This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Pedigreed seed grower Patrick Fabian has gone from “playing around with soybeans on a six acre patch” to saying “soybeans will have a permanent fit on our operation” in eight short years. His successes with the emerging Alberta crop, which is classified as a pulse despite its high oil content, led to this shift from casual grower to life-long proponent.

“I was quite impressed with the potential I saw in those things for Southern Alberta,” said Patrick, who farms irrigated acres in Tilley. “I stopped growing other pulses when I found out how easy soybeans were.”

Growing soybeans

Under the right conditions, soybeans can be easier to grow than other pulses, according to Patrick. What, then, does Patrick consider the right conditions for soybeans to grow?

“Any of the irrigation districts are perfectly suited for soybean production because they’re in the south so they have the required heat units and they have the daylight sensitive variety requirements. We have no problems reaching maturity with the current varieties that we have,” said Patrick. The varieties that grow well in the Western Canadian climate are typically about 2,375 to 2,400 heat units, but because of their daylight sensitivity, they can grow in areas that are 2,200 heat units. Their daylight sensitivity shortens the time to maturity as it detects that the nights are getting longer, allowing them to grow further north and west.

And while soybeans “really shine” on irrigation because of their mid-summer water requirements, Patrick has seen them grown successfully on dryland in areas south of Taber, areas north of Strathmore, and areas east of Medicine Hat. In some cases, though, dryland producers use soybeans as a prep crop for higher value crops rather than as a cash crop that they will see a huge yield from, according to Patrick.

“They’ll plant them, and because they’re Roundup Ready, the soybeans can tolerate a much higher rate of the herbicide than other RR crops, such as canola,” said Patrick. “They can clean up any weed issues in their field, and because soybeans fix so much nitrogen, producers with this type of mindset are finding that they’re getting higher yields the following year on soybean stubble.”

One producer Patrick knows grew a quarter of soybeans and a quarter of canola. This past year, he put hard wheat on the whole half section, and he had a 14 bu/ac differential between the canola stubble and the soybean stubble. “To him, soybean yield isn’t his only focus. Obviously, he’s got to make money with these things. But he’s finding that, for his operation, they are beautifully preparing the soil for next year’s crop.”

Whether soybeans will be used as a cash crop or a prep crop, choosing the right variety is essential if a producer wants to include soybeans on his operation. Many soybean varieties have been bred for a lower pH soil, like that of eastern Canada. Because the soil profile is different between eastern and western Canada, producers should take care to select a variety that has been proven for western Canadian soil profiles.

Soil temperature is also a factor when seeding soybeans, according to Patrick. “Putting soybeans in too early can be a problem because soybeans like warm soil. We like to see it as between the 10th and the 25th of May. In a zero till situation, you’re going to have to wait a little bit longer than the guys that have worked their fields, because the soil tends to warm up five to seven days faster on black soil than it does with zero till. Usually, we tell people to make it the last thing they put in the ground.”

Once the soil temperature is right, soybeans can be seeded with various different types of seeding equipment.

“We’ve got guys that are successfully producing soybeans that are seeding them with air drills, air seeders, hoe drills, corn planters, so they’re very adaptable as to what they can be placed in the ground with,” said Patrick. “Like with any pulse, you’ve got to be careful that you’re not mashing them up when they’re going in the ground. If you have to auger them, you need to have the auger idling. It takes a little bit longer, but it’s the same thing with peas. You rev the auger up and start cracking up your soybeans, you’re going to end up having poor germination and vigor.”

And like other pulses, inoculant is “a must” with soybeans, which require approximately 300 lbs of nitrogen to produce a 50 bu crop, and as Patrick says, “No one in their right mind would fertilize that much.” With proper inoculation, soybeans will fix their own nitrogen and, in fact, fix the highest level of nitrogen of any pulse crop, after fababeans.

Soybeans share another similarity with fababeans that make them attractive to growers: standability.

“That’s where soybeans really stand out from peas, beans, and lentils – the fact that they don’t go down,” said Patrick. “They have a very, very strong stem, and they resist shattering and shelling very, very well.”

Because of their hardiness, soybeans are frost tolerant “to a point.” With an early frost, a soybean grower can expect to lose about 10 to 20 per cent of pods because the crop canopy will protect all but the top layers of leaves and pods, according to Patrick. “And generally, by about the 15th of September, 80 per cent of your yield is already set. We crack open the soybean pod and look at it, and if the membrane is detached, it doesn’t matter what kind of frost we get; its yield potential is beyond the danger point.”

Soybean harvest usually happens between the end of September to the middle of October, and like seeding, growers have some flexibility when it comes time to harvest soybeans.

