Let it Grow Before Turning Them Out to Pasture

source: Farm and Food Report

Spring is well on its way. You figure you have seen your cattle long enough, and that it is time to send them out to pasture after feeding them all winter.

Just wait and make sure the grass has had a chance to grow before calling it freedom, says André Bonneau, a Forage Conversion Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

“The longer you wait before you turn your cows out in the spring, the more pasture you will have in the fall. One good rule of thumb is that each extra day you keep your herd off the pasture will translate into up to five extra days in the fall. Depending on growing conditions, sometimes you will make even more than that.”

Bonneau recommends waiting until at least the first week of June before turning out your cows, with a few exceptions:

“In the case of your calving pasture, you wouldn’t worry too much because the pasture might not be used again for some time. That would be more or less a sacrifice pasture because it’ll be grazed hard in the spring and left alone, without welcoming an animal until fall or perhaps even next spring.”

If your pasture or one of your pastures has been overgrazed during the last few years, Bonneau advises some measure of caution.

“The pressure on the grasses may have allowed the release of some poisonous species like locoweed, which contains a variety of toxins and causes locoism in horses, cattle, and sheep, resulting in locomotor disturbances, trembling and depression. Larkspur is another highly toxic plant, as is seaside arrowgrass. Their occurrence varies, depending on the part of the province where you are located.”

One other notorious poisonous plant is the infamous western water hemlock that can result in death when ingested. Many of these plants are the first green plants in the spring, explains Bonneau.

“What can happen is that if people put out their cattle before the grass has a chance to grow, the cattle may feed on the poisonous species. This could have serious consequences for herd health.”

Bonneau suggests the adoption of good pasture stewardship practices to ensure the resource is used sustainably.

“Riparian areas should be protected during the spring because they are particularly vulnerable to erosion and disturbance, given that the ground is softer. The use of an alternate water supply may be the sensible course of action. Ranchers might even consider pumping the water out into troughs to save the riparian belt during the critical period.”

Resource management strategies, such as rotational grazing programs, may make all the difference in the world, because a plan like that provides a viable framework for grazing activities.

“Remember that it makes sense to graze your tame grasses before your native grasses, so they can have the benefit of warmer weather to establish themselves adequately and help you increase your gains later on during the summer.”

This, and a little dose of common sense, will help ensure your grazing season is a rewarding and productive component of your cattle operation.

For more information, contact:
André Bonneau
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Agriculture Knowledge Centre
(306) 694-3721

New Findings On Ascochyta Blight Management in Chickpea

source: Farm and Food Report

Timely application of fungicides is a critical factor in disease management for ascochyta blight infestations.

A recent study conducted by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan is shedding new light on the best approach. Dr. Sabine Banniza was the lead researcher on the project.

“Chickpeas really started to become a significant crop in Saskatchewan around 1995,” says Dr. Banniza. “At the time, ascochyta blight was not a major issue. Consequently, there was not a wide range of fungicides available. During the late 1990s, there was an explosion of chickpea production in the province. The total production went from perhaps 1,000 hectares to half a million hectares because prices were so good.”

Chickpeas became a very attractive crop. However, 1999 and 2000 were particularly wet summers, and there was a dramatic increase in the occurrence of ascochyta blight as a result.

“This caught many chickpea producers by surprise. They didn’t know how to handle the disease because not much information was available on how to handle it. We applied for funding to extend our knowledge of appropriate disease management strategies, and we were able to do just that starting in 2002.”

Prior to 2003, only Bravo was registered for the control of ascochyta blight in chickpeas. Quadris and Headline became available for use in the 2003 crop season, and Lance arrived on the scene in 2004.

This broadened the choice for producers. Trials were conducted at Saskatoon, Swift Current, and in producers’ fields at various locations in Saskatchewan to determine the optimum application times and the most effective combination and sequencing of different fungicides.

“This recent new generation of fungicides is known as the Strobilurin group. When they came on the market, there was a lot of buzz around them. But people we also asking us how they should be applied. Our project looked at the order of application itself and whether or not it matters, and at which stage of plant growth the spraying should occur.”

After testing the products, Dr. Banniza’s team confirmed that it is important to control the disease as early as possible — meaning before the plant begins flowering.

“Until this came to light, the recommended approach was to monitor for the disease when chickpeas entered the flowering stage, because previous research had shown that resistance to the disease breaks down during flowering. At that point, the disease can spread very quickly. However, once you are behind it, it becomes impossible to control. Therefore, pre-flower application is very important.”

Her advice is to go out to the fields and keep looking for symptoms. “As soon as you see them, spray right away if wet weather is forecast.”

For more information, consult the publication Guidelines for Disease Scouting and Foliar Fungicide Applications for Ascochyta Blight in Chickpea in Saskatchewan: 2004 Season, available on the Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca. Click on Crops, Integrated Pest Management, Disease, then on the document name for a downloadable PDF.

For more information, contact :
Dr. Sabine Banniza
Crop Development Centre
University of Saskatchewan
(306)966-2619

Black Fly Program Puts Balm on Herd Problem

source: Farm and Food Report

We have all experienced their voracious appetite at one time or another.

Black flies are not only one of the most unpleasant pests in the wilderness, they can actually cause serious injury to cattle — especially among young calves.

That is why Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food is providing $125,000 again this year to help prevent infestations.

Jim Armstrong is Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Manager of Field Services in Tisdale.

“Newly born calves have been known to die as a result of black fly infestations. When the flies attack cattle, the cows can come under so much stress that they can stop feeding. The flies will attack calves and any other livestock in their way. Eyes and the underside of the animals are particularly vulnerable.”

The northeast region is prime breeding ground for black flies, which is why the control program focuses on that region.

Shawn Meckelborg is the Program Coordinator with the District #32 Agriculture Development and Diversification Board.

“The abatement zone includes the areas surrounding the North, South, and Main Saskatchewan rivers between Shellbrook, St. Louis, Melfort, and Nipawin. The Torch River North of Choiceland and surrounding areas are also included. The zone was chosen because of its unique characteristics, in that prime black fly habitat is mingled with livestock production to cause severe damage and significant financial losses to farmers in the area.”

It has been estimated that the damage caused by black fly harassment can result in annual losses of as much as $3 million to cattle producers. Black flies also affect other domestic livestock, such as elk and bison.

