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Preliminary results of research show pigs can be stimulated into engaging in play.The Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the Prairie Swine Centre are exploring the prospects of using play to improve the emotional well being of pigs and improve their resilience and performance.In one experiment the behavior of two groups of pigs provided intermittent play opportunities was compared to a control group. Dr. Yolande Seddon is an Assistant Professor Swine Behaviour and Welfare.She says the objective is to determine whether play could be stimulated and identify the physiological effects of play on the pigs.All internationally trained veterinarians hoping to practice in Canada take their final hands-on test in Saskatoon. Three times a year, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine hosts the clinical proficiency examination process for international veterinarian graduates who want to be license in Canada. It is the only location in Canada that hosts this testing.Dr. Gillian Muir explains the testing process and how this is easing some of the stress of the veterinarian shortage across Canada. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the time of year when many producers and agronomists are attending trade shows, industry meetings and annual general meetings hoping to gain some insights for the next growing season.Chuck Penner with Leftfield Commodity Research gave his outlook for the grains and oilseed markets at Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon.He says he's not a predictor but rather spends time doing reconnaissance assembling information on the past growing season and how that may shape the coming year. There is a desperate shortage of agriculture technicians...to the point that it's being called a crisis by John Schmeiser, the President of the North American Equipment Dealers Association. He will share what the industry is doing to attract more young people to the field. AndHe also talks about the controversy surrounding ‘right to repair’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no surprise to grain and oilseed producers that 2022 was a year of great uncertainty. The senior analyst with FarmLink Marketing Solutions Neil Townsend says the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a key market factor in the past year and any restrictions to the flow of grain out of Ukraine this year will have far reaching affects on commodity markets.Moving to the pork market, despite exceptionally high feed costs, 2022 was among the top three year most profitable years for North American pork producers over the past decade.  The Director of Risk Management with HAMS Marketing Services Tyler Fulton explains why and what is in the forecast for 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's estimated soil salinity is affecting anywhere from five to 10 million acres on the Canadian Prairies. Establishing perennial forages is one of the top recommended methods to manage saline soils for the long term. At a Forage Crop Walk in northeast Saskatchewan where producer Harvey Heavin shared his story of how he converted 90 acres of poorly producing saline land to a productive forage crop which is baled each year by another farmer. Agri-environmental specialist Charlotte Ward also shared some thoughts on the many forage blends that are available and choosing variety will depend a great deal on what the crop will be used for.Many farmers have diversified their operations.But one farm southwest of Saskatoon has several revenue streams including crops, livestock, part ownership in a Saskatoon restaurant and operating a summer day camp for elementary school students.Arlie LaRoche is the owner-operator of Farm One Forty and she will share more about the farm and its various ventures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plenty of changes in fertilizer pricing in the past six month----with some products remaining high and others declining in price. Josh Linville with Fertilizer StoneX in the United States. This past summer there was a lot of concern about the potential for even higher fertilizer prices---considering the war between Russia and Ukraine. Linville talks about the lower prices for phosphate, potash and urea---but the same cannot be said for anhydrous or urea ammonium nitrate.Canada's Food Price Report predicts the average family of four will be spending an additional $1,065 on food next year---which works out to a 5 to 7 percent increase.The report is an annual collaboration between four Canadian Universities---including the University of Saskatchewan. USask Associate professor Stuart Smythe says on-farm and processing costs are rising---but other things are adding to the bill as well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A prairie farm group is concerned about the federal government's recently announced, “Sustainable Agriculture Strategy.” Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie Claude Bibeau says the sector needs to work together to develop a roadmap to improving environmental performance.Western Canadian Wheat Growers President Gunter Jochum will share what is most worrying to their organization about the process.Bill C-21 and its recent amendments will criminalize Saskatchewan residents. That according to the Ray Orb the president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.He says Bill C-21 does nothing to target the illegal use of firearms; instead, it targets lawfully licensed firearms owners and their legally acquired firearms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oat prices fell sharply just prior to harvest as it became apparent the 2022 crop was going to produce large yields. Good rain at just the right time in prime growing regions of eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba contributed to the good crop. Jonathan Dreidger with Leftfield Commodity Research shares what is happening with the oat prices and what to expect in the coming months.Statistics Canada cut its final canola production estimate by nearly one million tonnes compared to the September estimate which surprised the trade. The wheat estimate is also lower. Ken Ball with P.I. Financial in Winnipeg will have his reaction to the final crop estimates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) has a new affiliation agreement with its seven regional branches. The agreement includes the Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers, Saskatchewan Seed Growers, and the Manitoba