“Soybeans will probably be the last thing you take off, unless you’re growing something like sunflowers or sugar beets,” said Patrick. “Go do your ticklish crops first, your high-value, high-risk crops. When you’re done all that, your soybeans will be waiting for you. They’re not going anywhere; they’re not going to shell out; they’re very hardy as far as being shatter resistant. They’re another tool for the farmer’s toolbox that gives you extreme flexibility on your harvest window.”

And the soybean market is very forgiving when it comes to things like cracking, making them easier to harvest than other pulse crops.

“With peas, you have to be so very careful that you don’t crack them. With soybeans, that’s not the case,” said Patrick, who combines his soybeans at around 4.5 miles an hour. “If you crack a soybean, that’s not dockage. You take that half a soybean that’s cracked and crack it again, it’s still not dockage. If you have lots of green seed, you might get a bit of a dockage there. The other thing that’s a dockage factor is if they’re incompletely threshed. If you have whole pods in the sample, that’s dockage. That’s why we tell the producers don’t be scared to crack them, because you’re not going to hurt the seed, but you’re going to wind up getting docked if you don’t thresh them out.”

Marketing soybeans

Without a market for soybeans, though, dockage isn’t a consideration – but Patrick feels that marketing Alberta soybeans gets easier every year.

“To get things going, it was a chicken and the egg scenario,” said Patrick. At the time, he approached industry representatives about setting up a soybean processing facility in Southern Alberta and was told that, in order to do that, there would need to be around 10,000 acres of soybeans to make it viable. So Patrick approached producers about growing soybeans and was told that, in order to do that, there would need to be a place to sell them first. Despite those challenges, both soybean acres and soybean markets have slowly increased every year.

In addition to Alberta processors investing in soybeans – like one new soybean extruding facility in Nobleford – there is a significant market for soybeans in Manitoba – but with a loss of around $1.30 a bushel to freight them there, Patrick is trying to find a more viable market closer to home.

“We’re working on trying to get railcar load up and trackside loading because the majority of the soybeans that go back to Manitoba are loaded on a railcar and then railed out right past us again to the west coast,” said Patrick. “If we’re able to facilitate that, instead of having a disadvantage for freight, it might work out to being an advantage for freight because we’re that much closer and can facilitate loading them from this end.”

Patrick is also looking at ways to meet Alberta demand for soybeans that is currently being filled by Manitoba. “Right now, 99 per cent of the soybean meal and soybean products that are brought in for feed are all imported from Manitoba or the States. As time goes on, we’re trying to get traction and get that off the ground, like the company who’s got the extruding facility in Nobleford. They separate the oil from the meal, and then sell the meal locally here at a much cheaper price than what the imported stuff comes in from Manitoba, all the while meeting every quality parameter required for soybean meal.”

While soybean acreage in Alberta are currently sitting at around 1,200 acres, Patrick believes that number could grow up to 50,000 acres in Southern Alberta as producers begin to see how easy and profitable soybeans are.

“Will the acres grow? I’m assured of that,” Patrick said. “This year, we had producers breaking in excess of 60 bu/ ac, so when you’re looking at a cash cost on irrigation of about $130 to $140 an acre for your whole year’s cost, including fertility, seed, everything, with 60 bu/ac, all of a sudden, you’re starting to get producers’ attention.”

This year, Patrick saw soybeans that were priced $17 in September that dropped down to $14 last month. “As far as the economics go, if you’ve got even 50 bu/ac at $13, subtract off about $140, and that’s what you’re looking at to pay bills. When you’re doing this for the first time and figuring on your cash flow, figure it on 40 bu/ac at $10 a bushel on irrigation. I don’t want to set somebody up for false expectations, so that’s more realistic for cash-flow purposes and for seeing if they have a place in the crop rotation.”

Fit is an important consideration for growers who are thinking about growing soybeans, according to Patrick.

“You have to answer the question, ‘Will this fit your operation?’ I think it will, but you have to answer that for yourself. Because it’s something new, start small. You’re not going to put all your eggs in one basket and put out a huge outlay in case something doesn’t work out right for you. You want to get your feet wet first. As your confidence level builds, you can expand your acreage.”

And as a pedigreed soybean seed grower, Patrick does whatever he can to make sure his clients have a good experience with soybeans. “We’re committed here at Fabian Seed Farms to ensure that the producer is going to have the best agronomic advice and the best expertise that we can give them based on our trials, our research, our past experiences, both good and bad. My intent isn’t to sell soybeans so I can say I sold X amount of units of soybeans. My goal is every time a client purchases soybeans from us, I want them to have a good experience so that they’re back next year.”

By providing his clients with the best possible seed and agronomic advice, Patrick continues to grow the Alberta soybean acres and markets every year, showing his fellow growers the potential he has long seen in soybeans.

