Download - Organic Alberta Spring 2016 Magazine
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alberta
WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG
SPRING 2016 ISSUE 01 VOLUME 07
O R G A N I C
ORGANIC PRODUCERS IN CANADA: 2014
eye view of what is happening across
the countr y. Here in Alber ta, our team
is working with COTA to focus in more
specifically on the Prairie-wide statistics.
We will have much more detail on those
numbers in our Summer issue, but those
who attended the April Prairie Organic
Grain Industry Monthly Teleconferencecall were treated to a preview when
Tia Loftsgard, COTA Executive Director,
shared some preliminary findings.
The numbers of producers, crops,
and acres across the country are in!
Thanks to the Canada Organic Trade
Association (COTA), who gather s this
data with the help of the certification
bodies. These char ts include data
gathered by COTA in 2014 are from
COTA and will give you a good birds
DEBBIE MILLER
There is no doubt that the Prairies
are extremely important. In Canada
we provide 89% of all organic wheat
and oats and 99% of the organic prot
crops, making us one of the top world
protein producers. We are also the thir
largest producers of organic pulses in
the world and home to 59% of all theCanadian organic acres. Want more?
Stay tuned for the Summer 2016 issue
arriving around the end of July!
The latest data shows that in 2014,
a total of 3780 organic producers
were operating in Canada. This i s
a 5% increase since 2012. While
Canada reported 3590 organic
producers in 2012, this number
dropped in 2013 to 3513.
British Columbia experienced the
largest growth in organic producers,
increasing by 10% since 2012.
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SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 01 | VOLUME 07
Mission: To represent and support Alberta’s
entire organic industry.
Vision: A strong, sustainable and united
organic community in Alberta.
Editor/Submissions & Advertising
Editor: Debbie Miller
306-642-0216
Copy Editor
Brenda Frick
306-260-0663
Graphic Designer & Publisher
Curio Studio
780-451-2261
www.curiostudio.ca
Executive Director
Becky Lipton:
587-521-2400 | [email protected]
Board Members
Representatives elected by region:
(N) North (S) South (C) Central
(M) Member at Large
President: Ward Middleton (C):
780-939-7549 | [email protected]
Vice President: Tim Hoven (S):
403-302-2748 | [email protected]
Treasurer:Heather Kerschbaumer (N):
780-835-4508 | [email protected]
Secretary: Trevor Aleman (S):
403-308-4003 | [email protected]
Lawrence Ashmead (M):
403-971-9682 | lawrence.ashmead@
freshdirectproduce.com
Janice Shelton (N):
780-623-7664 | [email protected]
Danny Turner (M)
780-469-1900 | [email protected]
Dawn Boileau (C)780-218-2430 | [email protected]
Abbie Stein-MacLean (M)
780-984-3068 | [email protected]
Charles Newell (AB rep at federal level)
780-809-2247 | [email protected]
Summer 2016 deadline is Friday, June 10th.
Please send comments, suggestions, ads, and/or
articles to [email protected]
ORGANIC ALBERTA SUPPORTERS
Big thank you to the following people who sent in donations and/or became “Friends of Organic”
over the last few months. It is your contributions that keep us going!David Bannow, Poplar Bluff Organics, Little Red Hen Mill Farm, Gerrit Brouwer, Chickadee Farm Herbs
Ltd., Dawn Boileau, Herman & Maria Friesen, Andrew Mans, Nature’s Organic Grist, Marnie Freeleus, David
Klassen, Peter & Levke Eggers, Laurel Wood, Norbert Kratchmer, Howard Krekoski, Dan Rollingson, Dale
Doram, Judy Zastre, Rick Kohut, George Friesen, Tyler Goertzen, Myra Marshall, Stuart Wheeler, Sergius
Mankow, Abbie Stein-MacLean, Lyle Statham, Teresa Van den Hazel, Nolan Wohlgemuth, Art and Kathy Baker,
Carol & Ed Szymanek, Stuart Meston, Carolyn Martha Bondy, Laurel Wood, Terence Prockiw, AnnaMarie
& Jack Feenstra, Brandon Nagy, Peter & Anna Bueckert, Dale Neudorf, Bradley Griffin, Daniel & Agatha
Driedger, Franz Zakarias, Hemp Oil Canada, Chris Simeniuk, Hemp Genetics International, Susan and Tim
Penstone, Homegrown Foods, Wetaskiwin Co-op Assoc, New Century Produce, Paul Tiege, Peavey Mart
and Blush Lane.
