The Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) selected esteemed pulse researcher Ken Lopetinsky as the winner of the second annual Alberta Pulse Industry Innovator Award.

“Each year APG recognizes a person whose progressive thinking and tireless efforts helped build Alberta’s pulse industry into the flourishing industry that it is today,” said APG Chair Allison Ammeter. “I cannot think of a more deserving recipient for the award to be bestowed upon during the International Year of Pulses than Ken Lopetinsky. He is considered one of the fathers of Western Canada’s modern day field pea industry, and influenced many of the researchers who continue to develop improved pulse genetics.”

Lopetinsky was raised on a mixed livestock and grain farm near Star, AB. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with distinction in 1973 at the University of Alberta, he joined Alberta Agriculture as a District Agriculturist, and later as Forage and Special Crops Specialist, Pulse and Special Crops Specialist, and Pulse Research Agronomist until his retirement in 2008.

In 1976, Lopetinsky received education leave and completed his Master of Agriculture (soil science) in 1977. In 1983, Lopetinsky became involved with the Alberta Pulse Growers Association, which later became the Alberta Pulse Growers Commission.

Throughout his career, Lopetinsky worked closely with producers, industry representatives and other researchers on applied research projects including field pea and faba bean variety development, fertilization, herbicides, seeding depth, land rolling, crop rotations, direct seeding, and the value of pulse crops in rotation. He co-authored and co-edited the publication “Pulse Crops in Alberta,” which was awarded a certificate of excellence by the American Society of Agronomy. Lopetinsky mentored numerous agrologists over the course of his career, and many still work in the industry today.

Lopetinsky said that he was honoured to learn that he was chosen as the recipient of the second annual Industry Innovator Award sponsored by ATB Financial.

“I am surprised and humbled to receive this award,” Lopetinsky said. “I have to give a lot of credit to the team over the years because it has been said that ‘you’re only as good as your team’. The pulse industry came through with full support, and that was very, very rewarding.”

(Calgary, Alberta) The newly formed crop and livestock sector coalition is pleased to announce that their January 22nd meeting was an unprecedented success, resulting in a unified voice on Bill 6 as the agriculture industry progresses toward upcoming government consultations.

The coalition, co-hosted by the Crop Sector Working Group (CSWG) and Intensive Livestock Sector Working Group (ILSWG), met with the intent to work toward a unified approach to provincial government consultations on occupational health and safety, labour relations and employment standards.

“The crop and livestock sectors came together in a historic collaboration, unified by a common goal to represent the agriculture industry with a single voice as it relates to Bill 6,” said Page Stuart, co-chair of the January 22nd meeting. “This meeting has resulted in an effective strategy to move forward, representing 95 percent of the agriculture industry in Alberta.”

The coalition provides an efficient means for working with the government to develop effective regulatory consultations, and when a formalized process is in place, the coalition will finalize a strategy that reflects the unified approach agreed upon on January 22nd.

“I would like to thank the coalition members for their contribution to this historic meeting,” said Kent Erickson, co-chair of the January 22nd meeting. “We see our unified approach as being advantageous for both the agriculture industry and our provincial government, as we believe this approach will result in more productive and meaningful Bill 6 consultations resulting in regulations that makes sense at the farm level.”

The coalition is now working to develop a formal governance structure to ensure the industry continues to have representation dedicated to finding common ground with our government as it relates to occupational health and safety, labour relations and employment standards.

The coalition meeting was co-hosted by the Crop Sector Working Group and the Intensive Livestock Sector Working Group and attended by the Alberta Barley Commission, Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Beekeepers Commission, Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, Alberta Chicken Producers, Alberta Elk Commission, Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association, Alberta Hatching Egg Producers, Alberta Milk, Alberta Pork, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Seed Growers Association, Alberta Turkey Producers, Alberta Vegetable Growers, Alberta Wheat Commission, Alfalfa Seed Commission, Bison Producers of Alberta, Egg Farmers of Alberta, Hutterite Standing Committee, Potato Growers of Alberta, Prairie Oat Growers Association, Western Barley Growers Association, Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, and the Western Stock Growers’ Association.

Media Contact

Victoria Russell
Communications Specialist
Alberta Wheat Commission
T 403.219.7906
E vrussell@albertawheat.com

Alberta’s crop commissions, consisting of elected farmer representatives, are urging farmers, ranchers and farm workers to complete a survey designed to garner feedback on the regulations relating to Bill 6.