For more information about soybeans and Fabian Seed Farms, please visit www.fabianseedfarms.com. Patrick Fabian will be hosting a soybean information seminar at the grandstand meeting room at Ag Expo in Lethbridge on Thursday, February 28 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Neil Blue, Market Specialist – Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Peas

Canada is the world’s top producer and exporter of field peas. In 2012, Canadian producers seeded 3.2 million acres to peas, rebounding from last year because of better spring field conditions. However, yields were only average, and total Canadian pea production is estimated at 2.74 million tonnes. India and China are expected to again be the major buyers of Canadian peas. Indian demand into the spring will depend greatly on the result of their Rabi season crop.

The combination of low Canadian pea carryover, mediocre production, and strong demand bodes well for pea prices this year. Despite a 520,000 tonne US pea crop, double that of 2011, green pea demand has held very strong. Canadian supplies are tight, and green peas are trading from $11/ bushel to as high as $13/bushel for top quality. Meanwhile, yellow edible peas are trading from $7.75 to $9.00/bushel. Feed pea prices have also been strong, reflecting the high prices for feed grains and soybean meal. Recent edible pea price strength was in response to commercial stocks being drawn down by strong export movement and production problems in Argentina. Due to excessive rains, Argentina pea production has been cut by 25 per cent to only 35,000 tonnes, similar to last year’s crop. Argentina may become a pea importer this year.

Current expectations are for another tight Canadian pea carryover level. Considering the high prices for peas this season and the continued recognition of the value of growing peas for rotational reasons, Canadian pea acreage could be higher in 2013. However, this year is a reminder that higher acreage does not necessarily result in oversupply to the market.

Lentils

2012 Canadian lentil production is estimated at 1.38 million tonnes, down from last year’s 1.53 million tonne crop. Seeded acreage was down about 200,000 acres, and average yield is estimated below 1,300 lb/acre.

However, the lower Canadian production is buffered by last season’s record high carryover. Canadian lentil exports are expected to increase. Prices are down about 20 per cent from year ago, with #1 and #2 Lairds trading from 16 to 24 cents/lb., and Estons trading for 18 to 22 cents/ lb. Lentil prices have eased over the last month. Supply/demand fundamentals are better for red lentils, and that is reflected in their steadier prices. Although yearend lentil carryover is expected to be lower than in the previous two years, it will still be well above the five year average. Next year’s lentil acreage is likely to be suppressed somewhat by the lower prices over the winter.

Chickpeas

2012 Canadian chickpea acreage is estimated at 155,000 acres, a 26 per cent increase. However, a lower estimated average yield of 1,472 lb/acre produced about 104,000 tonnes, up only 13,000 from last year. US chickpea acreage jumped 45 per cent and led to a record crop there of around 125,000 tonnes. With the higher supplies and resulting lower prices, Canadian exports are expected to rise to over 50,000 tonnes. The Argentina crop has been downgraded by rains at harvest, with only about 60 per cent of the 115,000 tonne crop expected to be high quality product.

Kabuli chickpea prices are down about 15 per cent from last year, with large Kabulis selling in the 37 to 40 cent a pound range. Desi chickpeas are selling in a 27 to 32 cent a pound range, similar to a year ago. The price outlook will hinge on upcoming Indian and Australian crops. Australia’s crop appears to be large and of good quality. Current forward bids are steady to lower than cash bids. Canadian chickpea carryover is forecast at around 24,000 tonnes, double that of last season.

Beans

In response to last year’s strong prices, 2012 North American dry bean acreage increased by about 50 per cent. Mexican bean planting was delayed by drought, but timely rains led to a good crop, currently estimated at between 800,000 and one million tonnes. 2012 US bean production is estimated at 1.1 million tonnes, up 37 per cent from 2011. Canadian and Alberta acreage was up about 30 per cent from 2011, with Canadian dry bean acreage estimated at 310,000. Of the 50,000 acres of dry beans seeded in Alberta last spring, about half were Pintos, 30 per cent were Great Northerns, and the balance a combination of reds, blacks, and pinks. Alberta bean yields in 2012 were about average, near one tonne/acre.

Because of the rebound in their bean production, Mexican import needs are expected at about 200,000 tonnes compared to 650,000 tonnes last year. Bean prices were strong into harvest, but have since eased, reflecting the larger production. About 90 per cent of Alberta beans are contracted and priced through a pool. The current estimated Alberta price range for all bean varieties for this marketing season is from 30 to 40 cents a pound.

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Contracts are often seen as a necessary evil in a farm business operation. Though they can reduce risk for both parties, contracts are often complex legal documents that can impact the way a grower markets his grain. And because contracts are legally binding for both parties, producers must do their due diligence to make sure they sign the best agreement possible for their operation.

