829,000 willow and poplar cuttings were planted out for rooting. These cuttings will be d str buted to Alberta farmers next year under the province's field shelterbelt program. In addition to the above, about 15 pounds of pregerminated green ash seed was planted. This was the first time that pregerminated green ash seed was used for field seeding. Pregerminated seed gives a much more even 'take' in the field and makes it possible to check seed lots for viability. About 13 pounds of mayday, chokecherry, Russian olive and hawthorn seed was also planted in containers. The advantage of container seeding is that it eliminates maintenance requirements like weeding . The seedlings are kept in their styroblock containers until they are shipped to farmers the following year. During the same period well over 219,000 pine seedlings were dug up and shipped to the southern part of the province for reforestation projects, and 2,018,400 container-grown lodgepole pine and white spruce were sent to various forestry sites in Alberta. -30- I /dlberra AGRICULTURE 1 Bfle (dr, — ~ „ ^ „ August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "ALBERTA FARM GUIDE" DISTRIBUTED Alberta's minister of agriculture, Marvin Moore, has announced the distribution by mail nearly 69,Q0G copies of the Alberta Far rn Guide to farmers in this province. The publication covers crop and livestock production and management; weed control ; plant diseases, animal diseases, insect identification and control; beekeeping; agricultural engineering irrigation and marketing. It contains colored photographs of diseased plants and of insects to help farmers identify these problems. In essence the "Alberta Farm Guide" is a condensation of the basic information that farmers use in their day-to-day operations. However, since it is impossible for one publication to contain all the information required by the modern farming community, sources of more detailec information on the topic being discussed are listed at. the end oteach chapter. Mr. Moore says the "Alberta Farm Guide" was prepared by representatives from the University of Alberta, Agriculture Canada and Alberta Agriculture. It was printed "uTider the Canada-Alberta Rural Development Agreement. -30 - 4x August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DRYING FLOWERS Have you ever dried flowers? This method of preserving flowers and leaves isbecc increasingly popular because they last indefinitely and require virtually no care, says the head of Alberta Agriculture's horticultural branch, P. D. Mc Calls.. To dry leaves you crush the cut ends so that they will absorb liquid readily. Then i equal parts of pure glycerine with water and put it in a narrow container. Put the stems in the m place the container in a dry sunny area and leave it there for about 10 days. Never put the stem? water before putting them into the glycerine solution. Drying flowers is a little more complicated. Here you take the wild or garden flowe they are at their best and cut the stems off the heads. Then bury the heads in powdered or crysi silica gel, and leave them covered for three days to a week. Next, gently lift them out and brush chemical off each head with a soft paint brush. If any of the petais should fall off, you can stic them back on with special glue from the florist. You can also get the wire for fhe stems from a and the green florist's tape to cover the wire. The wire stems can be bent to suit your arrangem It is important to regenerate the silica gel periodically by putting it in the oven. 01 it will retain too much moisture. When silica gel starts turning blue, it means it has too much nr in it. The best way to dry bullrushes and other grass-type weeds is by hanging them i down for about two weeks. It is a good idea to spray the bullrushes with hair spray both befon after they are cut. The spray keeps the heads from bursting. -30 August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NORTHWEST BEEKEEPING SHORT COURSE The Northwest Beekeeping Short Course will be held at Washington State Univt from October 27 - 30. To be given by the top research authorities in the United States and Canada, the c will cover honey marketing, tax management, the importation of bees, desirable stocks, swarm bee management techniques, pollination of crops, bee diseases and their control, disappearing c and chalkbrood, controlled environment wintering and bee poisoning. Other topics on the agenda include the behavior of social insects, the morphology anatomy of honey bees, bee nutrition and caste determination, bee biology and systemics, bee i and pollination and honey chemistry. Beekeepers who are interested in attending the course are asked to preregister now they are sure of getting a reservation and so that final registration charges to cover course expen ^-.4* cen be computed. To accommodate people who cannot attend the entire course registration chc will be graduated to cover from one to 4 days. The prerigistration fee, which can be refunded in the case of unavoidable cancellati is $10. It should be sent to James Long, Conference Co-ordinator, 323F Ag Phase II, Washint State University, Pullman, Washington, 99163, u. S. A. - 30 - August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PICKLE POINTERS Following are some common questions about dill pickles and answers submitted by Betty Birch, Alberta Agriculture's district home economist at Stettler. Q. What is the white sediment in the bottom of some dill pickle jars.? A. The sediment is caused by the bacteria responsible for the fermentation proc It occurs in dill pickles that have gone through a mild fermentation process, but in no way affec the quality of the pickles. Q. Can dill seed be used instead of dill weed when making dill pickles? A. Not very satisfactorily. The seed does not usually give the pickles a 'pronou flavor and may even give them an 'old' flavor. Q. What causes pickles to turn black? A. Iron from the water or the utensils used in the pickling process are usually resp for this condition. However, the dark color can also be caused by a low nitrogen content in the cucumbers. Although black pickles are not as appetizing as green pickles, they are quite safe to Q. Why do pickles shrivel? A. Shrivelling is usually caused by putting the cucumbers in too strong a brine or strong a vinegar solution. It can also be caused by allowing too long a period between the time cucumbers are picked and the time they are pickled. This period should not be longer than 24 hours. Too much sugar, alum and over-processing are other causes. — (cont'd) — August 30, 1976 - 2 Pickle Pointers (cont'd) Q. What causes pickles to become soft? A. Softening is usually caused by too weak a brine or vinegar solution to prevent the growth of micro-organisms. It may also be caused by the cucumbers not being completely covered by the brine or vinegar. Again, soft pickles are not as appetizing but are safe to eat. Q. What causes hollow pickles? A. This condition is usually caused by the faulty development of the cucumbers, resulting from a hot, dry, growing season, but it may also be caused by keeping the cucumbers too long after they are picked. A high temperature during the fermentation process is still another possible cause. A publication entitled "Jams, Jellies, and Pickles" has instructions on making all types of pickles and contains some very good pickle recipes. It is available from the publications office, Agriculture Building, Edmonton, T5K 2C8. -30- 15 August 30, 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AGRICULTURE WEEK 1976 The Honourable Marvin E. Moore, Alberta's agriculture minister, has designated October 4 to 8 as Agriculture Week in Alberta. Agriculture Week is held annually in Alberta to promote awareness of the import of agriculture to the life and economy of the province. "Agriculture Week is designed to create public understanding of the relationship between all aspects of agriculture," Mr. Moore said. This year an agriculture industry committee has been set up under the chairmans of Dr. C. F. Bentley, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Alberta. The committee's responsibilities include involving industry in telling their story, of agriculture. With more than half of Alberta's gross provincial product being directly or indirec ,*»-<*f<* • ■ based on agricultural production, and one of every three Albertans employed in an agriculture- related industry, there is a big story to tell. The Alberta Agricultural Hall of Fame will once again "kick off" Agriculture We A dinner and reception will be held in Red Deer on September 30 to honour a number of Albertans who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture in the province. For further information on Agriculture Week1976, contact Doug Pettit at 1 B, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton or phone 427-2127. -30- Ah