Survey results will provide an important knowledge base for members of the Crop Sector Working Group (CSWG) as our industry progresses toward the government consultations expected to begin as early as February 2016.

“The survey is designed to acquire productive, on-farm feedback relating to Bill 6,” said Kent Erickson, Chairman, Alberta Wheat Commission. “Sufficient opportunities to provide feedback need to be offered to farmers, ranchers and farm workers to ensure this legislation reflects the uniqueness of our industry.”

Interim survey results will be compiled in preparation for an industry meeting on January 22nd hosted by the Crop Sector Working Group (CSWG) and the Intensive Livestock Sector Working Group (ILSWG). The survey will remain open until February 13, 2016 to ensure sufficient feedback has been collected as our industry considers our participation in the government consultations.

“In the wake of Bill 6, provincial commissions and industry stakeholders have formed an unprecedented coalition united due to the necessity of obtaining farmers input for these upcoming consultations. We intend to work together to develop a strategy to direct the government in shaping this legislation into something that will work for all farmers and ranchers. The survey results will serve as key information to be used for decision-making going forward,” Erickson said.

Farmers and ranchers can fill out the survey at: https://svy.mk/233nWTA.

The Crop Sector Working Group is comprised of the Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta Barley, Alberta Pulse Growers Commission, Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Oat Growers Commission, Potato Growers of Alberta, Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and Alberta Rye and Triticale Association.

Media Contact

Victoria Russell
Communications Specialist
Alberta Wheat Commission
T 403.219.7906
E vrussell@albertawheat.com

(Calgary, Alberta) December 10, 2015 – The Alberta government today passed Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, despite requests from farmers and industry to delay the legislation and allow for proper consultation.

“The crop commissions are disappointed with the lack of consultation and communication around the development and implementation of Bill 6,” said Kent Erickson, Alberta Wheat Commission Chair. “This really drives home the message that agriculture stakeholders must be properly consulted prior to the development of regulations and technical standards to ensure they protect farm workers while reflecting the unique nature of the farm sector.”

The actual impact Bill 6 will have on farm safety has been diluted since its inception. The Bill, now recently amended, has produced legislation that is less focused on farm safety and more about farm labour, causing even more confusion among farmers about how it will impact their operations.

“The key to creating a culture of farm safety is education – not legislation,” explained Mike Ammeter, Chair of the Alberta Barley Commission. “Alberta farmers are the biggest supporters of farm safety. We raise our families in this environment, care deeply about the safety of our employees, family and friends.”

“There are still more questions than answers on the passing of Bill 6,” said Lee Markert, Chair of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. “The next step is to compile the information and use clear language to try to explain how each pillar of this bill will affect those who work on farms across Alberta.”

“Going forward it is important that the crop commissions work together, providing farmer input into the regulations as they are developed,” added Alberta Pulse Growers Chair Allison Ammeter.

Our farmer members and their employees are waiting to work with government in developing technical standards and regulations together that will have the greatest chance at improving a strong culture of farm safety and worker relations.

For more information, contact:

Cole Christensen
Communications and Marketing Manager
Alberta Barley
T 403.219.6253
E cchristensen@albertabarley.com

Megan Madden
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Canola Producers Commission
T 780.454.0844
E megan@albertacanola.com

Rachel Peterson
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Pulse Growers Commission
T 780.986.9398
E rpeterson@pulse.ab.ca

Amanda Ryan
Communications Manager
Alberta Wheat Commission
T 403.219.7902
E amanda.ryan@albertawheat.com

Shawna Mathieson
Executive Director
Prairie Oat Growers Association
T 306.530.8545
E smathieson@poga.ca

(Calgary, Alberta) November 30, 2015 – As the future of farm safety policy takes shape, Alberta’s crop commissions, comprised of elected farmer representatives, are urging their members to be active and speak out about the new farm safety and labour legislation, Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act (Bill 6). The commissions also call on the Government of Alberta to consider farmers’ concerns and delay the implementation of this legislation in order to extend the consultation process.

“We take the safety of our workers, our families and ourselves very seriously,” said Alberta Canola Producers Commission chairman Lee Markert. “That is why we are asking for due diligence regarding Bill 6 and how it affects our farms.”