Are we missing your name? If you haven’t sent in your donation yet, please do it soon! We depend on you!
ORGANICS UNDER THE NEW BUDGET
Our provincial government recently tabled a new
budget, and with it came some significant changes to
agriculture. Most notably the dissolving of the AlbertaLivestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), Alberta Grains
Council, Alberta Farm Safety Advisory Council, Next
General Advisory Council, Agriculture Operations
Practice Act Policy Advisory Group and Agriculture
Development Committee.
One of the greatest impacts on our sector is the
disbanding of ALMA. Many organic businesses
accessed funding through ALMA over the years,
and ALMA has funded Organic Alberta’s organic
livestock and consumer marketing programs for
the past 3 years. The Ministry has said that it wil l
continue to fund programs, services and grants
for the livestock sectors through their department.
Organic Alberta will keep the sector abreast of
any opportunities as they are announced.
Another new development is the creation of the
Agriculture advisory panel. Its purpose is to provide
a mechanism for industry to share ideas and provide
BECKY LIPTON,EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR : ORGANIC ALBERTA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
recommendations to government. Organic Alberta
will strive to be at the table, and ensure the organ
sector has a voice.
ORGANIC ALBERTA – A LITTLE
BIT ON HOW WE FUNCTION
Organic Alberta has programs in a number of
areas including working with young farmers, livesto
and grain producers, and programs that support
transitioning farmers and the promotion of organic
products. We also put on many events throughout
the year from our field days to our conference.
If you ever have any questions about our programs
or activities, please contact us at 587-521-2400/
Organic Alberta’s board provides overarching
governance for the organization, which means they
set the direction and priorities. They then delegate
achieving those priorities to me, the Executive
Director. Reporting to the board occurs 10 times
a year at board meetings, where the board assesse
whether and how well we are reaching our goals.
Many of our programs are funded by external
granting agencies, which have a thorough reporting
and auditing process. We therefore have strong
internal as well as external checks and balances
for our program and financial management.The board will be going through a thorough
strategic planning process over the coming year.
If you have ideas on priorities and directions,
please reach out to your regional representative
via [email protected]/ 587-521-2400.
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rganic
roducersssociation
Certification
with TCO Cert
Thank you to The Organic Box and chef Brad Smoliak for providing our recipe
this month! They have a great partnership, developing recipes featuring Alberta
Organic ingredients that are available seasonally each month and then sharing
them with us via https://blog.theorganicbox.ca/. Do you have a great recipe,
preferably that features something you grow on your own farm? We would love
include it in an upcoming issue. Send your recipes to Debbie.miller@organicalbe
org, or #1, 10329 61st Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6H 1K9. Thank you!
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AboutCSI
TheCentreforSystemsIntegration,adivisionoftheCanadianSeedInstitute,isaprovenserviceproviderof qualityassurance programsin theagriculturesector.
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simplyfish.ca
A P P R O V E D F O R O R G A N I C P R O D U C T I O N
OCIA International - Canada
OCIA…The Root of Organic Integrity
Leading the Way in OrganicCertification for Over 25 Years Contact us today regarding discounts
for new members!
Marg Laberge, Member Services ● T: 780-851-9482
Email: [email protected] ● www.ocia.org
ORGANIC GRAIN INDUSTRYMONTHLY TELECONFERENCE
9:00–9:15 AM Welcome and Introductions
9:15–9:25 AMGuest presenter(topic relevant to Prairie organic grain sector)
9:25–9:35 AM Questions for the presenter
9:35–10:15 AM Cross-Provincial Updates
10:15–10:30 AM POGI Update and closing
Growing the Organic Community through Exchange
Second Wednesday of
Every Month
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM MDT.
Dial-In Number: 1-866-613-5223
Access Code: 9817492
The goal of the calls is to build community and grow capacity through
exchange and learning. The who's who in the prairie organic sector
will be on this call. Don't miss it!
Highlight – Cross-Provincial Updates
Hear what has been happening with everyone: updates, learnings shared
by everyone on the call.