To control them, early intervention in the form of a biological pesticide is used. Meckelborg explains how it works:

“Bacillus thuringiensis – israelensis (Bt-i) is used to target larval populations while they are restricted to aquatic systems before mass emergence of biting adults. Adult black flies quickly become widespread and cannot be effectively managed. Effective larvicide treatments in the spring are considered to be most important, since the dominant pest species, Simulium luggeri, can have many generations each season.”

Bt-i is a bacterial pesticide, which must be ingested by the target organism to have any effect. It is very target specific and leaves all the natural predators of black fly larva unharmed. As it is not a chemical pesticide, it degenerates quickly in the environment, causing no lasting effects to the ecosystem.

“The pesticide is delivered by use of a jet boat and spray tank apparatus with an in-line flow meter used to gauge dosage rate. The dosage or parts per million which produces the best results in the Saskatchewan River system is 1.5-2.0. The amount of Bt-i required to achieve this concentration varies depending on the river flow rate.”

The program’s success is gauged by a group of cooperating livestock producers within the abatement zone. Each monitors fly activity in their area and reports back regularly. By using these methods, the program has been able to significantly reduce black fly harassment in the abatement zone and thus reduce financial losses to area livestock producers.

Everyone wins. The producers themselves enjoy better working conditions, and tourists have a better chance to enjoy their stay in the region if black fly population levels are low.

After all, vacationers do tend to stay away from zones where they become the main attraction… or the meal of the day.
For more information, contact:
Jim Armstrong
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306)878-8804

Shawn Meckelborg
District #32 Agriculture Development and Diversification Board
(306)763-0609

Laying Stepping Stones Toward Aboriginal Careers in Agriculture

source: Farm and Food Report

Many career options were featured at the 2005 Stepping Stones Career Fair held recently in Regina, with 80 booths representing private sector, non-profit and government organizations.

Booth hosts were all there to share pieces of wisdom about career opportunities for Aboriginal youth.

Scott Wright, Director of Crop Development at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, was one of those called to raise awareness about the professional opportunities that await Aboriginal students.

“The career fair gives students a chance to see what spectrum is available to them as they graduate and as they move forward in their lives. This is our chance to raise the profile of agriculture, of careers in the agricultural sector, and of career options at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, for Aboriginal youth.”

More than 1,000 students attended from Regina and surrounding area schools — and from as far away as Yorkton and Saskatoon.

Audrey Haines, a Human Resources Consultant at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, was thrilled about this unparalleled opportunity to connect with a young audience.

“It has been great. We have had students as young as Grade 6 come by. It is very early in their career discernment process. Some don’t have a lot of questions yet. But it is important that we have a presence here and that they think of us as an option. We’ve been talking about everything from basic production to science and technology-based careers, as well.”

The demographic trends of recent years and the land settlements we are witnessing point to the development of a significant agriculture segment as part of First Nations economic activities over the coming years, according to Wright.

“We have seen increased interest as the lands expand among the bands and nations in terms of making agriculture a cornerstone of what they are able to do. The opportunities in terms of careers in agriculture range all the way from being a producer or an agronomist, right through to being a scientist.”

Soil science, plant science or livestock science are all very real potential career choices, explains Wright.

“The variety of careers takes us beyond farming, well into the most high-tech sciences, including value-adding and bio-processing.”

Wright is quick to point out that this is just a continuation of something that goes back to before the early days of European settlement in Saskatchewan.

“People have been involved in agricultural activities among First Nations communities for quite some time. How do we see the students responding? I think, with every group this age, there is a challenge in catching interest and in catching a perspective that says this is what they want to do for the future. This said, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food is very aware of opportunities for the Aboriginal community to provide future employees. We are looking for the best and the brightest to contribute to agriculture, from all walks of life!”

Already, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food is seeing an increased awareness of the agricultural potential among Aboriginal communities.

“We have been invited to join opportunities looking at the Lebret Farm, which is a Metis-managed farm. We see increased activities around irrigation, for example, and Aboriginal communities that are interested in moving themselves forward in agriculture. I see tremendous interest from the Aboriginal community and a lot of buy in. We need to nurture this interest.”

For more information, contact:
Scott Wright
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306)787-4661

Audrey Haines
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306)787-7141

Time to Keep an Eye Out For Flea Beetles

source: Farm and Food Report

The ability of flea beetles to maintain large over-wintering populations has made them persistent spring pests primarily of canola, but even mustard has been affected over the past few years from high flea beetle populations.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Insect Specialist Scott Hartley offers some insight into managing their impact on crops.

“Your best indicator of what flea beetle populations will be like this spring is what the population was last fall,” says Hartley. “Flea beetles over-winter as adults within leaf litter, grass and vegetative debris within fields, beneath hedges and shelterbelts, in poplar groves, and in association with canola stubble and volunteer cruciferous plants.”

Initially, when the temperature warms up in spring, they will start feeding on early emerging volunteer canola and related weeds such as wild mustard, flixweed and stinkweed.

“The economic impact of flea beetle damage will not be felt until the canola seedlings start to emerge and become the next food source for the beetles,” explains Hartley. “Producers should base their flea beetle management decision on populations observed the previous fall.”

Flea beetles feed on the above ground plant components of brassica crops (canola, mustard and rapeseed). The effect of feeding activity on crop development varies with the part of the plant that is targeted, as well as crop development and the intensity of the attack.

The crop can usually compensate for the destruction of individual plants, provided large portions of the crop are not totally destroyed and growing conditions are favourable. Feeding damage is most severe when beetles attack the growing point (apical meristem) because it limits the ability of the plant to recover, most often resulting in death. Cool spring conditions in 2004 slowed seedling development, as well as flea beetle activity. The insects fed closer to the ground surface, girdling the young stems and killing the plants that were most severely affected.

“In essence, younger plants are more susceptible to high feeding pressure. We recommend constant monitoring to ensure the action threshold is not crossed. This is the point where 25 per cent of leaf tissue has been removed or consumed. It is the level where the plant can withstand a little more damage while giving producers sufficient time to implement appropriate action.”

According to Hartley, the use of insecticide seed treatments represents an attractive option when the infestation is expected to be intense.

