AGRI DIGEST ONLINE NEWSLETTER August 21, 2007 Click on www.agridigest.com to go to our website. Welcome to the first edition of the Agri Digest Online Newsletter – geared to keeping you informed of what is available to you on our website. Plans are to deliver the newsletter twice a month at more or less regular intervals. We have no set publication schedule for Agri Digest Online – material is posted as it is received, usually two or three times a week -- so check it regularly. Please forward this newsletter to everyone on your mailing list who is interested in agriculture and encourage them to ask to be put on our mailing list so they can receive it directly. While a large amount of the editorial is still focused on British Columbia, as was the print version of Agri Digest, we are steadily increasing our reach across provincial and national borders. Your suggestions are needed. As it was with the print version of Agri Digest, our MANDATE is still: “to provide front-running technical information on the production and marketing of agricultural products, and other topics of particular interest to a farm readership. Our outlook is positive, forward-looking, and intended for those who prefer to look up, not down. We strive to avoid “bashing” of government or other bodies, and to offer information from which readers may be able to take ideas to assist in the creative and sustainable development of a successful farm enterprise.” Our aim: To make ourselves as valuable to our clients as they are to us. ~ SPECIAL SECTIONS ~ CALENDAR OF EVENTS – pretty much self-explanatory COWBOY CALENDAR – rodeos, cowboy concerts & other western heritage events SALES – upcoming sales of livestock & machinery BC AGRICULTURE RESOURCE GUIDE – farm & rural organizations, government offices, & directory of farm suppliers & services There are no charges for listings in any of the above. Please forward items to add or corrections to be made as soon as possible (to info@agridigest.com). Calendar items will remain on the list until the event is over. Resource Guide listings can be updated at any time changes happen in your organization. ARCHIVES – all the articles that have appeared previously on our website are moved to the Archives for permenent record. News items currently on the main page: BEEF CCA Monthly Report — August 2007 Enhanced Feed Ban Implements ….. R-CALF Litigation Continues ….. COOL Update ….. Environmental Impacts of the Beef Industry ….. CCA Executive Vice President In Attendance at WTO Negotiations ….. “Celebrating 75 Years – Looking Back and Stepping Forward” ….. BEES 1. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) This year, the attention of most of the world has been focused on the population crashes of honey bee colonies in northern temperate climates, beginning in fall and continuing into spring. Honey bee populations that appeared to be normal would simply dwindle down to empty or nearly empty boxes in days or weeks. This is really peculiar, since a honey bee population tends to decrease going into and during winter, but is supposed to survive until well into the next spring….. 2. The Mysterious disappearance of Honey Bees In October 2006 United States National Research Council published the report of their Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America, The report pointed out that an existing decline in honey bee pollinators was devastating North America. The report pointed out the importance of pollinators noting that three quarters of the earth’s flowering plants depended on pollinators for propagation. The extensive report dealt with bureaucratic issues aimed at dealing with the catastrophe and delineated ways that more human and financial resources should be focused on honey bee decline….. 3. Parasitic fungi and pesticides interact synergistically to kill insect pests: Honey bees may succumb to friendly fire? Honey bees are facing an unparalleled threat from something in the environment which is causing them to leave their hives but never return. The condition is called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). A number of ideas have been put forward to explain the catastrophe. The leading areas of concern are systemic insecticides (the neonicotinoid systemic pesticides used worldwide to treat seeds and crops) including the genetically modified (GM) crops, parasitic fungi and radiation associated with mobile phones. These environmental threats all are believed to have similar effects on the honey bees….. 3. A Parasitic Fungus Nosema ceranea and Honey Bee Decline The decline of honey bees has become a global issue of grave concern. The common features of the decline, designated colony collapse disorder (CCD), include failure of foraging bees to return to their hive, the inability of infected hives to attract healthy bees and the infection of bees from inflicted hives with parasites and viruses….. 4. Mobile phones and Vanishing Bees Bees worldwide have been involved in a disappearing called “colony collapse disorder” over the past two years [1] with little sign of the disease or infestations that have resulted in massive loss of colonies in the past. The bees simply leave the hives and fail to return. Beekeepers and scientists alike are stymied as to the cause of this strange phenomenon….. DAIRY 1. Dairy Farmers Of America Announces Changes To American Cheese Division Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA) has announced changes to its American Cheese division, including the closure of the cooperative's Corona, California facility and the transfer of DFA's American cheese (large-bag shredded and packaged) business in Corona and Zumbrota, Minnesota, to Wisconsin-based Schreiber Foods Inc….. 