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SCOTT SHIELS, GRAIN MILLERS CANADA CORP
ORGANIC MARKETOPPORTUNITIESCLASSIFIED ADS
Diversify with Alberta’s upcoming frost tolerant specialty crop!
Grow Quinoa! Organic Total production contracts available
for 2016. Premium returns, guaranteed markets and delivery.
www.quinoa.com 306.933.9525
Grower's International is buying all kinds of wheat, durum,
barley, oats, flax, spelt, peas, mustard and lentils. Call one of
our buyers today! Mark Gimby: 306-652-4529, Braden Neuls:204-918-5822, Lorne Lix: 204-924-7050.
F.W. Cobs is buying HRSW and feed grains, including Barley,
Peas, Rye, Screenings, and more. We buy FOB the farm,
delivered to Loreburn, SK or loaded rail. Call 888-531-4888
ext 7 or 8.
Are you looking for a consistent supply of Organic Soybean
meal? Shafer Commodities can assist you with all of your
organic needs, we are also buying HRS, durum, flax, barley
& peas 403-328-5066.
Wanted: finished certified organic cattle and feeder cattle.
For Sale: Certified organic alfalfa seed, feeder hogs, and milking
cows. Also Freezer pork, lamb and beef. Contact Peter Lundgard
at Nature's Way Farm 780-338-2934
Trade and Expor t Canada is buying all grades of organic grains.
Call 1-306-433-4700.
Looking for certified Organic, Yellow peas(Grande)70 bus,
Green peas(Stryker)90 bus, and Large or Medium Green lentils
50 bus. Call or text David at New Life Organic Foods
1-306-393-9115
The following prices are compliments of OrganicBiz.ca. They gather
and post monthly price information at organicbiz.ca/category/markets/
Big thank you to Laura Telford from Manitoba for all her time and energ
in collecting past price data for us!
MARKET PRICES
ORGANIC MARKET NOTES
Organic markets have been strong for the past couple of years and that
is not showing any signs of change in the 2016-17 crop year. Demand for
organic oat finished product has shown double digit percentage growth
year after year, and that is being reflected in record high forward pricing
for growers going into the new year. We are contracting for $7/bushel
for winter 2017 organic oats, butdue to the increase in oat acres this
year, that space is filling up fast.
Other commodities such as flax, wheat, and barley are also showing
large gains in demand, and are sustaining prices at very profitable levels.
New crop flax contracts are at $35/bushel, soft white wheat has beenin the $17-$18 range, and milling bar ley has been around $10/bushel.
Special crops such as lentils, mustards and peas are also showing gains
in demand, which also corresponds to a growth in acreage. These crops
can be a little more challenging to grow and market organically, but with
pricing at today’s levels, they definitely are proving to be a very profitab
option on the farm.
Always check with more than one buyer when marketing your organic
crops, as different buyers are selling into different markets and can have
significantly differing prices. Always read your contracts, as you may be
agreeing to something that you did not discuss with your buyer. Finally,
it is very important to ensure that your buyer is licensed and bonded
by the CGC to protect you from issues that can arise such as non-payment, or undue discounts.
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SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 01 | VOLUME 07
DIAL-AN-ORGANIC EXPERT
We’re listening! Farmers across the prairies now have access to
an expert (at no charge) to discuss any organic production questions,
including those about transition. Take advantage of the knowledge,
experience and expertise of our agronomic experts. All questions are
welcomed; leave a message and you will be answered within 36 hours.
Call 1-800-245-8341 to access experts or contact via email
YOUR OTHER ONE-STOP SHOP
www.pivotandgrow.com
Are you an organic producer, either experienced or in transition?
Do you sometimes wish you had more resources to help?
Visit the www.pivotandgrow.com resources tab to see:
• Transition resources – check out the Organic Transition Starter Kit
• Production resources – crop rotations, soil fertility, weeds,
cover crops, green manures, intercropping, grain quality
• Marketing info – grain buyers and business-to-business directory
• Grain prices
• Books for purchase
• Information on Coming Events
• Crop Insurance – find out about the new program in Alberta
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Let us know…we’ll add it
to the site. Contact [email protected] .
