Organic Alberta Spring 2016 Magazine

8/17/2019 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.

0

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400

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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

[email protected]

Copy Editor

Brenda Frick

306-260-0663

[email protected]

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):


Vice President: Tim Hoven (S):


Treasurer:Heather Kerschbaumer (N):


Secretary: Trevor Aleman (S):


Lawrence Ashmead (M):

403-971-9682 | lawrence.ashmead@

freshdirectproduce.com

Janice Shelton (N):


Danny Turner (M)


Dawn Boileau (C)780-218-2430 | [email protected]

Abbie Stein-MacLean (M)


Charles Newell (AB rep at federal level)


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/

[email protected].

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!


4/16


AboutCSI

TheCentreforSystemsIntegration,adivisionoftheCanadianSeedInstitute,isaprovenserviceproviderof qualityassurance programsin theagriculturesector.

Minimize and Simplify Your Paperwork

Connections to Local and Global Markets:

Canadian Organic Regime

JAS Organic Equivalency

USDA NOP Equivalency

EU Organic Equivalency

Bio Suisse Verification

More than 15 Years of Experience in Deliveringa CFIA Quality Assurance Program

organic certification?timely & efficient

Seeking

Contact us:

Toll-free: (800) 516-3300

Phone: (613) 236-6451

www.csi-ics.com

Simply FishS O I L A M E N D M E N T

[email protected]

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.


5/16


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.


6/16


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

at [email protected].

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

[email protected]

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

or [email protected]

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


8/16


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?


9/16


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


10/16

YOUNG AGRARIANSGROWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF

ECOLOGICAL FARMERS IN ALBERTA


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


11/16


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


12/16


OATS

COATED GRAINS& CLUSTERS


13/16


Optimize Your Organic Production D Liquid Fertilizers

D Foliar Products

D Granular Fertilizers

D Soil Amendments

BioFertManufacturing Inc. Made in Canada

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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


14/16


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.


15/16


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 production increases the diversity of management

options, and can improve both ecological

and economical sustainability.

BRENDA FRICK

CLASSIFIEDADS

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Organic Alberta Spring 2016 Magazine