“Whether producers opt for a seed treatment with just a fungicide or a combination of insecticide and fungicide, the coated seed is the best way to ensure constant protection. The insecticide in the seed treatment is systemic — it grows within the plant and is fatal to the flea beetles when plant tissue is consumed.

“However, the newer seed treatments do not repel the beetles, and therefore, with high populations and heavy feeding, a foliar spray may still be required. The higher rates of the seed treatments have provided the best control under these conditions. Seed treatments containing an insecticide are not registered for on farm use, and must be applied by commercial seed treaters.”

Regular monitoring for flea beetle damage is important. “When assessing economic thresholds, it is important to consider growing conditions, as well. When flea beetle feeding is combined with poor plant growth during hot, dry weather, canola can tolerate less flea beetle feeding than if plants are growing under more ideal conditions.”

Hartley also points out that research is currently being conducted to develop flea beetle resistant canola varieties.

For more information, consult the Flea Beetle Management Fact Sheet on the SAF website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca. Under Crops, click on Integrated Pest Management, then Insects.

For more information, contact:
Scott Hartley
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-4669

Tisdale Manufacturer Hires Skilled Welders From Ukraine

source: Farm and Food Report

Northern Steel Industries of Tisdale is growing.

The company manufactures above and below ground liquid storage tanks that are distributed throughout Canada and the United States. But recently, Northern Steel has experienced shortages of skilled employees to address the needs of its customers.

The company opted to look at Ukraine for its labour requirements, according to Human Resources Manager Walter Garchinski.

“We advertised and tried to encourage people to move to rural Saskatchewan — more specifically to Tisdale. We soon realized we had to look outside of our Northeast region; outside of Saskatchewan; and outside of Canada. Our local contacts informed us that there was an abundant supply of skilled workers in Ukraine willing to move here. We also were aware that the work ethics of people from Ukraine are very strong.”

In September last year, Garchinski, his wife Jean, the Northern Steel shift supervisor and a Government of Saskatchewan representative all traveled to Kiev, with a view to test a total of 43 welders. Garchinski provided offers of employment to 21 of these individuals.

“This was a fascinating experience. The testing of their skills was carried out at the Paton Welding Institute in Kiev. While my shift supervisor was testing them, I interviewed them with the help of an interpreter. Some were quite fluent in English; others had a very limited command of the language.”

The candidates had been pre-screened by the Kiev Youth Labour Centre.

“Before we left Kiev, we were able to inform the candidates who were chosen that we were inviting them to join our employee base in Tisdale, with their spouses. The first group of six arrived on March 9, followed by another group of five on March 30. Eight more are due to arrive on May 8,” Garchinski explained as he prepared to leave for Kiev again on April 24 to recruit more welders and four industrial painters.

“The wives and children of these new employees will join them six to eight months after they arrive. The delay is to make sure they have adjusted well, and to minimize the stress on the families.”

Garchinski notes that the new employees are doing well.

“We have arranged for accommodations for everyone. Our local communities have been extremely generous with their donations of dishes, furniture, cutlery, beds and everything. The response has been just incredible throughout the Northeast, to the point we have not had to buy anything to prepare for their arrival.”

One of the reasons the process seems to go so smoothly is the level of candidate preparation that goes on at the Kiev Youth Labour Centre in light of their future work assignment in Canada.

“They learn about mig flux core welding. All the candidates were trained through the Paton Welding Institute to help them qualify for their International Welder’s Certificate. My shift supervisor described the type of welding skills that were required at our plant in Tisdale, and the Paton Institute trained the candidates to meet these requirements.”

The Institute provided English language training and taught the candidates how to read Northern Steel’s blueprints. The candidates and their families were also taught some basic knowledge about Saskatchewan, Canada and Tisdale.

“They needed to have some general idea of what life would be like in Canada for them. There was even a psychologist preparing the families for being apart for six to eight months and the adjustments that would be required when moving to a foreign country. Without the quality of preparation that goes on there, we could never have been this successful. It does guarantee a high probability of success.”

When asked why a country like Ukraine would be so eager to export its skilled workforce abroad, Garchinski answers: “There is simply a surplus of skilled labourers looking for work in Ukraine. The Kiev Youth Labour Centre also provides employees to the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy. Northern Steel is the first employer in Canada to use their services. They are involved in a number of sectors, such as agriculture and nursing - even in training mushroom pickers and horseback riders. It is a very solid organization. We are confident that we have made the right decision.”

For more information, contact:
Walter Garchinski
Northern Steel
(306) 873-4531

New Export Standards Help Save On Dehy Antioxidant Cost

source: Farm and Food Report

A new study funded by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Agriculture Development Fund confirms that alfalfa dehydration plants can cut back on their use of ethoxyquin by as much as 30 per cent and still maintain acceptable levels of Vitamin A in pellets.

Ethoxyquin is an antioxidant that is applied in the pelleting process and prevents vitamin A oxidation during storage months.

Dale Pulkinen is a researcher with Kapt Al Services Ltd., the agency that conducted the study.

“Typically, 150 parts per million (ppm) of ethoxyquin have been applied in the past to maintain the old 125,000 Internal Units Per Pound (IUPP) export standard for Vitamin A,” Pulkinen says. “With the new 50,000 IUPP, we wanted to make sure we could reduce ethoxyquin application rates without affecting the quantity of Vitamin A that is lost during storage.”

Usually, there is a loss of 4,000 to 5,000 IUPP of Vitamin A per month during storage periods, depending on conditions.

“If we provide a buffer of 20,000 IUPP, we can still maintain acceptable Vitamin A levels for four to five months. Keep in mind that depletion occurs only during summer months, as the cold of winter prevents most Vitamin A losses.”

In concrete terms, this means producers can let their alfalfa dry in the fields a little longer before they have to resort to artificial dehydration, which will allow production facilities to save substantially on natural gas and ethoxyquin application costs.

“Pellet production costs can be brought down as a result,” explains Pulkinen. “We can plan for 70,000 IUPP of Vitamin A and still allow 20,000 IUPP to be lost in storage, while meeting the 50,000 IUPP of the Japanese market. It means we can save up to 30 cents a tonne on ethoxyquin alone, plus substantially more on natural gas. It may not seem like much, but when you multiply that by our 120,000 tonne annual production in Saskatchewan, it translates into savings of $36,000 just there.”