2016 FIELD DAYS
The Prairie Organic Grain Initiative, in partnership with Organic
Alberta, will be hosting field days across Alberta this summer (July
and August). Do you have a best management practice or unique
situation that would provide a learning opportunity for other farmer
We would love to hear from you as a potential field-day host.
We are looking at featuring the topics of weeds, fertility, crop rotatio
and green manures. Contact [email protected]
to showcase your organic farm.
ONLINE COFFEE SHOP
Want to meet up with other organic farmers but don’t have the
time to get together? We have a solution. Join prairie organic farmer
online as they discuss real production topics: crop rotations, seeding,
weed control, etc.
Here’s how it works. Go to www.organicfarmtalk.ca. Create a log-in
ID and start asking your questions. No question is too basic! If you a
an experienced organic farmer, this is a way you can help others byanswering questions.
Special thank you to Cody Straza and Allison Squires for creating
an online community for all of us!
WHO YOU GONNA CALL? LET’S GET TOGETHER!
LEARNING, SHARING AND HAVING FUN AT AN ORGANIC FIELD DAY
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We want to work with you!
Locations available inWetaskiwin, Brooks, Stettler
Contact:780.604.2634
enduranceequities.ca
Need a location to drop off your
products to your customers?
We clean cereals,
oilseeds, and
pulse crops.
Contact Glen Hartel at 403-578-3810
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete
our Producer Information Survey last spring! We did a
random draw of all the respondents and are happy to
introduce Daniel and Marilyn Wiebe from Buffalo Prairie,
AB as our lucky winners! We will pay their certification
costs for a year!
Daniel and Marilyn have been farming organically since
2008 and harvested their first certified organic crop in
2011. Their regular rotation includes wheat, oats and redclover. Although they did farm conventionally for 3 years,
Daniel always enjoyed learning the “old” practices from
his father. Converting to organic production has not only
been rewarding, it has enabled a healthier lifestyle for
the Wiebes and their 4 young children. Congratulations
Daniel and Marilyn.
ANNOUNCING THE WINNEROF PAID CERTIFICATION FOR A YEAR
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SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 01 | VOLUME 07
Green manures are a crucial part of a successfulorganic crop rotation. When managed well,
they increase soil fertility, soil health, biodiversity,
provide erosion protection, and decrease weed
populations. Sometimes called plough downs,
or the more general name of cover crop, green
manures are planted and not harvested for seed,
but instead incorporated back into the soil.
When green manures are growing throughout
the season, they are capturing carbon from the
atmosphere. Some of the carbon is incorporated
continued on pa
IRIS VAISMAN
into the plant material that we see above the
ground, while some goes below the ground
into the roots and is released as root exudates
into the soil. These exudates feed soil biodiversity,
contribute to soil organic matter, and improve
soil structure. It is very important to include
legumes in your green manures, because they
fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. Legumes
in green manures are in fact a major source
of nitrogen in organic cropping systems. Like
carbon, the nitrogen is incorporated into the
plant, and also released through root exudates,
again creating a rich soil environment. When the
green manure is terminated (this can be done
by tilling, mowing, rolling, or grazing, but more on
that later), the green manure starts decomposing.
As it decomposes, it releases all the nutrients
that are in the plant, both above the ground and
in the roots. These nutrients that are released
feed soil organisms and are also bound up by the
soil (for future crops to use). The decomposing
plants therefore increase the amount of carbon
and nitrogen in the system. More carbon means
more soil organic matter, means more soil
biodiversity, means better soil structure, means
better soil health.
In order to get the most benefit from your
green manure, you want to create as much
plant material as you can, so that you have
optimum nitrogen and carbon, as well as good
weed competition and soil cover. How can you
do that? Well, this question needs to be first
answered with a few questions. For example,
where are you farming and what are the legum
that grow best in your region? What are yourmoisture limitations? Where in your rotation
are you growing your green manure, and do yo
want to grow an annual, biennial, or a perennia
To help with these decisions, check out: Legum
Green Manuring – Government of Alberta
(http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/
deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex133) and “Cover crops a
green manures in organic production – OACC
(http://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/oacc/en-
home/resources/crop-rotation/cover-crop-gree
manure.html).
