The new Chair of the Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) is keen to work with the new and experienced members of the Board of Directors to achieve the vision of pulses on every farm, on every plate.

Robert Semeniuk of Smoky Lake was elected to the role of Chair following this week’s virtual annual general meeting. He took over the position from St. Brides’ Don Shepert, who becomes Past Chair.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the great work this Board has started under Don’s leadership to maximize opportunities for Alberta’s pulse farmers,” Semeniuk said. “Beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas and soybeans have a fantastic sustainability, economic and health story to tell. I’m looking forward to sharing news about more successes in the near future.”

Semeniuk grows yellow peas and other crops alongside his wife Angela. He served as APG’s Vice-Chair for the last two years and as Zone 5 Chair prior to joining the provincial Board.

He will lead an Executive Committee that includes new Vice-Chair Chris Allam of Ardrossan (Zone 3) and Shepert (Zone 5).

Kevin Auch of Carmangay (Zone 2) and Shane Strydhorst of Neerlandia (Zone 3) join APG as Directors on the 12-member Board. They will join continuing Directors Greg Stamp of Enchant, Rodney Volk of Burdett and Will Muller of Bow Island (Director-at-Large, Bean) in Zone 1; Allison Ammeter of Sylvan Lake in Zone 2; as well as Jerome Isaac of Crooked Creek, Caroline Sekulic of Rycroft and Peter Konstapel of Spirit River (Director-at-Large, Non-Bean) in Zone 4.

Outgoing Directors Kelisha Archer in Zone 2 and Dan Visser in Zone 3 were thanked for their service at the annual general meeting. Shepert and Isaac were also recognized for their service in the roles of Chair and Third Executive Member respectively.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,500 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

The Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) selected the organization’s first vice-president, Craig Shaw, as the winner of the seventh annual Alberta Pulse Industry Innovator Award.

“Craig Shaw was an early adopter of new pulse growing practices and technology in the early days of the Alberta Pulse Growers Commission,” said APG Chair Don Shepert. “He also put a tremendous effort into sharing what he learned with other growers, even going so far as to hold an annual farm tour to help other farmers successfully grow these new crops. Craig had a great impact in growing the industry in many different ways.”

Each year, APG recognizes a person or organization whose progressive thinking and tireless efforts helped build Alberta’s pulse industry into the flourishing sector that it is today. Shaw was pleased to learn he had been selected to receive the 2021 Innovator Award and shared the honour with his peers.

“I was pleasantly surprised for the award as my pulse commission days were well before the current board,” he said. “I consider this more as an award for all those who were part of the pulse association before the pulse commission. When I look back now, I can’t believe our commitment betting on a basically new industry. The collaboration between a number of producers and some good industry support people meant we were able to tackle endless challenges. Our goal was to provide some cropping options and gain a presence in the protein industry. When we look at the current industry, our group is proud of our contribution to achieve those goals and get where we are today.”

Shaw had a great impact on the growth of Alberta’s pulse industry in many areas, and particularly as a champion of research and extension of pulse production knowledge and practices.

He is a fourth generation Lacombe-area producer who retired from farming in 2016. He was the inaugural vice-president of the newly formed Alberta Pulse Growers Commission in 1989 and became APG’s president in 1990. Since planting his first pea crop in 1984 to feed his brother’s hogs, his belief in pulses as an essential part of crop rotation continued to grow. Shaw is well-known for being an early adopter of new practices and technologies who helped grow Alberta’s pulse industry by sharing his experiences with other farmers.

The goals of the Shaw farm were to continually find new answers to address issues affecting the farming operation and Shaw implemented many concepts in precision farming. He conducted a yearly summer farm tour to share new ideas and concepts with fellow producers. He worked closely with the Ag Canada research station in Lacombe in testing new concepts on the farm. He has also been active in many farm organizations including the Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund board.

In addition, Shaw was an active member of the FarmTech planning committee, starting back when FarmTech was new. He was instrumental in getting the annual event rolling and was recognized for his efforts when he was presented with the 2016 FarmTech Award.

Alberta Pulse Growers celebrated its 25^th year as a commission by launching the Alberta Pulse Industry Innovator Award and presenting the organization’s founding president, Lud Prudek, with the first annual award in 2015. Since that time, the award has been presented to acclaimed pulse researcher Ken Lopetinsky, life-long pulse supporter Blair Roth, Dr. Hans-Henning Muendel who developed numerous bean cultivars, Kirsty Ross (Piquette) who was instrumental in building the field pea industry in northeastern Alberta, and Mark Olson who explored new pulse varieties and production methods in many roles including as Alberta Agriculture’s Unit Head for Pulse Crops.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,500 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

Today, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen announced a 20 per cent reduction in crop insurance premium for Alberta farmers in 2021. Team Alberta – a collaboration between Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers, and the Alberta Wheat Commission – welcomes this announcement as crop insurance is the first line of defence for Alberta farmers in managing the risk of crop loss.