When these are added to savings on natural gas for dehydration, the picture becomes significantly more attractive, which is good news for the dehy sector.

For more information, contact:
Dale Pulkinen
Kapt Al Services Ltd.
(306) 873-4760

Return of Red Fife Wheat Bodes Well For Organic Producers

source: Farm and Food Report

Jack and Gwen Klassen are pretty happy about their successes these days.

Their Victoire-area Carlton Trail Guest Ranch is taking more bookings than ever. Their Texas Longhorn cattle roam in a natural and chemical-free environment, producing lean, tender and healthy organic steaks for their guests.

And this spring, they are growing six acres of Red Fife wheat that is likely to fetch $28.00 a bushel this fall, according to Jack Klassen.

“Red Fife was first introduced to the central Ontario Otonabee region in 1842 as Halychanka, originally from Ukraine,” says Klassen. “Until 1888, it flourished as Canada’s main variety of commercial wheat. But with its 134 days to maturity requirement, it was not suited for the prairie provinces. As a result, some Calcutta wheat was brought in from India and crossbred with Red Fife, which led to the 107-day Marquis wheat and its higher yields.”

Klassen explains that all modern day varieties of commercial wheat trace their ancestry back to Red Fife.

“It was a fantastic baking wheat because it is low in gluten and it has a crumbing effect when ground into flour — meaning that it makes a hay yellow crumb — with a scent of herbs like anise and fennel. In the mouth, it has an herby, spicy flavour to it. Interestingly enough, Red Fife was almost extinct in 1988.”

According to Klassen, the Heritage Wheat Foundation in Alberta, under the direction of Sharon Rempel, was able to access a few seeds from the Canadian vault.

“These were reproduced and reproduced,” says Klassen, “until Marc Loiselle, a Saskatchewan organic producer, accessed them and planted them successfully. The harvest of 2004 yielded 65 tonnes. There was an interest in this legendary old variety’s baking properties. Wildfire Bakery in Victoria heard about Marc’s accomplishment and convinced him to sell them 40 tonnes of his wheat that it stored in a specially installed downtown grain bin.”

Klassen believes that sale marks the biggest sale of Red Fife in the last 75 years. In the meantime, Loiselle was invited to the Salone del Gusto (Hall of Taste) in Turin, Italy, to showcase his new old wheat.

“One hundred and forty thousand visitors there were exposed to the return of Red Fife. We have now been commissioned by Marc to grow this wheat on our ranch because we live in a secluded area. The wheat needs lots of sunshine and a soil that is not too heavy. Here, we have sandy to sandy loam soil.”

In early May, Klassen had some Red Fife wheat milled, brought to Saskatoon, baked into bread and served to 1,400 visitors from Canada and around the world at Rendez-vous Canada. Rendez-vous is the country’s oldest and most prestigious international tourism industry trade fair.

“Red fife wheat is back, thanks to the foresight of Marc Loiselle and other organic producers. We have kind of a gentlemen’s agreement that, because it is the organic industry that is commercializing it again, it should remain an organic product.”

For more information, contact:
Jack Klassen
Carlton Trail Guest Ranch
(306) 427-4440
http://www.sasktelwebsite.net/gwensk/

Inspection Requirements For Out-Of-Province Cattle

source: Farm and Food Report

Out-of-province ranchers, who are summer-grazing their livestock in Saskatchewan, are required to have their animals brand-inspected prior to leaving Saskatchewan in the fall.

“Every year in May, several thousand out-of-province cattle and horses arrive to spend the summer grazing on private pastures in Saskatchewan,” says Barry Belak of North Battleford, a provincial livestock investigator with the Inspection and Regulatory Management Branch of Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF).

“Out-of-province livestock that summer in Saskatchewan are welcome because they add substantially to cash flow for Saskatchewan landowners,” Belak said.

However, there’s a proper procedure to follow, that protects both the livestock owner and the landowner, he said.

“Alberta ranchers are required to have their cattle brand-inspected prior to leaving their province in the spring, and Saskatchewan requires the same livestock to be brand-inspected when they leave Saskatchewan in the fall. This procedure ensures that ranchers are returning with the correct livestock, not local animals. It’s part of doing business in Saskatchewan.”

The cost of inspection in Saskatchewan is $1.65 per animal.

Saskatchewan’s brand inspectors are located throughout the province and are only a phone call away, Belak says.

A list of inspectors is as follows: Ron Sabin, 306-446-7404, North Battleford; Les Tipton, 306-933-7660, Saskatoon; Bob Solomon, 306-786-5712, Yorkton; Dave Augustine, 306-778-8312, Swift Current; Lee Bellows, 306-694-3709, Moose Jaw; and Garth Woods, 306-435-4582, Moosomin.

Provincial Investigator offices are situated in North Battleford (306-446-7571) and Saskatoon (306-933-6781).

For more information about brand inspection, contact the inspectors or see SAF’s website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca.

For more information, contact:
Barry Belak
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 446-7571

School Features How-To of Livestock Handling

source: Farm and Food Report

What signs and symptoms of herd health condition should pasture riders pay attention to?

What precautions should you take when handling an animal?

The 2005 Stock Person’s School will address all these issues and more on Tuesday, May 10 in Saskatoon.

“This is a one of a kind opportunity to boost your knowledge in a one day package,” says Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan Chairman Stewart Stone. The organization puts on the school, which is in its fifth year.

“This initiative is held in partnership with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan,” Stone says. “We are very fortunate that we can count on the expertise of their faculty members to help guide participants toward better livestock handling, safety and health practices,” states Stone.

The morning consists of three presentations. First, Dr. John Campbell will speak on human and animal safety when using vaccines and implants. His presentation is aptly called: The Fine Points of Needling.

Next, Dr. Trish Dowling will talk about exhaustion and lameness in the working cow horse. She will give participants the low-down on avoiding being down one horse in the pasture.

“The school targets Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration riders, feedlot workers, and producers generally,” explains Stone. “ Since many check their cattle on horses, any tips that will help them spot problems before they become serious adds value in their work environment. Dr. Dowling will show them how to manage problematic situations.”