PHOTO CREDIT: IRIS VAISMAN
BLADE ROLLER IN ACTION ON A
PEA AND OAT GREEN MANURE MIX
HOW DO GREEN MANURES BENEFIT MY FARM ANDWHAT CAN I DO TO GET THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT?
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For Tina Williams of Hand ‘n Hand Livestock
Solutions, good stockmanship “is not about
having ‘tame’ animals you can pet or trick
into the corral with grain or just not yelling.
It means having the tools to keep your
livestock in the proper mental state as they
go through the entire production process.”
Proponents say lower stress and improved
quality of life, for both farmer and their
livestock are achieved through the use of
proper stockmanship techniques. By reducing
MELISA ZAPISOCKY
PROPER STOCKMANSHIP SCHOOL WITHTINA WILLIAMS & RICHARD MCCONNEL
stress overall, cattle are easier to handle.
Additional benefits include improved
disease resistance, better weight gain
and carcass performance.
Participants attending a Hand n’ Hand
Livestock school will learn how proper
stockmanship can make your livestock
handling experiences easier and more
enjoyable. The sessions will be taught in
a class room setting (no hands on) and
will include information on pressure and
release; how we communicate with our
livestock; instincts of humans and livestock;
predator/prey relationship; positioning and
movement; training the herd; at the gate
and working in the corral; sorting, weaning,
receiving and loading; and our attitude.
Richard McConnel and Tina Williams
are a well experienced team in animal
handling, and they present stockmanship
schools across Canada and the United
States. Visit organicalberta.org/events
for more information, or contact Melisa
at 587-521-2400 or melisa.zapisocky@
organicalberta.org
Organic Alberta is pleased to be
the recipient of Growing Forward
2’s Livestock Delivery Agent
Program. This funding will allowus to host two, 2-day Stockmanship
Schools in Alberta, with Hand ‘n
Hand Livestock Solutions; one on
June 13/14 at the Red Deer County
Office and one on June 16/17
in Cochrane. The cost is $60 for
members of Organic Alberta and/
or our par tner Forage Associations,
or $80 for non-members.
After narrowing down your legume species,
you can setup your green manure for success
by choosing the right seeding rate (which will
depend on your green manure species choice)
and by always inoculating your legumes. Proper
inoculation increases the amount of nitrogen that
will be fixed. Always consider growing more than
one species in your green manure. For example,
growing peas together with oats gives the peas
something to grow on. Also, consider your weed
control. One strategy is to seed ear ly to get
ahead of the weeds, while another is to wait
for a flush of weeds, till, and then seed the green
manure. Farmers use both strategies, and must
balance their timing. In some cases they want
to get the green manure into the ground as soon
as possible for maximum biomass, or in the case
of warm season crops they may try to plant
a little later for high biomass, while, also taking
the opportunity for weed control.
How you choose to terminate your green
manure can vary, and depends on equipment
availability and conditions on the farm. There
is no hard and fast rule about how to terminate,
as each option has its pros and cons. Incorporat-
ing your green manure with tillage allows the
plant material to be mixed into the soil, which
promotes even decomposition and a large N
contribution to the following year’s crop, while
leaving some residue on surface. Tillage also
allows for weed control, especially of difficult
perennials such as Canada thistle. However,
some farmers are looking to reduce tillage or
move away from it entirely. This is where you
can consider mowing, blade rolling, or grazing.
Mowing helps break up residue, and the mulch
that remains provides soil coverage, and if thick
enough, can suppress weeds. Keep in mind,
when the plant material is not incorporated,
there is slower green manure decomposition
and N release, with a potential nitrogen loss to
the atmosphere. Blade rolling uses less fuel and
also leaves a rich mulch on the surface of the soil.
And if you have access to animals, grazing
is an excellent way to utilize green manures
as well as cycle available nutrients. Once again,
there is no hard and fast rule about terminatio
and combining various methods might be the
best option for your farm. If using warm seaso
plants, seeded later, winter can terminate for yo
Stalks can be grazed, or left for snow trapping,
and they can be incorporated in the spr ing.
Green manures can be managed in diverse
ways that best compliment your farm. Taking
the time to pay attention to your green manu
will pay off in crop yield, crop quality, and soil
health. At the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative,
we would like to hear how farmers are manag
their green manures. What’s working? What ar
your challenges? You can email [email protected] or call 587-521-2400
if you would like to share. And keep an eye
out for more green manure management
information on pivotandgrow.org.