As it is with almost everything in agriculture, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to crop contracts. The type of contract you use to sell your crop will depend on the wants and needs of both your buyer and your operation. In general, though, crop contracts can be categorized in four ways:

Before-Delivery Contracts are used before the crop has been delivered. These include production contracts, where producers agree to deliver a certain amount of production from a specified number of acres and the buyer agrees to accept that delivery; and deferred delivery contracts, where producers agree to deliver a certain amount of production by a specified date and the buyer agrees to accept the delivery and pay a specified price. Production contracts reduce the risk of reduced delivery opportunities but not price risk, while deferred delivery contracts guarantee a price and a delivery option but, in turn, eliminate price or delivery flexibility for the producer.

Supply Contracts are used to guarantee the producer will supply a certain amount of the crop during an agreed-upon delivery month and the buyer will accept that delivery. Supply contracts can help reduce the risk of limited delivery opportunities, but they do not reduce price risk, as the price is agreed upon either at the time of delivery at the street price or prior to delivery through a deferred delivery contract.

After-Delivery Contracts are used after the crop has been delivered. Deferred pricing contracts, which allow producers to deliver their crop for a small up-front payment, are an example of After-Delivery Contracts. In deferred pricing contracts, producers agree on a price and payment deadline date for the remainder of their unpriced crop. Though deferred pricing contracts can reduce the need for on-farm storage and the risk of fewer delivery opportunities later, they can also increase price risk and even risk of nonpayment, as payment must be received within 90 days after delivery for bonding protection through the Canadian Grain Commission.

Before- or After-Delivery Contracts can be used either before or after the crop has been delivered. One example of this type of contract is a target-pricing contract, in which a producer defines the price they would accept for a certain amount of their crop. If the price reaches that number, the buyer pays that price automatically. This allows the producer to set his preferred price in advance, but doesn’t allow the producer to capitalize on good marketing opportunities that don’t meet the target price or on higher prices, as the producer would only receive the target price.

Each of these types of contracts have benefits and drawbacks, as well as particular conditions that must be met either by the producer or the buyer. More detailed information about the different types of crop contracts can be found at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website at www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sis10994.

Elements of a Crop Contract

No matter what type of contract you use, the following elements should be included in your crop contract:

1. Clear language. Legalese is great, for lawyers. For the rest of us, contracts should use clear language when possible. If the contract is not written plainly, there is greater risk of misunderstanding or misinterpreting the terms of the contract.
2. Rights and responsibilities of the producer and the buyer. Contracts should clearly define what both parties must do, as well as what both parties are entitled to. Contracts should also clearly state what will happen if one party fails to meet his or her obligations.
3. Straightforward terms. Crop contracts should have clearly defined terms for things like quantity, grade, delivery date, delivery location, and price, if those provisions apply.
4. Dispute resolution provisions and escape clauses. Ideally, dispute resolution provisions and contract escape clauses will never be used – but they’re good to have in the event that they are needed.
5. Contract duration. Contracts should have a start date and an end date to ensure they do not go on indefinitely.
6. Payment logistics. Contracts should describe when and how the buyer will pay the producer.

Reduce your risk in contracts

Contracts should help you reduce your risk on your operation – but contracts themselves can come with their own risks. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk in contracts:

1. Understand how the quoted price was developed, including whether it contains charges for things like freight or deductions for dockage or lower grades.
2. Understand how “worst-case scenarios” (for instance, grade deficiencies or low production) will be handled.
3. Ask questions about areas of the contract you don’t understand.
4. Make sure the buyer is licensed through the Canadian Grain Commission. For a list of licensed buyers, visit www.grainscanada.gc.ca/licensee-licence/licensedagreees-eng.htm.
5. Consult a lawyer about the legal implications of the contract and a financial advisor or accountant about the financial implications of the contract.

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Holly Gelech, BioVision Seed Labs

Seed labs issue hundreds of reports each week that provide valuable information that drives seed selection and seed treatment decisions. Seed testing is a well-known agricultural service, but the processes and skill set required to perform testing is not understood. In this article, we will answer your questions on internal processes implemented from sample receipt to analysis.

Germination

Germination is by far the most requested and valued test in the seed industry. Today’s germination test methods have not changed in the last 20 years and continue to be managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Through CFIA’s “Canadian Methods and Procedures for Testing Seed”, planting media, chamber temperatures, and even analysis rules are outlined in this document, to be followed by all accredited seed analysts.

Sample Preparation

• Roll Towel Planting Method: 200 seeds planted at 50 seeds / replicate
• Growth Chamber Conditions: 20°C for 7 days with alternating photoperiod

Germination Analysis

Complexity of analysis ranges from sample to sample based on disease, seed moisture during harvest, and storage conditions. From a pulse standpoint, the most impactful farm operation that affects germination is handling of the pulses. Seed coat cracks and embryo damage can occur quickly and are not often visible to the naked eye. Accredited analysts are trained, and then tested by CFIA, to ensure their skills are proficient.