Seed Grower Associations. CSGA Executive Director Doug Miller says with the industry going through a seed industry modernization initiative it's important to have unity and a clear messageOverall demand for farm equipment is projected to remain strong into 2023, despite rising interest rates and a weakening Canadian US exchange rate. Farm Credit Canada's 2023 outlook for the farm equipment market indicates demand is being supported by strong farm cash receipts, even with commodity prices softening from peak levels. FCC Chief agricultural economist J.P. Gervais believes as supply chains recover, equipment manufacturers are expected to increase the delivery of new equipment orders. But inventory levels will remain below pre-pandemic levels and will remain tight beyond 2024.Gervais will talk about the farm equipment sector and the recent food and beverage report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone knows the importance of doing things in a safe manner on the farm. Sometimes it's hard to get started creating a strategy. Dean Anderson is the Strategic Advisor for Agriculture with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services. Dean will talk about some of the greatest risk factors on the farm, how to avoid injury and how to create a farm safety plan for your own operation. The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and the Saskatchewan Winter Cereals Development Commission’s are considering amalgamating. Resolutions were passed in January so the two organizations could explore options for amalgamation. An initial online survey found producers were overwhelmingly in favor of exploring options for amalgamation.Carol Ann Patterson with the winter cereals commission will talk about the process and why its important for farmers to participate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan is looking at the effect of feed processing on ergot toxicity. The work is expected to change how feed samples are analysed. Monogastric Nutrition assistant professor Dr. Denice Beaulieu says researchers are examining the ability of heat and steam to alter a certain ratio of the ergot.The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame officially welcomed four new inductees at a ceremony in Toronto as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Hall president Ted Menzies says it was an extra special event as the organization celebrated its 60th Anniversary.He will tell us about the four outstanding individuals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first ever Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index suggests there is short term optimism tempered by longer term concerns. About 3,000 farms across the country have agreed to enter information into the data base---so they can participate in the nationwide survey. Justin Funk is the managing partner of Agri Studies. He'll share more on the 900 farmers and ranchers that answered last month's survey which contained a series of questions, and how they can access to the numbers so they can see how their responses stack up with their counterparts. There is growing interest globally in Canada's plant-based food sector. Last week delegates from around the world took part in the first Plant Forward conference in Toronto. The event was organized by Protein Industries Canada, Pulse Canada, and Plant-Based Foods of Canada.PIC CEO Bill Greuel will share more about the conference and how the international guests responded to the information shared during the event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4-H Canada Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (LEAD) recognize outstanding members who show 4-H values in the way they live their lives. The awards honour youth who have become exceptional leaders through their 4-H experience, and who share the best of themselves with their community. Kate Axton from Saskatchewan is one of the recipients of the $20,000 scholarship for her post secondary education. Kate will talk the award and her passion for agriculture. Kendall Wicks was looking for a story about combining to share with her son. When she couldn't find one, she decided to write her own story. A Harvest Story is now part of the Agriculture in the Classroom-Saskatchewan resources. Kendall will share the process of getting the story printed and the response she has received so far. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association continues its effort to fight Ottawa's proposed fertilizer emission reduction policy. The federal government wants to reduce those emissions by 30 percent by the year 2030. Wheat Growers President Gunter Jochum believes it could result in a food shortage.   Over the last several years, there have seen more cow/calf producers try their hand at direct-to-consumer marketing. Mark Hoimyr and his wife Laura own Box H Farm near Gladmar, straight south of Regina, Sask. near the U.S. border.Box H Farm has 250 head of breeding stock---plus replacements. There is about 5,000 acres of tame grass and native prairie---with a heavy emphasis on rotational grazing.Mark Hoimyr is here to talk about selling his grass-fed beef direct to consumers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing war in Ukraine is creating problems for two major exporters of potash fertilizer.Prior to the conflict, Russia and its close ally---Belarus----accounted for a combined 40 percent of global potash production. Both countries are going through challenges selling their product. Nutrien has six potash mines in Saskatchewan and is in the process of expanding production at three of those mines.Ken Seitz is Nutrien's Chief Executive Officer. He says while Russia has managed to skirt around European sanctions by moving more oil and natural gas to China and India---it is a much different story for potash, which is a bulk commodity. Farm Credit Canada is working with indigenous peoples to expand agricultural ventures---both large and small.However, accessing capital from banks has been a major challenge for First Nations and Farm Credit Canada want to make the process easier.Shaun Soonias is the Director of Indigenous Relations with FCC. He says First Nations already have business experience in other economic sectors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The two major railways are having a more difficult time filling hopper car orders and the number of unfulfilled orders is increasing rapidly.The Ag Transport Coalition monitors railway performance on behalf of grain companies and various producer organizations. The organization is concerned the rail companies are falling behind on rail car deliveries.However, the assistant vice president of grain at CN Rail, David Przednowek said CN is prepared to move this falls’ larger prairie crop to market.   