Alberta’s crop commissions strongly encourage their members to be heard at upcoming town hall meetings as we continue to attempt to engage the Government of Alberta on the shaping of Bill 6.

“The commissions have consistently delivered a message of education before legislation,” added Kent Erickson, Alberta Wheat Commission chair. “We believe that with more information and training available, we can all work towards a safer on-farm environment.”

In previous meetings with the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, the crop commissions were assured stakeholder consultations would be ongoing and there would be an opportunity to contribute to the discussion on our members’ behalf. We continue to share this message and encourage our government to seek consultation with the commissions before this legislation progresses.

“In September, the four crop commissions issued a news release stating we were ready and willing to contribute to the discussion,” noted Mike Ammeter, Alberta Barley chair. “We were ready to provide input before the specifics of Bill 6 were announced to ensure farmers’ best interests were being represented, unfortunately that process was never initiated.”

The provincial crop commissions will also continue to engage the government and encourage them to seek proper consultation before defining the specifics of the new policy. Alberta farms are unlike any other workplace in the province and farmers should have been consulted on how the policy would work best for their specific conditions.

Allison Ammeter, chair of Alberta Pulse Growers added, “The current government process is causing fear and uncertainty to grasp the industry. Farmers can provide good input and are the subject matter experts on what will be most effective for their farm. Commissions have sent letters and have met with Ministers to bring forward concerns and we continue to meet with them and we encourage producers to also have their voice heard.”

The provincial commissions want to reiterate to their members to speak out and be heard at upcoming town hall meetings and continue to work actively with the government on the shaping of Bill 6.

The crop commissions strongly encourage farmers to send their questions and feedback about Bill 6 to the government email address: farmandranch@gov.ab.ca.

Resources

• Full list of town hall meetings
• Further information from the provincial government

The Alberta barley, canola, pulse and wheat commissions represent the vast majority of farmers that grow these crops throughout the province.

For more information, contact:

Cole Christensen
Communications and Marketing Manager
Alberta Barley
T 403.219.6253
E cchristensen@albertabarley.com

Megan Madden
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Canola Producers Commission
T 780.454.0844
E megan@albertacanola.com

Rachel Peterson
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Pulse Growers Commission
T 780.986.9398
E rpeterson@pulse.ab.ca

Amanda Ryan
Communications Manager
Alberta Wheat Commission
T 403.219.7902
E amanda.ryan@albertawheat.com

Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) will provide educational opportunities and continue to share information with members regarding the proposed changes to Alberta’s farm safety legislation. The omnibus Bill 6, titled Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, was introduced in the Alberta Legislature yesterday.

“There is significant concern from our membership regarding the technical details associated with the proposed changes, which covers farm safety, labour relations, WCB and employment standards,” said APG Chair Allison Ammeter. “APG will provide feedback in the collaborative process of developing technical details and discuss areas of employment standards to ensure that they are effective and in the best interest of our membership.”

APG participated with three other crop commissions in a joint press release on Sept. 1 in response to indications from Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour that removal of the agriculture exemption from the Occupational Health and Safety Act was a priority. The commissions stated that beyond the removal of the exemption, consultation and collaboration with the agriculture sector was necessary to ensure a successful outcome for farmers and farm workers.

“Farm safety is paramount to farm managers as it is often our own family members who are at risk,” Ammeter added. “However, removal of the OH&S exemption will likely do little to improve farm safety. Education and extension of safe farming practices is the main action that will lead to a significant reduction in fatalities and injuries.”

Ammeter encouraged producers to have their voices heard about the proposed changes at public meetings planned by the Alberta government.

“Farmers are the subject matter experts on what will be most effective for their farm,” Ammeter said. “We look forward to sharing that expertise with the Government of Alberta as the technical details are developed.”

(Calgary, Alberta) Sept. 1, 2015 – As the future of farm safety policy takes shape, Alberta’s crop commissions, comprised of elected farmer representatives, are ready and willing to contribute to the discussion.

“Alberta’s crop commissions look forward to working with the Government of Alberta on this critical issue,” said Alberta Barley chairman Mike Ammeter. “Our farmers take the safety of our families and our workers very seriously and have much to contribute to this discussion.”

The Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour has indicated that removing the agriculture exemption from The Occupational Health and Safety Act is a priority. Currently Alberta is the only province in the country where agriculture is not included in occupational health and safety legislation, which could potentially jeopardize Canada’s position in international trade agreements.

As far as measures that go above and beyond removal of the exemption, Alberta’s crop commissions believe that consultation with the agriculture sector is necessary to ensure a successful outcome for farmers and farm workers.

“We believe that accident and fatality investigations should be in place to collect all possible information so that we can work towards the most inclusive and effective on-farm education and training,” said Alberta Canola Producers Commission chairman Lee Markert. “However, we also need time to consider any additional safety measures and how it could affect the multitude of varying operations in agriculture.”

With an emphasis on seasonal labour and family-run operations, Alberta farms are unlike any other workplace in the province. As noted by Labour Minister Lori Sigurdson in the Calgary Herald on Aug. 21, any safety measures should reflect that diversity and take into account the people who live it every day.

“As is the case with every safety measure, we believe that education and training are the most critical aspects of developing a program that will work,” said Alberta Pulse Growers Commission chair Allison Ammeter. “Farmers are the subject matter experts on what will be most effective for their farm, and we look forward to sharing that expertise with the Government of Alberta.”

“This is a unique opportunity for farmers and government to work together to share in the development of farm safety policy,” added Alberta Wheat Commission chair Kent Erickson.

The provincial commissions are eager to reiterate their member’s dedication to good stewardship of the land and the safety of all farm workers. The Alberta barley, canola, pulse and wheat commissions represent the vast majority of farmers that grow these crops throughout the province.

For more information, contact:

Cole Christensen
Communications and Marketing Manager
Alberta Barley
T 403.219.6253
E cchristensen@albertabarley.com

Megan Madden
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Canola Producers Commission
T 780.454.0844
E megan@albertacanola.com

Rachel Peterson
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Pulse Growers Commission
T 780.986.9398 ext. 3
E rpeterson@pulse.ab.ca

Amanda Ryan
Communications Manager
Alberta Wheat Commission
T 403.219.7902
E amanda.ryan@albertawheat.com

The Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) have expanded their Feed Benchmark reporting to include feed ingredient comparisons for faba beans in addition to field peas.

“The decision to include faba beans in our Feed Benchmark reporting was in response to the increased interest in the crop by Alberta and Saskatchewan farmers,” explained APG Chair Allison Ammeter. “By highlighting the point at which faba beans become economically feasible as feed ingredients for swine, the Faba Bean Feed Benchmark will provide metrics for growers who are looking at selling their low tannin faba beans into feed markets.”

The benchmark values are intended for use as a pricing reference for buyers and sellers of feed faba beans by providing an indication of the “feeding value” of faba beans. Swine feed is used to determine the benchmark value because most of the faba beans used domestically for feed are used in swine diets.

“Growers have been paying close attention to faba beans, with a significant increase in seeded acres in the 2015 growing season,” said Tim Wiens, Chair of SPG. “Having a tool like this in place helps ensure that growers know the value of faba beans in feed application.”

The Faba Bean Feed Benchmark provides a consistent, unbiased estimate of the feeding value of low tannin faba beans in Central Alberta (Red Deer & area), Central Saskatchewan (Saskatoon & area) and Southern Manitoba (Winnipeg & area), based on the value of competing feed ingredients in swine rations. Feed faba beans trade at various differentials to the benchmark based on local supply/demand, quality differences and contract terms.

Bi-weekly, tradable prices of the major feed ingredients are collected for the three regions. These prices are then entered into a least cost feed formulation that is typical for grower-finisher swine in Western Canada. A feeding value is then derived for feed faba beans based on their nutritional characteristics and the prices of the other competing feed ingredients. The least cost feed formulation was reviewed with the assistance of Gibson Capital in consultation with the Prairie Swine Centre and Gowans Feed Consulting.

The Faba Bean Feed Benchmark will be posted every two weeks on the Alberta Pulse Growers and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers websites, and made available in APG’s bi-weekly e-newsletter Pulse Check and SPG’s monthly Pulse Market Report.

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Peterson
Alberta Pulse Growers
T 780.986.9398 ext. 3
E rpeterson@pulse.ab.ca

Rachel Kehrig
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
T 306.230.6488
E rkehrig@saskpulse.com