Before lunch, Dr. Chris Clark will share his knowledge on diagnostics in the pastures — how to tell if something is wrong early on and how to make sure your animals are healthy.

“These three U of S vets will share their wisdom with participants and help them run their activities and programs more efficiently. In the afternoon, we offer a new element this year. We have invited Dylan Biggs to talk about low-stress handling practices with livestock,” Stone adds.

Mr. Biggs has spent his life working on ranches. He is from Hanna, Alberta, and currently runs a 10,000-acre traditional cow-calf and yearling operation. He has travelled around North America to give presentations on precisely this subject through seminars, clinics and demonstrations.

According to Stone, “he provides insightful ideas on how to best handle cattle in pastures with minimal equipment and staff, and how to do this with the least possible stress.”

The Stock Person’s School is unique, and attracts participants from all three Prairie provinces. The timing is right, and the content is applicable to many industry sectors.

For more information on the 2005 Stock Person’s School or to register, call (306) 249-3227 or visit www.facs.sk.ca

For more information, contact:
Stewart Stone, Chairman
Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan
(306) 249-3227
www.facs.sk.ca

Creating Hairy Canola Seedlings Key to Fending Off Flea Beetles

source: Farm and Food Report

Every creature has its nemesis. Flea beetles simply hate hairy surfaces, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researcher Dr. Margaret Gruber.

“They don’t like hair to get in their way,” Dr. Gruber says. “It seems they can’t touch the surface of canola seedlings properly when that happens — nor can they feed on them. We have been studying some of the genes that influence hair development in plants in order to create canola varieties with hair on seedlings, which would constitute a natural defence against predatory flea beetles.”

These hairs are called trichomes. With the financial assistance of canola grower organizations in the three Prairie Provinces and the Western Grains Research Foundation, scientists at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada facility in Saskatoon will work over the next three years on developing hairy canola germplasm that also has the potential to provide drought resistance to seedlings.

“AAFC researchers in Winnipeg and Saskatoon have figured out from previous observations that flea beetles don’t do well with hairy leaves on other plants. Here in Saskatoon, we have succeeded in generating canola with extremely hairy young leaves. We must now develop trichomes on the cotyledon of the canola seedling in order for the natural resistance to be truly effective in fending off flea beetles.”

Dr. Gruber expects that flea beetle resistant canola will translate into substantial savings for producers, who will no longer have to rely on the use of pesticides to protect their crops against this particular invader. Plant breeders and entomologists have struggled for years to develop canola germplasm that deters flea beetles.

Approximately $150 million in damages occurs annually to Canadian canola crops because of these pests, despite $40 million being spent annually on pesticides.

“The plants that we have developed so far are much smaller than normal canola varieties. In this type of work, we are simply remaking the plants with higher densities of hair. Canola plants already have hair — we are just trying to stimulate higher density through experimentation. Now that we have succeeded in doing this in young leaves, we will focus on recovering the normal size of the plants and stimulating hair growth on the cotyledon itself.”

Dr. Gruber admits being very excited about this work, as she and her colleagues study a number of traits in the plant to understand the relationship between flea beetles and canola.

“There are flea beetle resistant species of weeds, like stinkweed and false flax, that are related to canola and are of immense interest for us. We examine the compounds that these plants produce, and we try to gain insight into compounds that make plants resistant to flea beetles and compounds that make canola susceptible to these pests. Once we accomplish that, we look to see if a resistance type of bio-chemical pathway is present, but not currently functional, in canola. We also study the function of genes which are expressed differently when canola is damaged by beetles.”

Dr. Gruber explains how plants make chemicals for defense much in the same way humans produce antibodies. In the case of plants, some chemicals will make the plant more resistant to insects. Sometimes, chemicals in the plant will actually be converted into a substance that is useful to the insect’s metabolism.

“We focus on understanding and developing traits that are associated with insect resistance. We will be conducting some tests this year that, hopefully, will let us determine just how resistant the hairy leaves are. We anticipate they will fully protect the young leaves, which is a part of the seedling that even pesticides do not seem to protect well. But we still have canola with smooth cotyledon to contend with at the moment. Our next few years of experiments should bring us closer to growing canola endowed with a hairy cotyledon. This is the type of plant breeding adventure my colleagues and I thrive on.”

For more information, contact:
Dr. Margaret Gruber
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Saskatoon Research Centre
(306) 956-7263

Saltccoats Grazier Has a Few Feathers in His Hat

source: Farm and Food Report

Arden Bradford has learned much about sustainable agricultural production during his 30 years of experience in the profession — with his 25 quarters to manage.

He has gone from mostly crop production to raising cattle to holistic range management, and now he is entering the realm of selling birding experiences to amateur ornithologists and nature lovers right on his land.

“We have sharp-tailed grouse drumming grounds on our property; we have turkey vultures nesting in an old building in one of our yards,” Bradford says. “When members of our extended family come give us a hand or just for a visit, they are always fascinated by the abundance of birds on our land.”

“They also express interest in gaining knowledge about food production — where food comes from — and how we operate our farm. They want to know about the evolution of farming practices through time. Even how we look after the soil has become a top of mind issue for some of our guests — something the average urbanite wasn’t that concerned with 10 years ago.”

All this interest got Bradford thinking about how he could transform his operation into some kind of interpretive centre that earns its keep from both agriculture and paying visitors.

Bradford needed to beef up his own knowledge. He took a holistic range management course. He now grazes between 380 and 400 cows plus calves — some are on a custom grazing program. He has acquired some land over the years that includes native pastures and natural wetlands. Due care was given to not breaking up the land. As a result, the property is just loaded with the usual upland and wetland species, such as sandhill cranes and geese.

“We have upland grasses that have never been ploughed and we are located right on highway 16, across from the town of Saltcoats. There is a lot of traffic on that highway. What we’d like to do is to establish some walking trails on the land that would take folks through the pastures, various native and tame grasses,” explains Bradford.

“We will also establish some drop-off sites where we’ll take guests to watch the sharp-tailed grouse in action during mating season. We’ll arrange to go pick guests up later in the day — all this for a fee. We will also start offering some guided tours on an hourly rate or a flat fee for groups.”

Bradford is as proud member of the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association, a group that seeks to increase awareness of the rich diversity of bird species in the area. For him and a number of other birding enthusiasts, this could well be the next hot destination for bird lovers.