2. Dairy Farmers Of America Says Hard Work Of Dairy Industry Helps Pass House Farm Bill Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA) is pleased with today's passage of H.R. 2419, the U.S. House of Representatives' version of the 2007 Farm Bill. DFA and its members worked hard to ensure that most of the provisions were included in the bill….. ENVIRONMENT Agricultural Plastics Recycling Update Late last year the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) launched its Agricultural Plastic Recycling Program, a new major initiative in BC. Plastics have made our lives easier, however with that ease came the complication of how to dispose of them. Plastic items ranging from ground crop and greenhouse plastic to irrigation plastics and baler twine don't belong in a landfill and can't be burned….. EVENTS BC Farm Women’s Fall Seminar Where better than The Hills Health & Guest Ranch at 108 Mile House, BC for a weekend seminar themed "Agriculture: Past Present & Future"? The combination of the historic Cariboo country, a modern spa and guest ranch, and dynamic personal development presenters promise that the BC Farm Women's Network fall seminar October 12th to 14th delivers on all counts.…. 4-H Eastern Provinces Welcome BC 4-H Members Five BC 4-H delegates were filled with excitement and anticipation as they embarked on a two week journey to three Eastern Canadian provinces. The 2007 delegates were awarded the Royal Bank 4-H Interprovincial Exchange from their participation during Provincial Club Week, held in March 2007. The first portion of the National program took place July 4th-15th as the BC delegates hosted five 4-H travellers from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario. August 8th-19th the five BC delegates travelled east as the reciprocal side of the exchange and to learn about their exchange "twins'" lifestyle and province….. FAIRS Rock Creek & Boundary Fall Fair The 62nd annual Rock Creek and Boundary Fall Fair will be held on September 15th and 16th 2007 on the banks of the beautiful Kettle River in historic Rock Creek. The theme for this year is "A Timeless Tradition." This is one of the last true country fairs and each year hundreds of volunteers rise to the challenge to put on the ìbiggest little fairî for miles around….. Provincial Winter Fair is Much More than 4-H The first Provincial Winter Fair was held in November at Memorial Arena in Kamloops, sixty-nine years ago. The fair moved to Lorne Street for a number of years; the next location was Mount Paul Centre. Last year, Provincial Winter Fair moved from Mount Paul Centre and now we use all of the grounds at Sagebrush Downs….. An Invitation from Haystack and Friends The Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede in Armstrong is back for its 108th year and Haystack and his friends would like to welcome you and your family to come join us and experience the largest agricultural fair in British Columbia…… Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road? To get to the award winning North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo. Now in its 58th year this great family event will be held in Barriere, BC, on the Labour Day weekend of Sept. 1, 2, and 3. There already seems to be a lot of clucking going on regarding the "fair that offers something for everyone," with a theme this year centred around 'poultry'….. Schedule of Fairs & Exhibitions British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Washington State FOOD SECURITY Food - Our Most Important Sustainable Energy Source - Ask a Mexican! In February this year, 75,000 people in Mexico City took to the streets to protest the price of basic foods -- that's 3.3 times the population of the city of Courtenay BC all out in one giant protest. The Tortilla Riots as they were known barely made the main stream news but they mark a turning point in the food versus fuel debate….. GRAIN Ministerial Statement On Court Overturn Of Marketing Choice For Barley The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today issued the following statement in response to a Federal Court decision on the Canadian Wheat Board Regulations that would have allowed Western Canadian farmers to choose how they market their barley beginning August 1, 2007….. An Open Letter On Marketing Choice August 1st was supposed to be "Barley Freedom Day" for Western Canadian farmers. Unfortunately, a Federal Court ruling prevented that from happening. It's a setback for sure, but not the last word on this issue of freedom by a long shot. After meeting with the Prime Minister in Charlottetown, PEI last week, I can tell you that our Conservative Government is preparing to move forward. One way or another, we are going to provide marketing choice for farmers….. Court Ruling On Wheat Board a Victory For Farmers NDP Agriculture Critic Alex Atamanenko (BC Southern Interior) is congratulating Prairie farmers and their organizations for their victory in the legal battle against the Harper government's regulatory change to remove barley from the single desk of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), effective August 1….. Harper's Attack On The Canadian Wheat Board When a federal government is elected there is an expectation that they will develop sound policy by consulting with both the people directly affected by policies and Canadians as a whole. That is what farmers and Canadians expected of the Harper government with respect to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) issue…… Farmers Should Send Wheat Board the Bill for Losses The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) must compensate barley producers who suffered from recent sharp drops in barley prices, say representatives of Market Choice Alliance (MCA), a grassroots organization of farmers who support removing barley from the CWB monopoly…... Open Letter to Canadian Wheat Board Chair My farming operation has suffered significant financial harm because of persistent actions and policy of the Canadian Wheat Board. By failing to implement barley marketing policies and mechanisms which would maximize return to my operation, the Canadian Wheat