Reducing the cost of the most widely used business risk management program is a practical solution that will help Alberta farmers continue to manage their production risks from adverse weather events that are beyond their control.

As stated in Minister Dreeshen’s announcement, today’s news brings a $55 million injection into Alberta agriculture as part of the Alberta Economic Recovery Plan. Team Alberta thanks the Government of Alberta and Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) for the confidence and recognition that Alberta’s agriculture industry can be a leader in the province’s economic recovery. Alberta’s crop sector – from farmers to the entire value chain – has demonstrated resiliency throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to do so.

Team Alberta views today’s announcement as a positive step forward. The four crop commissions thank Minister Dreeshen and AFSC for making crop insurance more affordable for the 2021 crop year, and look forward to continued work on behalf of Alberta farmers to improve the long-term economic sustainability of Alberta farms.

Media Requests:

Erin Tateson
Interim Communications Manager
Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions
403-219-7902
etateson@albertawheatbarley.com

Karla Bergstrom
Manager of Government and Industry Affairs
Alberta Canola
780-819-1450
karla@albertacanola.com

Rachel Peterson
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Pulse Growers
780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com

Click here to view a pdf of the release.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission has confirmed that 19.5% of eligible producers’ 2020 check-off payment is eligible for the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit for their investment in APG-funded research and development projects.

Producers who have paid check-off this past year and have not asked for refunds are eligible claimants for this year’s credits.

For more detailed information about the SR&ED Tax Credit, APG advises you to contact an accountant or the Canada Revenue Agency.  For a history of SR&ED with Alberta Pulse Growers visit https://albertapulse.com/growing-pulses/sred-tax-credit/ . A summary of APG research investments in 2019-20 is available at https://albertapulse.com/research/.

The federal SR&ED tax program is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and encourages businesses to invest in and perform research and development in Canada.

The SR&ED Tax Credit application form can be downloaded directly from the CRA website at https://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/txcrdt/sred-rsde/clmng/clmngsrd-eng.html. Individual producers need to apply using the form T2038 (IND) and Canadian controlled private corporations should utilize the form T2SCH31.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,500 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) is pleased to learn that Lakeland College was selected by the Government of Alberta to undertake provincial pulse research programming for the next three years.

Pulse research is continuing with an agreement between Lakeland College and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to transfer the provincial pulse research program. This program has been primarily shaped and funded with Alberta Pulse Growers Commission input and investment for over 30 years.

APG has been highly concerned with the Government of Alberta’s exit from active research as the organization has worked with provincial researchers for a significant time addressing farmer-led research questions. The provincial government previously announced that it would continue agricultural research in a funding role. Today’s announcement removes uncertainty for the next three years as ongoing projects can be completed.

“It is an excellent outcome, and we are excited to hear that one of APG’s research partners has been selected to continue this important work,” said APG Chair Don Shepert. “Lakeland’s focus for applied research complements elements of APG’s research strategy and with this news we can build a strong pulse program and ensure continuity of research for our members.”

APG has worked with Lakeland College on many research projects over the years, particularly in APG’s Zone 5, located in northeastern Alberta.

“Our strategic plan targets expanding pulse acres across the province to three million acres by 2025, and we require research capacity to address farmer issues to reach this goal,” Shepert said. “Lakeland has been engaged with farmers and the farming community for many years and both organizations aim to grow together with this opportunity.”

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,500 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com

Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers and the Alberta Wheat Commission are pleased to announce the launch of albertabluebook.com, the new website for Alberta’s Crop Protection Guide. In addition to today’s launch, The Blue Book website is now accepting advanced pre-orders of the 2021 Blue Book for shipping in March of 2021.

While the commissions are currently producing the 2021 Blue Book and paper copies will be available in March of 2021, the commissions felt it was key to offer an advanced ordering system for deliveries in the spring. This new feature allows retailers, agronomists and farmers to place their 2021 Blue Book orders well in advance of the busy spring season.

Engagement and feedback are important to the commissions in this startup year of producing The Blue Book. The commissions encourage industry to subscribe to The Blue Book’s email list to receive updates and news on the publication going forward, and provide input through the feedback form embedded on the albertabluebook.com website.

Quotes

“We are very excited to be unveiling the new Blue Book website. With this advanced ordering system, we hope that ordering The Blue Book is one less thing farmers and agronomists need to worry about when spring rolls around.”

• Dave Bishop, Alberta Barley Chair

“The winter planning season for the next crop year is well under way and to be able to have this resource is extremely valuable. I’m very proud of the effort that our commissions have put into making this resource available in such a timely fashion.”

• John Guelly, Alberta Canola Chair

“Collaboration among the commissions was essential to ensuring that The Blue Book is updated and available in time for the 2021 growing season.”

• Don Shepert, Alberta Pulse Growers Chair

“The Blue Book is a coveted resource in Alberta and we are incredibly proud to be delivering it going forward. I encourage industry to subscribe to The Blue Book email list for continual communications and information so you don’t miss a beat on The Blue Book.”

• Todd Hames, Alberta Wheat Commission Chair

Click here to view a pdf of this news release.