Apparent changes in migratory patterns have brought about larger numbers of geese and cranes to the area during both spring and fall in recent times. This coincides with larger numbers of songbirds like warblers, finches and orioles throughout spring and summer. Over a three-day period, as many as 110 species of birds have been identified around Saltcoats in the past.

For Bradford and a few fellow citizens, this could well be the new resource that will supplement straight agricultural income. He is already talking to a local bed and breakfast operator about packaging market-ready birding experiences.

“You know, I’ve lived outdoors all my life. I have gained some unique knowledge about the land, the mechanisms that help sustain life in and on it, and about the creatures that inhabit it. I love birds and I love sharing with people. This will work us.”

For more information, contact:
Arden Bradford
(306) 744-8194

Goat Breeders Determined to Foster Industry Development

source: Farm and Food Report

These may not be the best of times for Saskatchewan goat breeders affected by the BSE border closures, saturated markets, and meat prices that bring only 60 cents a pound liveweight if luck is on your side.

But goat breeders are a resilient bunch, and the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association will be exploring long-term solutions to current industry woes when it holds its Annual General Meeting in Regina on April 30, according to association Secretary Judi Fisher.

“Meat used to fetch one dollar a pound liveweight at one time,” Fisher says. “Traditionally, our markets are in Ontario. Prices are really hurting us. On a recent cull of does, we were looking at shipping animals to Ontario. We soon realized we would have lost money to put them on a truck to send them there.”

Fortunately, goats being one of the earliest animals domesticated by humans thousands of years ago, a number of resources are extracted from them besides meat. There are milk and cheeses, of course, but also soap made with the milk, lotions and hand creams, and the fibre in their coat. “When people mention Angora goats, the fibre used to make amazingly soft sweaters immediately comes to mind,” explains Fisher.

One might say that goat breeders come in many breeds themselves. Some are hobby goat producers with small herds; others have herds of 400 goats raised for meat; while others have small dairy operations.

“In Saskatoon, for instance, there is a small niche market among families of consumers with children affected by lactose intolerance who cannot drink cow’s milk,” says Fisher. “This represents a non-negligible opportunity for some regional operations.”

Goat meat also has appeal as a specialty product. The association dreams of a day when federally inspected slaughtering plants in Saskatchewan will allow goat producers to sell goat meat directly to restaurants.

Fisher is quick to point out that, in Saskatchewan, a large percentage of goat meat sales currently occur right at the farm gate, rather than at butcher shops or retail stores: goats are slaughtered on-farm, and consumers purchase the meat directly from the producer on the farm.

“In many ways, we tend to have a closer contact with the consumers of our products than in other industries perhaps. We get to know them and we learn what their preferences are. It gives us a chance to acquire first-hand information about consumer choices and priorities.”

In the same vein, some breeders really get to know their animals.

“We have 15 goats altogether, and we also raise 60 Canadian Arcott sheep in the Bulyea area,” Fisher says. “We call our farm Lone Oak Acres — yes, we have one lone oak! We raise purebred Alpine, Nubian and commercial goats, which includes a couple of boer goats. Goats are special. I love their attitude. They are a privilege to raise and derive sustenance from, as many others before us have done.”

To find out more about goats in Saskatchewan, or to attend the AGM in Regina, call (306) 725-4959.

For more information, contact:
Judi Fisher
Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association
(306) 725-4959

Consulting Agrologists Head Back to School

source: Farm and Food Report

To be a consulting agrologist is to accept that your career is a lifelong learning process, full of opportunities to hone your skills. And sometimes, a little coaching helps speed things up.

Given this overarching principle, heading back to school every now and again is the best way to ensure that the quality of service consulting agrologists provide is as good as can be, according to Canadian Consulting Agrologists Association (CCAA) Executive Director Adele Buettner.

“The CCAA’s 2005 North American Consulting School that takes place in Saskatoon on April 25 and 26 is the requisite gathering place for all consultants working in agriculture-related fields,” said Buettner. “This will be our third edition. After a trip to Calgary last year, we are back again at the University of Saskatchewan this year.”

The Consulting School program was developed because of the particular nature of the work consulting agrologists must often carry out as experts in their field.

“We recognize there is a need for a school of this type in North America, where consultants can engage in hands-on activities that are applicable in the various areas they work in. This is likely why the school attracts participants from across Canada and the United States. The training resources we bring in also play a role in the school’s success.”

The CCAA requires all of its members to take one hour of ethics training each year, to explore some of the ethical challenges our members face in consulting situations.

“For instance, this year, three of our senior consultants will take members through moot exercises. Consultants are often used in court as expert witnesses. Consequently, we have partnered up with a local law firm in Saskatoon and invited Donald Good, a professional agrologist who is also a lawyer, to provide some training for our members. Consulting agrologists are regularly called upon as expert witnesses for crop insurance claims or claims relating to accidents and spillage.”

The type of training provided during the school will cover topics such as how to build a winning team; how to achieve maximum performance; how to help organizations implement best practices behaviour; how to develop partnerships; how to understand different behaviour styles; and how to become aware of your own behaviour style.

“How to communicate more effectively also figures in the school program. As you see, the school offers opportunities for many other professionals. Anyone who advises clients for a living will benefit from attending our sessions,” says Buettner.

The 2005 North American Consulting School takes place at the Biology Building on the U of S campus April 25-26. For more information or to register, call (306) 933-2974 or visit: www.consultingagrologists.com

For more information, contact:
Adele Buettner
Canadian Consulting Agrologists Association
(306) 933-2974

Mentorships Allow Future Vets To Gain Insight On Rural Practices

source: Farm and Food Report

Nothing beats getting your feet wet to find out what it is like to be a veterinarian in a rural setting.

That is precisely why mentorships make sense, especially in light of current trends, according to Registrar of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association Dr. Curt Hagele.

“As veterinarians in rural practices get closer to retirement age, we are likely to face a shortage of veterinarians with a rural background,” says Hagele. “More veterinary students today come from urban areas and don’t necessarily intend to work in a rural setting. They might be tempted more by a career in urban, companion animal practices. Consequently, there is a need to expose students early on in their training to rural, large animal practice experiences.”