Green Manure contined from page 8
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YOUNG AGRARIANSGROWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF
ECOLOGICAL FARMERS IN ALBERTA
SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 01 | VOLUME 07
Organic Alberta is delighted to be the new home for Young
Agrarians programming in Alber ta. With the receipt of Peavey Mart’s
Agricultural Community Grant, funding has been established for acoordinator to support programming over the next two years.
In British Columbia, Young Agrarians has been a successful initiative
that supports beginning and new farmers. Its foundation has been
on creating a supportive, mutual learning community that supports
members in navigating the opportunities and challenges as they
start farming, such as land access, capital access and training.
Young Agrarians is part of an ecology of individuals, organizations,
resources and socio-cultural drivers that influence the developmen-
tal path of beginning and new farmers. New farmers face a plethora
of challenges and opportunities and farmer-to-farmer knowledge
sharing and training is crucial.
One of the major goals is to break through the sense of isolation
that many farmers feel. Farm tours, potlucks, mixers and workshops
will be organized across the province for young and elder agrarians
to gather and build a community of support. Through this work,
we’ll gather a greater understanding of what the needs are on the
ground in Alberta; and we will build strategies and programming
around these needs.
DANA PENRICE
DANA PENRICE ACCEPTING PEAVEY
MART’S CONTRIBUTION TO BUILDING
THE YOUNG AGRARIAN PROGRAM
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A mentorship program offers a structured
environment where a more experienced
farmer can guide a new organic farmer
to understand organic farming practices.
Ultimately we want new entrants to succeed
to strengthen and stabilize the organic grain
sector on the prairies.
We are looking for both mentors and
mentees as we develop our mentorship
program for 2016.
Are you an experienced organic farmer?
If so, consider ‘paying it forward’ to a new
organic farmer by sharing your knowledge.
Your contribution will help to build the
confidence of a mentee and will develop
their skill in organic production.
For new farmers, you can receive that valuable
advice and benefit from greater knowledge
and experience. Your mentor may guide you
through a production problem, guide you to
resources and contacts, and provide you with
tips on weeds, fertility, etc.
There will be a small regis tration fee . To
get connected, contact Melisa.Zapisocky@
prairieorganicgrain.org .
Wishing you had help with planning your
rotation? Need tips to handle weed pressure?
Help is available!
Agronomists are there to help you look for
ways to increase your soil productivity. They
also work to improve the quality of seed and
help you solve organic cropping challenges.
The Prairie Organic Grain Initiative recently
hosted Organic Agronomist Training in
Alberta and Saskatchewan, and is planning
more for Manitoba this summer. Organic
agronomists are now available to assist on
a fee-for-service basis. If you are interested,
get connected by contacting Iris.Vaisman@
prairieorganicgrain.org.
IT’S ALL ABOUTSUCCESS!
NEED AN
ON-SITE ORGANIC
AGRONOMIST?
OVER 80 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED
IN ORGANIC AGRONOMIST TRAINING
IN LACOMBE AND MOOSE JAW PUT ON
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY
OF MANITOBA AND THE PRAIRIE
ORGANIC GRAIN INITIATIVE.
IRIS VAISMAN OF THE PRAIRIE
ORGANIC GRAIN INITIATIVE
PRESENTING AT A RECENTTRAINING WORKSHOP
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SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 01 | VOLUME 07
OATS
COATED GRAINS& CLUSTERS
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WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG
Optimize Your Organic Production D Liquid Fertilizers
D Foliar Products
D Granular Fertilizers
D Soil Amendments
BioFertManufacturing Inc. Made in Canada
BioFert is a leading manufacturer of organic fertilizers.Our innovative, superior products undergo a stringent
quality control process. We carry a full line of ECOCERT
approved organic fertilizers and have a knowledgeable
team of Professional Agrologists.
Organic Division of TerraLink
1.866.BIOFERT
www.biofert.ca
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SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 01 | VOLUME 07
Prairie Heritage Seeds
WWW.PHSORGANICS.COM | 1.306.869.2926
Proud supporter of organic agriculture.Wishing all organic growers a productive 2016 crop year.