He'll talk about the company's winter rail plan has been released.   -   The province of Saskatchewan celebrates agriculture month in October. It's a time for the industry and consumers to learn more about the products produced right here in our own province. Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan Executive Director Clinton Monchuk says the agriculture industry is thriving thanks to the dedicated individuals that make up the value-chain and have a passion for producing healthy and affordable food.He says the public is encouraged to share their connection to food through the theme, "#MealsFromtheFarm."   -   After the break..... David Przednowek.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia is taking steps to control a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in that country. The Swine Health Information Center monitors domestic and global diseases and provides monthly surveillance reports. Center Associate Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says Foot and Mouth Disease virus has been on the radar for global detection since May because there have been substantial outbreaks, particularly in Indonesia where approximately 500,000 animals have been infected. She will talk about the importance of controlling the spread of the disease that can affect cattle and pigs. Saskatchewan's chief veterinary officer issued an Animal Health Order prohibiting the transport of birds to shows, auctions and fairs after several reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The disease is carried by migratory birds. The animal health order will remain in place until October 21, when it will be reviewed. Dr. Noel Ritson-Bennett is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency veterinary program manager and part of the CFIA's Western Area Response Team for avian influenza. He says this month's outbreak was expected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new survey shows most farmers believe a proposed fertilizer emissions target will not remain voluntary. That was one of the findings of poll of 546 Western Canadian farmers. The first question was "Do you agree with the federal government's 30 percent fertilizer emission reduction target by the end of the decade?” 72 percent strongly disagreed. Another question on the way emissions were calculated--82 per cent said it was not achievable.Greg Dunlop is the President of iFusion, in Guelph, Ontario. He'll share the results of the survey.   This past week marked the five-year anniversary of the free trade deal between Canada and the European Union. The Canadian Cattle Association supports the deal---but says technical barriers are preventing the agreement from achieving its full potential. CCA general manager Ryder Lee explains the good and bad of the deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saskatchewan produces 30 per cent of Canada’s beef cattle, but there are no federally inspected packing facilities in the province. The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) believes the province and its producers are selling all that potential value out-of-province and at a discount.SSGA released a study into the feasibility of building and operating a packing plant in Saskatchewan. The study called Opportunities & Challenges for Growing Saskatchewan’s Beef Processing Sector indicates there is a way to create more packing capacity.   Stock Growers president Garner Deobald will share the details of the report and explain the next steps to establishing a beef packing in Saskatchewan.   Despite the suspension of use of a new African Swine Fever vaccine in Vietnam, progress is still being made to find a vaccine for ASF. Swine Health Information Center Executive Director Dr. Paul Sundberg says the vaccine was a gene deleted African Swine Fever Vaccine developed by USDA's Ag Research Service.The license for further testing by a company in Vietnam was suspended after pigs that had been vaccinated died. Sundberg says initial reports indicated the vaccine's efficacy was very high and safety studies were also very promising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank of Canada increased its policy interest rate by 75 basis points to 3 and a quarter per cent. J.P. Gervais, Chief Economist with Farm Credit Canada says expect more interest rate increases before the end of the year as the Bank of Canada tries to tame inflation.He says with even with higher interest rates and inflation for farm inputs, most farmers should still be in the black. A veterinary clinic in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan hopes the extension of a loan forgiveness program will help attract newly graduated veterinarians to their practice. The Saskatchewan government announced the veterinary clinics in larger centres will be able to participate in a program introduced last year for smaller communities.The province will forgive 4-thousand dollars of student loans per year for a maximum of five years for veterinarians and veterinary technologists. To qualify, the vets need to provide a minimum of 400 hours of service to large animal producers over a twelve-month period.Prince Albert veterinarian Dr. Tom Avey will explain how this will help practices like his. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone involved in agriculture needs to better communicate the story of farming. Cam Dahl is the General Manager of Manitoba Pork. He says the sector needs to work together to dispel the myths surrounding modern agriculture.An article circulated through community newspapers examines the connection between farmers and the "Prove It" generation and the need to better communicate the role of new technology in meeting the need for food. Dahl says while people trust farmers, they don't necessarily understand or trust what they do.The Western Canadian Wheat Growers have started an online petition about the federal government's plan to reduce fertilizer emissions 30 percent by the end of the decade. Director Jim Wickett says the groups has taken a firm stand in opposition to the proposal, saying it attempts to reduce greenhouse gases, but the actual reduction would be small, and the impact on the food in Canada, and globally, would be significant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.