Peer-to-peer mentorships provide the kind of advice to students that can enable them, once they graduate, to cater to any professional needs that may arise in the future.

“Five or six years ago, then Agriculture Minister Clay Serby expected a greater share of our agriculture diversification activities to stem from sustained growth in the cattle sector,” Hagele explains. “There would be a greater need for veterinarians with livestock experience. Minister Serby forecast this need, and assisted with the launch of the SVMA mentorship program.”

The purpose of the program is to create opportunities for 10 first and second year veterinary students to work in food animal or mixed animal practices for 14 weeks during the spring and summer months.

The participating practices, the SVMA and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s contribution to the program covers the students’ summer salaries.

Current Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman is equally supportive of the initiative.

“This mentorship program allows us to introduce students to the richness of life in rural Saskatchewan, to experience the professional advantages of a rural practice, and to obtain some excellent clinical, diagnostic and surgical experience early in their academic careers. This is why we recently approved a $50,000 contribution to the SVMA for the program this year.”

The SVMA administers the program and brings it the attention of the students who qualify.

“The selected practices must expose students to beef cow-calf operations and feedlots, and must agree to mentor the students for the full 14 weeks,” says Hagele. “The students will experience practice in rural Saskatchewan; dealing with client relations; large animal behavior and restraint; effective management of the business aspects of the practice; and staff relations.”

Alain Fafard of Ste.-Marthe, near the Manitoba border, had a chance to participate in a mentorship two years ago. He is graduating as a veterinarian this spring.

“Finding work in the summer when you are just beginning your studies can be difficult,” he says. The financial contribution from the government to my employer through the mentorship program made it possible for me to participate in the day-to-day activities of the practice, including visits to farms. It is a great program.”

The biggest advantage the students derive from the experience, according to Hagele, is the comfort level they will acquire with the livestock industry – its culture and language – and working effectively in a rural environment.

“Students are expected to submit monthly reports on their progress and, at the end of the summer, we analyze their impressions of the experience. This feedback forms the basis of the report provided to the Minister.

“Once a young veterinarian has overcome the hurdles of dealing with an unfamiliar environment, half the battle is won,” Hagele says. “Lacking exposure to rural veterinary practice leaves students at a disadvantage. By understanding the food animal industry and animal agriculture, they are more prepared to work with the producers and ranchers.”

Dr. Hagele hopes that, over time, the program will have a positive impact on how many new graduate veterinarians choose their first assignment as a veterinarian in a mixed or rural practice, rather than a companion animal practice.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Curt Hagele
Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association
(306) 955-7863

Scott Brown
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-4031

SSPCA Awards Recognize Operations Fostering Reduced Animal Stress

source: Farm and Food Report

Two Saskatchewan cattle operations recently received kudos from the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), for the exceptional way in which they take care of their animals.

Les and Linda Johnston of Fillmore and Conrad and Alice Vogel of Pelly were awarded Producer of the Year Awards at a special luncheon in Regina on April 9 (date?).

Reached at home, Les Johnston admitted he was pleasantly surprised to find out he and his wife Linda had been selected as award recipients.

“Caring for animals is just the way we do business at our place. We run a cow/calf operation with a herd of 400 animals — calving 170. We also produce replacement cattle, both bulls and females. We raise purebred Simmentals and our prime beef product, Simmental cross Angus.”

Johnson believes the fact that their Nisku Farms was one of the first 50 beef operations in Canada to participate in the National Verified Beef Program played a role in receiving this award.

“It is a whole new way to manage your operation. Everything is documented. The records you keep guarantee the safety of the consumer, and the traceability aspects really stand out. The system itself allows you to improve your production practices significantly by viewing each animal individually. I say we are no longer cowboys — we are food producers. You must start asking yourself how the things you do as a producer will affect the animal, given the knowledge that someone down the road will be eating this animal.”

Johnston explains how he and his wife Linda started to look at a few things around their operation, like stress and how it impacts livestock production.

“You may not realize it, but stress costs you money if it is a factor in your herd. We wanted to make our cattle comfortable to reduce stress by making sure the environment they live in minimized it. We spread the animals out and introduced fall grazing on a larger scale.”

He made sure the animals weren’t cooped up in pens, and then looked at their water supply.

“We introduced solar-powered pumps to pump water from dugouts into large troughs in order to avoid them standing in the water. We also segregate our animals into groups of the same age so they can compete with each other on an equal footing, so you don’t have a two year-old cow competing with a 10 year-old. We also have a whole herd health program.”

Practices that encourage the maintenance of a healthy herd likely also contributed to the selection of award winners Alice and Conrad Vogel.

The family raises Charolais beef and elk. Alice says Conrad really knows how to take care of his animals. Giving the best feed and making sure they have decent bedding is all part of the royal treatment dispensed at this Pelly ranch.

The Vogel’s yard is bright, open, welcoming, and immaculate. Cindy Smith is a former Animal Technician who has had a first hand look at their operation.

“A large hip-roof barn sits across the driveway from their stately home,” Smith describes. “The status of the barn in this beautiful yard is a representation of the status the animals hold for the Vogel family. Conrad and Alice demonstrate exceptional standards of care for the animals. This compassionate eye has led to the development of state-of-the-art handling facilities.”

From the smallest details, like gate latches, to larger undertakings such as indoor holding chutes and handling systems for easy veterinary care, all management aspects of the operation reflect careful observation and ensure the psychological well-being of the animals.

So, how do these folks view receiving the award? Les Johnson believes it is quite an honour.

“Usually when you hear about the SSPCA, it is about a disaster: dozens of cats found starving in a house or some herd of cattle malnourished and dying. I see this kind of recognition by the SSPCA as an educational opportunity to feature the steps cattlemen and women are taking today to raise animals sensibly. It is about recognizing that good ethical practices will lead to more profitable operations and to a better food source for consumers in the end.”

For more information, contact:
Frances Wach
Saskatchewan SPCA
(306) 382-4471

New Manure Application Findings Provide Insight on Sustainability

source: Farm and Food Report

How do repeated swine manure applications affect crop production, soil and environmental quality over time in Saskatchewan?

A new study funded by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) provides some encouraging news.

Results show that manure that is applied at agronomic rates — meaning that the rate of application is in balance with crop nutrient requirements and removal over time — is a sustainable management practice.