Currently contracting Kamut and other grains.
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ORGANIC GRAIN, CATTLE PRODUCTIONCAN MAKE GOOD PARTNERS
Reprinted from Western Producer March 31, 2016.
Grain and livestock production go well together.
It works both ways: introducing organic grain
production onto the ranch can provide a valu-
able market stream. Integration of cattle into
grain farming can improve sustainability.
For a livestock producer considering pasture
renovation, or re-seeding of hay land, organic
grain production can be a valuable interlude
between hay fields. Demand for organic
grain is high, as are organic prices. Hay land
is generally not treated with chemical inputs,
so it usually transitions quickly.
Two points are key during the transition.
First, terminate the hay with tillage, not chemis-
tr y. Second, have the field inspected in the year
in which the hay is plowed down.
Land must be under organic oversight
for a full 12 months before the first harvest
of organic products. This means it is necessary
to contact a cer tifier, develop an organic plan,
and have an inspection before harvest time
in the plow-down year. This way, the field
can qualify for certified organic production
in its first grain year.
After a few years of organic grain produc-
tion , the field can be reseeded to hay, if that is
desirable. Organic production can be rotated
through the hay fields, as they need rejuvena-
tion . Alter nately, including cattle on a grain farm
increases the range of weed management op-
tions, and improves nutrient cycling.
One of the primary benefits of cattle is that
they provide top-notch fer tilizer. Urine is an
ideal form of nitrogen, with excellent biological
availability. Solid waste is phosphorus rich,
and again biologically available. And of course,
with appropriate management, cattle will spread
these fer tilizers where they are needed.
In addition, cattle greatly increase the options
for economic weed management. Cattle eat
weeds, which can be highly nutritious. They also
eat weedy crops and that changes the dynamics
of weed management, making it more effective.
Basically, I see five ways that cattle can
be introduced into the grain farm:
1. MANURE APPLICATION.
Manure can be brought onto an organic
farm, if the farm does not produce its own.
Not all forms are acceptable. For instance
sewage sludge and products from caged
animals or those permanently kept in the
dark are prohibited. There are r ules for
application, so that it does not contami-
nate crops or water systems. In general,
it should be applied on biologically active
land (not too cold, not too dry), no less
than 90 days from the harvest o f an above
ground food crop.
2. GREEN MANURE INCORPORATION.
Grain producers consider green manure
as a necessary input cost. Allowing cattle
to graze the green manure can change it
from a cost to an income stream. Most of
the nutrients of the green manure will pass
through the cow, and are then applied in
a form that is highly plant available. If
animal density is high enough, what is not
eaten will be trampled into a weed-sup-
pressing, soil-moisture-retaining mulch.
3. INCLUSION OF FORAGES AND FEED.
Perennial forages are excellent for buildingorganic matter, and feeding soi l biology.
Livestock increase the chances that a farm
will produce forages. Options for annual
forages go far beyond those for annual
grains, because seed production is not
necessary. Warm-season crops can be
seeded well into mid summer, so even
late emerging weeds can be controlled
first. When fields are extremely weedy,
it can be useful to cut them before the
weeds set seeds . This is usually done at
a loss for the producer, but again, livestock
can turn that loss to profit. Livestock can
make it more cost effective to cut weed
patches as well.
4. STUBBLE GRAZING.
Cattle grazing after harvest can clean up
grain that was blown through the comb
and may reappear as volunteers next ye
Cattle can clean up weeds as well, espe-
cially winter annuals and perennials.
5. BALE GRAZING.
If nutrients such as phosphorus, are low o
an organic farm, bringing in bales is one w
to bring in nutrients. By grazing those bale
in low nutrient regions, especially knolls,
nutrients can be returned in a more biolo
cally effective way than with mined miner
Often grain producers don’t feel they have th
skills, resources or interest for cattle producti
however, the price of moveable electric fenci
may be low relative to the nutrient and weed
benefits in the field. Some innovative grain pr
ducers have partnered with neighbouring cat
producers in a way that benefits both.
Finding a balance of plant and animal produc- tion increases the diversity of management
options, and can improve both ecological
and economical sustainability.
BRENDA FRICK
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