The analysis procedure commences with division of seedlings into the various categories. This is conducted on each of the four replicates. Final signoff of the tests is wrapped up when all four replicates meet statistical tolerances and are averaged for reporting.

• Normal Seedlings: All structures required to produce a healthy plant are present.
• Abnormal Seedlings: Structures are missing. Roots or shoots are stunted or deformed. Cotyledons are detached from each other.
• Dead Seeds: Seed show no signs of sprouting. Cotyledons are split apart.

If the seedlings show signs of chemical damage, which can occur when glyphosate is applied pre-harvest, then retesting the germination in soil is an option. This may mitigate some tell-tale chemical damage symptoms, which is very short roots with little root hair and very minimal shoot elongation.

Disease

Culture media disease testing is the predominant testing method utilized in analyzing seed borne infection, as it detects viable pathogen presence and will communicate the infection level to the client. These test benefits gives clients the tools needed to choose a seed lot and to target seed protection products. The marketplace typically requests Ascochyta, Botrytis, and Anthracnose (lentil, bean, chickpea) for pulses. Seed borne Ascochyta infection is higher in the 2012 seed crop, which was also observed in the growing crop.

• Culture Media (potato dextrose agar) Plating Method: 200 seeds plated at 10 seeds/plate in Laminar flow cabinet
• Incubation Chamber Conditions: 27°C for 5 days with alternating photoperiod

Disease Analysis

Disease analysis requires a unique skill set which includes lab procedures proficiency and analytical competency. Identification of pathogens includes visual analysis of each fungal colony for morphological characteristics including color, mycelial growth pattern, and pycnidia presence. Follow-up compound microscopic spore analysis (at 400X magnification) is often required to distinguish species, as spores are not visible by the naked eye.

Fungal presence is recorded at the workbench for each seed. Test completion is finalized when all 200 seed are analyzed and infection is reported as a percent. The lowest level of detection is 0.5 per cent, which is one seed infected out of 200 seeds tested.

The Report of Analysis is the end product of lab service delivery. Knowing what tests impact your seed decisions are the first step, followed by how to interpret the results. Each testing season brings different challenges, so contact your seed lab to benchmark how your results stack up against typical results for that year.

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Dean Dyck, AFSC

On November 7, the Board of the Alberta Pulse Growers Commission met with representatives of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) to share information, build relationships, and discuss new opportunities. Of particular interest at this meeting was the review of insurance coverage for fababeans.

AFSC insures approximately 4,000 acres of fababeans in the province, on average. APG was concerned that the yield normal, and subsequently coverage for the crop, was too low compared to current yields.

The yield normal for fababeans is a constant, meaning that yields from previous years are not factored into calculating the yield normal. The constant has not been reviewed for a few years.

One of the challenges with fababeans is that producers do not consistently insure the crop and do not have individual coverage. It takes five years of yield data to calculate individual coverage, and producers are encouraged to insure the crop so their own yield data can be used.

An analysis of AFSC’s yield records from 2000 to 2011 showed that producers experienced at least 25 percent higher yields than the normals. It is evident that coverage is insufficient compared to current varieties and agronomic practices. AFSC will be increasing the yield normals to bring them in line with the yield experience of our clients. Both coverage and premium will increase with this change. It is anticipated that these changes will be available for the 2013 crop year.

By building a strong relationship with AFSC, Alberta Pulse Growers is sharing information that is relevant to its members to help build a strong risk management portfolio for Alberta producers. Visit www.afsc.ca for more information on current risk management options.

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Jenn Walker and Kevin Zaychuk

The 9th Canadian Pulse Research Workshop was held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, from November 6 to 9, 2012. This biennial conference was organized by Andrew Burt (AAFC), Chris Gillard (Univeristy of Guelph), Alireza Navabi (AAFC), and Tom Smith (University of Guelph). The conference was attended by researchers from across Canada, the UK, and the United States. A wide range of topics were presented both in oral presentations and posters. It is good to see the amount of pulse research in progress and exciting to see that the APG has a hand in funding some of the very progressive projects.

The conference opened with comments from Dr. Bert Vandenberg, a look back at where pulse consumption has come from and where it is now positioned globally and what the road ahead may look like. Murad Al-Katib followed with a very positive outlook for pulses to expand in the food and ingredient markets.

In the days that followed, presentations focused on five key areas:

1. Nutritional value and human health
2. Pulses and environment
3. Genetics and genomics
4. Pulse breeding
5. Pulses in cropping systems

Some of the highlights were the pathology studies, such as Fusarium species from dry bean and pea fields in Manitoba and insensitivity to pyraclostrobin fungicide in mycosphaerella pinodes on the northern great plains. Very few herbicide studies were presented; however, some exciting results have been generated from Eric Johnson, which examined the potential for group 15 herbicides in managing herbicide resistant weeds in pulses. Mario Tenuta presented his findings on stem and bulb nematode, which was responsible for added fumigation on yellow pea shipments to India. The work that was done to show that the nematode is associated with Canada Thistle and not directly with the peas demonstrated that what appears to be very simple and practical research can have a very big impact and can provide cost savings and the reduction of inputs.