Dr. Jeff Schoenau of the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan is the lead scientist on the research project.

“Our intent was to develop guidelines and recommendations as to how the nutrients and organic matter in manures are best utilized in an agronomic and environmentally sustainable manner,” says Schoenau. “We have in place four long-term manure research trial sites across Saskatchewan where we are looking at different rates, sequences and methods of application of manure.”

The scientists measure soil properties like nutrient content, organic matter, soil structure, crop yield and quality. Teams worked mostly with hog manure, but also with cattle manure.

“We found that, when manure is applied at agronomic recommended rates – which may be accomplished by manure testing and soil testing to determine the appropriate rate and balance of manure and fertilizer nutrients to meet the crop demand – we see no evidence of nutrient loading or any negative effect on the quality of the soil.”

There is a caveat to this finding, however, according to Dr. Schoenau:

“We do see evidence of nutrient build up, increased losses by leeching or denitrification in situations where agronomic rates are exceeded. Respecting agronomic rates is also key to good yield responses to the nutrients contained in the manure over sustained periods. When manure is over-applied, we do see negative effects like lodging — where the crop falls over — and injury to germinating seeds and seedlings due to excessive salts and ammonium.”

In addition, Dr. Schoenau’s team confirmed that the method of manure application that is used is also important in achieving the best nutrient recovery by the crop.

“We found that, with injected liquid manure, we consistently achieved better crop recovery of nutrients and yields — which is the most desirable outcome — than with surface broadcast applications. This liquid injection of manure into the soil as bands was achieved during our trials with the help of a low disturbance coulter injector system. The system was incorporated by Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute on their swine manure injector truck, used for manure application research and demonstration purposes. Similar approaches to manure injection are now being utilized by commercial applicators.”

The study shows that, overall, annual applications of manure made for five to eight years on these soils at agronomic rates, in balance with crop nutrient removal, greatly enhanced crop production while maintaining or improving soil and environmental quality.

To download a copy of the study, click here.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Jeff Schoenau
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6844

Directorate A Voice For Saskatchewan Organic Producers

source: Farm and Food Report

In the fast changing world of agriculture, organic producers can use all the help they can get in increasing awareness about the opportunities in organic agriculture, the benefits of organic agriculture, and the real value of organic producers’ contributions to the industry as a whole.

According to association President Arnold Taylor. the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD) has made a difference for those producers and their families in elaborating policy positions; making organic certification more accessible for all participating producers; and promoting organic agriculture generally.

“We started out as an umbrella organization for organic certifiers in 1997,” Taylor says. “We have since evolved into a farmer-oriented organization working to bring about financial success and long-term environmental sustainability for organic agriculture. Our members now number 450 growers, through their producer associations, as well as processors, traders and consumers. They all count on us to help create a viable organic operating environment in our province.”

Policy work is one of the main resources the directorate has used over the years to bring about greater recognition from the industry in general. “While we don’t always agree on every issue, our by-laws require us to try to reach consensus before votes are taken,” Taylor points out.

SOD has also instilled a better appreciation for the particularities of organic agriculture and the challenges those who practice it must face with stakeholders and all industry players.

“Among other things, the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate has worked with the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation on much needed changes in its policies so that coverage and programs reflect organic production practices,” Taylor points out.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Blaine Recksiedler, the Provincial Specialist for Cereal and Organic Crops, recognizes the contributions made by SOD. “The Saskatchewan Organic Directorate provides useful services for the organic sector,” he says. “As the sector grows, we certainly expect SOD to be front and centre in guiding and facilitating its development.”

SOD’s Organic Agriculture Protection Fund (OAPF) is hosting a fundraising event at the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts in Regina on April 25, 2005, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Geneticist David Suzuki will be the featured speaker. Tickets are available at a cost of $20.00 at the Centre’s box office and other ticket outlets across the province, or by calling 1-800-667-8497.

For more information, contact:
Arnold Taylor
Saskatchewan Organic Directorate
(306) 252-2783
www.saskorganic.com

Western Canadian Livestock Event Blends Best of Two Industries

source: Farm and Food Report

At first glance, one might wonder why hog and dairy producers would decide to host a joint event. Give it a little more thought and it will all start making sense, according to Prairieland Park’s Donna Bohrson.

“In 2004, Prairieland Park's very successful Canada Dairy Expo and Sask Pork's popular Pork Expo joined forces to stage the combined Western Canadian Livestock Expo. It is almost a partnership made in heaven because exhibitors in both agricultural sectors are often the same.”

The Expo brings together the pharmaceutical and waste management industries, building suppliers and feed suppliers in an effort to lure potential clients — 130 companies displaying products and services in 180 booths under one roof.

“This is really a well targeted trade show for the two industries, rather than an Expo for the public at large,” Bohrson says. “There is a school tour component for grade five students on the story of milk and pork production today. But participants tend to be mostly operators, from farm management to employees in both sectors. They tend to come from Saskatchewan, but some travel from Alberta and Manitoba to attend the Expo.”

One of the special aspects of the Expo this year is that it coincides with the Holstein Canada National Convention in Saskatoon. Apparently, the Ontario delegation will be substantial.

For many, the highlight of the Expo is the dairy show featuring Jersey and Holstein breeds.

“There is much pageantry about the show. It is a very classy event, featuring a flower garden at one end of the ring. It enhances the atmosphere and lends ceremony to the event. Judges are dressed in tuxedos, which we provide for them. All the people who lead animals into the ring must be dressed entirely in white.”

There is gala presentation for the selection of the ring champion that involves a bit of a light show. It all culminates with the selection of the Supreme Champion Female.

“There is a different flavour to this show than one might find at a beef event,” says Bohrson. “It has its own character, its own traditions.”

On Thursday afternoon, there will be an auction sale of 70 head of the finest genetics of the Holstein breed in Western Canada. It will likely have a higher profile than usual this year because of the National Holstein Convention coming to the city.

Bohrson expects that around 2,500 people will visit the Expo on April 21st and 22nd at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.

For more information, call (306) 931-7149 or visit: http://www.saskatoonex.com/event.php?event=1806

For more information, contact:
Donna Bohrson
Prairieland Park
(306) 931-7149