 

Media Contacts

Erin Tateson

Interim Communications Manager

Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions

etateson@albertawheatbarley.com

403-219-7902

 

Rachel Peterson

Communications Coordinator

Alberta Pulse Growers

rpeterson@albertapulse.com

780-986-9398 ext. 108

 

Michelle Chunyua

Communications Coordinator

Alberta Canola

michelle@albertacanola.com

780-454-0844

Click here to read the Team Alberta news release.

Alberta’s Crop Protection Guide, more commonly known as the Blue Book, is now being produced by Alberta’s four major crop commissions – Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers and the Alberta Wheat Commission. The commissions are currently developing the 2021 Blue Book, formerly published by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, which will be available this upcoming March.

With a production model and process already in place, the commissions have hired an experienced consultant who is leading the Blue Book’s product additions and updates. Furthermore, the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions’ internal staff with GrainsWest magazine are leading the design and publishing.

Print and digital copies of the 2021 Blue Book will be available in March. However, industry will be able to place advanced pre-orders for the 2021 Blue Book in the coming weeks.

The commissions encourage farmers, agronomists, retailers and other industry stakeholders to visit albertabluebook.com and subscribe to our email list to receive updates and news on release dates, plus future information on how to purchase the Blue Book.

The Blue Book project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Quotes

“I am pleased the commissions are collaborating to ensure the continuation of this longstanding and trusted resource. The Blue Book is an important tool delivering the most current crop protection information.”

• Dave Bishop, Alberta Barley Chair

“The Blue Book has been providing Alberta agronomists and farmers valuable pesticide application information for over 20 years. The commissions taking on the Blue Book production is another value-added initiative we are delivering to the industry.”

• Todd Hames, Alberta Wheat Commission Chair

“Having the most current information on crop protection products is essential, it allows farmers to protect consumers, the environment and their crops. We are pleased to be working with the other crop commissions on this important project.”

• John Guelly, Alberta Canola Chair

“There’s a need for the web and printed versions of the Blue Book on Alberta farms. The digital version is handy for farmers who need to quickly find agronomy information on the go, and the printed, all-in-one reference manual is a staple that doesn’t leave the farm.”

• Don Shepert, Alberta Pulse Growers Chair

 

Media Contacts

Erin Tateson
Interim Communications Manager
Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions
403-219-7902
etateson@albertawheatbarley.com

Michelle Chunyua
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Canola Producers Commission
780–224 –7970
michelle@albertacanola.com

Rachel Peterson
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Pulse Growers
780-986-9396 ext. 108
RPeterson@albertapulse.com

Click here to view pdf of release.

Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers, and Alberta Wheat Commission are working together to continue the legacy of Agronomy Update.

The annual conference, which provides timely agronomy information to producers and agronomists, has traditionally been a two-day, in-person event hosted by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Stakeholders from all links of the value chain look forward to the event as an opportunity to engage with industry experts and learn the latest agronomic information.

Agronomy Update 2021 is going virtual from January 19 to 20. Due to current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, a virtual platform was chosen to not only ensure the safety of our community, but also to allow increased engagement from across Alberta.

In collaboration with a dedicated committee of researchers, agronomists, agricultural retailers, and farmers, the commissions are currently finalizing a slate of high-quality speakers on a range of interesting and relevant topics. A full agenda and registration details will be available soon.

The commissions recognize the dedication and effort of all those who have worked over the years to make Agronomy Update the valuable conference that it is today. The commissions strive to carry on and grow the conference with the needs of producers in mind so that it continues to be one of the leading agronomy events in Alberta.

Click here to read the full release

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) invites pulse producers who want to grow the province’s pulse industry while developing their own leadership skills to let their names stand for election as an Advisor in their zone this fall.

“Advisors are essential to the success and continued growth of the commission and Alberta’s pulse industry,” said APG Chair Don Shepert. “Participating with the organization as an Advisor is an opportunity for a producer to develop personal and leadership skills. A team of Advisors leads research and extension activities specific to each of APG’s five zones. Directors on APG’s provincial board often serve as Advisors first.”

Available positions are presented below, along with this fall’s virtual meeting dates and times.

Zone Number	Available Advisor Positions	Virtual Meeting Date	Virtual Meeting Time
Zone 1	2	December 7	10 am-12 pm
Zone 2	1	November 17	9:45-10:45 am
Zone 3	6	November 18	9:30-10:30 am
Zone 4	5	November 24	9:30-10:30 am
Zone 5	2	November 19	9:30-10:30 am

 

Producers must have sold pulses and paid service charges since August 1, 2018 in order to be eligible as an Advisor. Anyone interested in letting their name stand for an Advisor position is asked to complete and submit a nomination form by Nov. 1, 2020. Each candidate must be endorsed by another pulse producer from their zone. The form is available on the homepage at www.albertapulse.com . Register to vote at your zone meeting via the link at https://albertapulse.com/event/ .

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,500 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
Email: rpeterson@albertapulse.com