There is a significant amount of Canadian research in the areas of nutrition and genomics; however, basic agronomy research was represented in a much lower number of papers and posters. If this is an indication of current direction, it is important that APG continues to recognize agronomic research and the need to be progressive and constantly involved in farming practices that will improve prod

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Kristen Podolsky

My name is Kristen Podolsky. I’m a current graduate student at the University of Manitoba. My Master’s thesis work is with Dr. Martin Entz and a great group of young and ambitious students who are passionate about working on sustainable agriculture. Between field work, statistics, and coursework, I also had the opportunity to intern at Pulse Canada over the past year. I’d like to share my story on how I got there, what I learned, and why I feel industry collaboration can work for students, growers, and industry stakeholders.

Through a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Industrial Post Graduate scholarship, I received matching industry support from the Manitoba Pulse Grower’s Association (MPGA) for my work. As part of this scholarship, students are given the opportunity to spend time at the industry partner’s organization working on issues related to their thesis. Through collaborative efforts between MPGA, Pulse Canada, and the University, we decided the best opportunity for me would be to work with the Sustainability team at Pulse Canada.

My passion for sustainable agriculture began early in my university career, so I knew learning from this team would be a great experience. The main project I started to work on involved carbon footprinting of major agricultural crops in Canada, including canola, wheat, and pulse crops. My job was to report results back to the farmers from Saskatchewan who submitted crop production information for the project.

Carbon footprinting, as part of a broad sustainable agriculture movement, has become a major priority to major industry stakeholders. The world’s largest food companies are addressing environmental responsibility and, in doing so, are interested in sourcing food products with lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The second project I was involved with began as another collaboration between three industry stakeholders: a food company interested in measuring the carbon footprint of their product (H.J. Heinz); an industry consortium aimed at providing sustainable solutions along the supply chain (Sustainable Food Lab); and, of course, Pulse Canada. The goal of this project was to provide insight on the usability of carbon footprint calculators for measuring Canadian navy bean production’s carbon footprint.

Over 80 navy bean producers from Ontario and Manitoba were surveyed on their farm practices related to navy bean production. My role was to take this information and enter it into two separate carbon footprint calculators: the Cool Farm Tool and Holos®. I then summarized the data to better understand which farm practices were contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Both calculators showed that nitrogen fertilizer use was the largest contributing factor to greenhouse gas emissions, which accurately reflects scientific research findings.

The carbon footprint of navy bean production at the farm gate ranged from 150-944 kg C02 equivalent per tonne of navy beans. To put these values into perspective, a 400 kg straw bale contains 180 kg of carbon, which if kept in the soil contributes to soil organic matter and overall soil quality. Farms with the lowest carbon footprints practiced reduced tillage, used optimum nitrogen fertilizer practices, and utilized red clover cover crops to reduce synthetic N inputs. Reduced pesticide use, shelterbelts, and alternative energy sources can also reduce a farm’s carbon footprint.

Results from the survey also highlighted differences in production practices between Ontario and Manitoba. For example, rotations with double seeded red clover cover crops were common in Ontario and reduced nitrogen fertilizer input compared to rotations without red clover. I know from my research that red clover seeded after winter wheat harvest the year before navy bean production can contribute 150 lbs of nitrogen in Southern Ontario growing conditions.

While the nitrogen contribution will be less in the Prairie Provinces due to the shorter growing season, this is still a valuable management practice. On the other hand, tillage and pesticide use were substantially less in Manitoba compared to Ontario. On average, a legume crop (soybeans or dry beans) was included once every three years in rotation.

My experience at Pulse Canada has re-enforced two major themes: first, sustainable agriculture is the new paradigm; and second, collaboration among growers, researchers, and industry is extremely important. As a result of this work, it’s interesting to think that one day, our food products could be labelled with carbon footprint indices.

Pulse Canada has shown me that the Canadian pulse crop industry has an exciting story to tell and is positioning itself well for the future. I look forward to being part of a sustainable Canadian agricultural industry.

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

A new five-year policy framework for the agriculture and agri-food sector comes into effect April 1, 2013, and with it will come changes to the government’s suite of business risk management programs, including AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriInsurance, and AgriRecovery.

Approved by federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers on September 14, Growing Forward 2 has received mixed reviews from industry stakeholders and producers, but despite any challenges with the new agreement, producers still need to understand how the changes will affect them, according to Leanne Fischbuch, Alberta Pulse Growers’ Executive Director.