Board and its Board of Directors have not carried out its fiduciary duty to my business. By using political obstruction and legal roadblocks, the actions of the CWB have caused significant and measurable loss to my business. The level of financial harm is measurable and verifiable through publicly available information sources….. HORTICULTURE Canada's Plant Science Industry Applauds The Government Of PEI For Its Recognition Of The Importance Of The New Bioeconomy CropLife Canada and its member companies today applauded the provincial government in Prince Edward Island for its announcement regarding the Office of Biosciences and Economic Innovation and its new deputy minister. CropLife Canada feels that this announcement further highlights the PEI government's commitment to encouraging innovation and helping to grow Canada's emerging bioeconomy….. MARKETING BC Chefs are Looking for Your Products! - Eat BC! For the first time ever, the 2006 Eat BC! campaign was introduced and became an instant success consumers and over 50 restaurants. In 2007, the Eat BC! campaign is being rolled out again and we expect it to at least double in size! ….. Greenpeace Ignores Weight Of Scientific Evidence On GM Food Safety Opinions surrounding the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods must be based on conclusive scientific facts, not the results of one study, the trade association representing Canada's plant science industry said today….. Greenpeace and Genetically Engineered Crops in BC Greenpeace activists made a 61-meter long question mark in a field containing genetically engineered (GE) corn near Abbotsford, British Columbia this morning to highlight the absence of any GE food labelling in Canada….. Discover Agriculture, Fresh Food and Country Life in the Kamloops Region British Columbians looking for a down-to-earth experience this summer will be interested in the list of activities and resources featured in the first annual Kamloops Farm Fresh guide….. NEW PRODUCTS & SERVICES A New Chapter in Dairying Being Written in Wisconsin Wagner Dairy in Middleton, Wisconsin is a prime example of how Pro-Act Microbial's technology has not only helped them in the past but is partnering with them to usher in the future of dairying….. Many Aspects of Dairy Farm Affected by Manure Management When dairies begin using Pro-Act Microbial's treatment system they are most likely focused on how it helps with their manure challenges, such as odor or a build up of solids. But Pro-Act does not deal with just a single dairy issue. There are many systems of a dairy farm whose success is dependent on how the manure system is managed….. OPINION The Tension Between Farmland Preservation and Development The topic of farmland preservation creates a tension in most farmers. And it's a tension that should be there! It's a tension that drives us to greater scrutiny and higher levels of land stewardship….. Tackling Quota Issues in Supply-Management The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario has never been afraid to take a leadership position on issues related to a particular commodity. Through the work of our various committees, staff and Executive Board, the Christian Farmers has been able to offer innovative solutions to commodity specific situations. While there are those who think that this may not be our place, we continue to examine the problem areas of agriculture with the goal of improving the industry for all….. Paying the Farmer for Environmental Stewardship For quite a number of years now, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario has quietly provided leadership by advocating that farmers be assisted in their stewardship efforts through environmental goods and services payments….. The Pitfalls of Farm Succession Planning Statistics Canada has confirmed what many of us already know – the average age of the farm owner is still increasing. Incredibly high entry costs have made it difficult for the younger generation to engage in farming. For many young people with an interest in agriculture, the grass often looks greener in some other facet of the agri-food industry. But there are still those who would like to succeed the older generation and take over the family farm. Those that do would be wise to develop a succession plan….. ~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~ GOVERNMENT OF CANADA Canada's New Government Announces $76 Million to Combat Disease in the Hog Sector ... Canasnack is Out of this World ... Reminder - Deadline to Apply for $400 Million Cost of Production Payments is September 1 ... Minister Strahl Appoints Cameron Dahl As New Commissioner Of The Canadian Grain Commission ... Minister Strahl Appoints Greg Stewart As President And CEO Of Farm Credit Canada ... Minister Strahl Makes Appointments To The Canadian Dairy Commission ... GOVERNMENT OF British Columbia BC moves to ease development demands in Shuswap area ... Extension Agent Hired To Promote Organic Farming ... BC Leads The World In Ecosystem-based Management ... Province And Squamish Nation Reach Land-use Agreement ... Quality Standards For B.C. Wine Strengthened ... Dyno Nobel Manufacturing Plant Approved In Principle ... Aquaculture Licences Approved ... Celebrate B.C. Day With B.C. Agri-Food Products ... CANADIAN FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE CFA welcomes new minister ... Agri Digest Online is a work in progress. We’re new at the online format, but very excited by the possibilities and the incredible flexibility it offers. My deepest wish is that you, our readers, will work with us to develop a publication that is truly “yours” – i.e. that meets your need for information on the local, national and international agriculture scene. We need to hear about subjects of particular interest to you and to be put in touch with contacts you can suggest who are expert in those fields. 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