“We understand that producers are concerned about some of the changes that Growing Forward 2 will bring, but as the program will be moving forward in April, producers need to be aware of how the changes will impact them directly,” said Fischbuch, who added that the consultation process over the summer included some of APG’s Commissioners.

While Growing Forward 2 will bring a number of changes, producers will see greatest change in two key areas: Business Risk Management Programs and government investment in innovation, competitiveness, and market development.

Business Risk Management Programs

The federal-provincial-territorial partnership remains committed to offering Business Risk Management Programs for producers, but when Growing Forward 2 comes into effect, producers will undoubtedly notice some changes to some programs – specifically to AgriStability and AgriInvest.

AgriStability is a risk management program that helps protect producers from large declines in farm income. Under AgriStability, a payment is triggered when a producer’s margin (allowable income minus allowable expenses) falls below the historical average margin. Previously, the payment would trigger once a producer’s margin fell below 85 per cent of the historical margin; now, the payment will not trigger until the margin falls below 70 per cent. Essentially, that means a producer will have to see a greater loss (30 per cent instead of 15 per cent) before a payment is triggered.

Another change to AgriStability will make it so a producer will receive payment based solely on that 70 per cent, regardless of how great the loss was. Previously, payments were tiered, and different levels of loss would receive different levels of support. Additionally, reference margins will be limited to the lower of historical reference margins or allowable expenses from previous years.

AgriStability’s fee will also be reduced to make the program more affordable for producers.

While this is not new for the program, producers should take note that, if you want to opt out of AgriStability, you must go to the AFSC web site at www.afsc.ca and fill out the AgriStability Opt Out Form by April 30 of the program year. Without receiving that form, AFSC administration will consider you an active participant in the program, and fees for that year will remain due.

AgriInvest allows producers to put money into a producer-government savings account and receive matching government funds. Money can be withdrawn at any time, helping offset small income losses. Previously, producers were able to deposit 1.5 per cent of Allowable Net Sales (sales of allowable commodities less purchases of allowable commodities); that number has now dropped to 1 per cent. The limit on matching government dollars has also decreased from $22,500 to $15,000.

Investment in research and market access

The new policy framework brings some positive changes to government support for research and market access. Growing Forward 2 will invest $3 billion into programming specifically related to innovation, competitiveness, and market development, which includes an increase of 50 per cent for cost-shared initiatives like the Agricultural Innovation Program and Agri-Science Clusters. This could be good news for organizations like the Alberta Pulse Growers, according to Fischbuch.

“So much of what we do relates to research and innovation to increase the sustainability and profitability of pulse growers,” she said. “A significant portion of our members’ levy dollars goes to research, and expanding this government funding may allow us to expand our research interests even further.”

Moving forward

While the new agreement seems to bring both positive and negative changes to the former policy framework, many producers remain concerned about the consultation process undertaken by the Government. Fischbuch encourages producers to look beyond the challenges of the process and focus on working with the new framework over the next five years.

“Ultimately, that’s what agriculture – and, indeed, Growing Forward – is about: moving forward to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for the betterment of the industry. As this new program unfolds, we will continue to offer our feedback to the government to ensure our members’ voices are heard.”

For more information about Growing Forward 2, please visit www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1294780620963&lang=eng

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

The Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) is a non-profit initiative that teaches grade four students the importance of agriculture in their daily lives. CAP began in 1985, and since that time, more than 550,000 students have participated in the program. This year, there are already over 15,500 students registered to receive a presentation. CAP helps children learn about the food they eat, where it comes from, and the importance of agriculture in Alberta. CAP also highlights the vast opportunities in agriculture and the people, producers, and industries that drive this trade.

Alberta Pulse Growers is a member and supporter of CAP. As a not for profit organization, CAP is provided free of charge to grade four classes across Alberta. This is possible thanks to membership support.

As a CAP member, Alberta Pulse Growers helps the organization achieve its objectives through financial support, distributing information about the program, partnering, and cooperating with CAP where possible, and promoting a positive public representation of the program. CAP members are also a great source of program volunteers.

CAP is dedicated to preserving and promoting agriculture. CAP is a multi-commodity initiative supported by the Alberta Pulse Growers Commission, Agrium, Alberta Barley Commission, Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Chicken Producers, Egg Farmers of Alberta, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Eastern Irrigation District, Olds College, Alberta Institute of Agrologists, and the Alberta Irrigation Projects Association. New this year, Alberta Milk, CropLife Canada, and Agriculture for Life have also joined the organization. Agriculture for Life joins CAP as a substantial partner, and will provide up to $150,000 of funding annually for the next three years.

CAP recently completed two significant projects that will increase both the quality and reach of the program. CAP now has a website where both teachers and volunteers can register for the program and submit evaluations and potential members and partners can learn more about opportunities. The website address is www.classroomagriculture.com. CAP is also launching a new classroom DVD this year. The updated DVD will be used by volunteers in their classroom presentations and will also be available for viewing on our website in the next month. Along with these highlights, CAP continues its core effort, reaching out to grade four students across Alberta and sharing positive messages about agriculture.

CAP volunteers go directly into classrooms to discuss farming and agriculture with grade four students. The volunteers all have unique presentations because each volunteer focuses on their own specialty, whether it be animals, crops, or the environment. In the end, they share a common message – that agriculture plays a very important role in our daily lives and in Alberta’s economy. This network of volunteers delivers the program between February and June of each year.

Presentations are one hour long and include story-telling, hands-on props and fun activities. CAP provides training, resources, ideas, and guidance to all volunteers. Last year, over 14,000 students registered for CAP. Each classroom that registers receives a package including an activity booklet and stickers for each student, and a teacher kit with follow-up learning resources. The activity booklets are directed at the grade four curriculum and include fun facts and games on commodities in Alberta.

Presentations are delivered based on volunteer availability. Typically, it will take new volunteers about five hours to deliver their first CAP presentation; this includes training, preparation, and the one hour in the classroom. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or know of a school who may be interested in registering for the program, please call 403-710-1959 or email capcoordinator@albertabeef.org.

This initiative is supported by the Minister of Education and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. By supporting CAP, Alberta Pulse Growers is helping to ensure students continue to learn about agriculture in Alberta.

This article appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

With both Gerry Good and Barry Grabo finishing their terms on the Alberta Pulse Growers Provincial Board, Zone 2 has elected by acclamation two new Commissioners. Read on to learn more about Douglas Sell and Allison Ammeter, who will be representing Zone 2 at the Board level as of January 2013.

Douglas Sell

Married with three adult children, Doug Sell and his wife of 28 years, Gayle, have a mixed farming operation near Beiseker that includes cow/calf, wheat, canola, barley, and, of course, pulses. Doug and his family have been growing pulses for over 12 years, and last year, pulses accounted for 500 acres on his farm.

“Peas are our staple, but I have experimented with lentils the last three years,” said Doug. “The first year was not so successful, but the last two seasons, I was very satisfied. Now if only the price would cooperate! I had a test plot of fababeans last season as well, which was an interesting learning experience.”

After becoming a Zone 2 Advisor a year ago, Doug participated this past summer in a crop walk, where he had plots of lentils and fababeans surrounded by peas. Wanting to learn and hoping to contribute to agriculture and pulses in particular led Doug to become more involved in the Commission, as he feels pulses are a very good part of a crop rotation.

“The mineralization of the pulse residue for the follow-up crop is, in my opinion, really quite invaluable,” said Doug. “The overall tilth of the soil is improved with pulse rotations.”

Doug says he has enjoyed getting to know the APG staff, Advisors, and Commissioners during his year as an Advisor and is now looking forward to working more closely with everyone in exploring new opportunities for the pulse industry. “The area of research and development interests me in that other commodity groups have made some really significant gains in yield and quality when private industry got involved, and I hope some of that private type investment can help move pulse breeding ahead more quickly.”

Welcome aboard, Doug!

Allison Ammeter

Allison Ammeter and her husband of 25 years, Michael, have raised three children on a third-generation grain farm southwest of Sylvan Lake. The Ammeters crop approximately 2,000 acres in a rotation of canola, wheat, barley, and peas, with occasional oats or hay in the mix. Last year, Allison and Michael grew 300 acres of yellow peas, continuing a long tradition of pulse production on the farm.

“We have grown peas off and on for about 20 years,” said Allison. “My father-in-law tried peas and fababeans in the mid-seventies for hog feed, with mixed results. We plan to try fababeans again in the next two to three years.

Though Allison’s family responsibilities did not allow her to have extra participation in the Commission until her children were older, as they are now, Allison kept well-informed about the industry prior to becoming an Advisor last year.

“I’ve always attended all of the farm fairs, commodity group meetings, and agricultural conventions with my husband, so I am not a stranger to agricultural research and change mechanisms,” said Allison. Over the past year, she has gained greater understanding of the Commission through her work on the Communications Committee, where she played an integral role in defining Alberta Pulse Growers’ brand and upgrading the Commission’s website.

All of her efforts on behalf of the organization are a result of the benefits she sees in growing pulses. “Pulses have allowed us to diversify our crop sales, improve our land through the nitrogen fixing, and help our crop rotations.”

And she feels that these benefits are not only limited to pulse producers.

“I’m very interested in being part of the future of pulses in Alberta,” said Allison. “I believe as consumers recognize more fully the benefits of pulses in their diet for protein, fibre, nutrition, and taste, our industry can only benefit. I hope to see not only increased production and improved varieties, but increased value-added industry within our province as well.”

Welcome, Allison!