HEY PEOPLE, Leave Those Pigs Alone!

As talk of the H1N1 Influenza spreads around the globe, pigs are bearing the brunt of people’s anxiety.

Pig farmers are already feeling the fallout as several countries; including Philippines, El Salvador, Honduras and Ukraine have banned Canadian pork products.  However, hog farmers are not taking this lying down; they have successfully lobbied the government to start referring to “swine flu” as H1N1. Now, they’re hoping to correct a misconception that eating pork causes the virus.

I caught up with Boehringer Ingelheim Canada’s swine specialist Dr. S. Ernest Sanford, DVM on Friday, to get his take on the situation.

Sanford believes the priority right now should be to keep the virus away from pigs, as they are the most susceptible.

“Pigs are in immensely greater danger to catch this disease from people than people are from pigs,” says Sanford.  “Even if pigs had the virus it does not go through to the pork we consume”.

In coordination with various Provincial Ministries of Agriculture and Veterinary Associations, Sanford released a statement last week to industry stakeholders confirming that:

• Influenza A (H1N1) is not a food safety concern. You can continue to enjoy eating pork.
• You cannot catch Influenza A (H1N1) from consuming pork or pork products.
• Hog producers are continuing to implement biosecurity protocols, including restricted entry into their barns so that people will not pass the disease over to pigs.

Despite the hog industry’s best efforts, unfortunately the term swine flu will likely stick. It is up to us, as consumers to continue supporting our local hog farmers.

Agricultural communications diploma opening up to wider audience

 

 (GUELPH, April 28, 2009) — Canada’s online agricultural communications diploma program at the University of Guelph is opening to a wider global audience.

           

The three three-day residencies that were part of the limited-enrolment program are being replaced with online learning modules to make the program more accessible, says Owen Roberts, the program’s academic coordinator.

           

“The feedback we’re getting is that the residencies restrict too many potential learners from enrolling,” says Roberts. “We want the program to be as widely available as possible, so we are eliminating the residencies.”

 

Roberts says lessons normally in the residencies, particularly photography and citizen journalism, will be offered online instead. Student presentations that were part of the residencies will be given through videoconferencing or other electronic communications means.

 

The agricultural communications diploma program is the only one of its kind. The 16-month, five-course program is dedicated to communications skill development and application. It concludes with a three-month virtual internship which pairs student learners with a communications initiative at an agricultural business, agency or organization.    

 

Applications are being accepted now for the 2009-2010 cohort. For more information, visit www.agcommunications.ca or contact Roberts at owen@uoguelph.ca. 

Choose Agricultural Communications

Roughly 4 years ago, I found myself in the middle of my Agricultural Science program at the University of Guelph- and wanting out. I love agriculture, don’t get me wrong, but I just didn’t know what I was going to do with my degree and chemistry was definitely not my strong point. I considered transferring to a Bachelor of Arts and Science program so I could use my passion for writing towards my degree, but there was something missing—– AGRICULTURE.

Almost by accident I signed up for the Agricultural Communications undergraduate class and here are some of the reasons why I will never be the same…

• IFAJ: I had the opportunity to travel to Norway to take part in the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists annual meeting. This gave me the chance to meet others like me as well as those who have been in the business for years- with tonnes of advice.
• SPARK: Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge is a program at the University of Guelph that I had the chance to work for one summer. It allowed me to turn research facts into something that everyone can understand and appreciate.
• Professional Education: I am currently taking the Agricultural Communications Post Graduate program at the University of Guelph. This has continued to teach me how to communicate effectively and the importance of doing so.
• Owen Roberts: If you haven’t heard of him already, look him up. He is a Professor of both the Agricultural Communications undergraduate and postgraduate programs– and a true inspiration. www.urbancowboy.ca
• Finding a niche: This program gives you a competitive edge when looking for careers. Think about it, not only do you know about agriculture– but you know how to effectively communicate agricultural activities and practices to the public- that’s pretty cool.

Whether you are an agriculture student or just plain interested in agriculture. Check out what ag-communications can offer you: http://www.agcommunications.ca/

Savour Canadian maple syrup

iStockphoto.com/ImageInnovation

Pancakes and waffles aside, maple syrup is an important to Canadians. Not only is this sugary syrup tasty, it constitues a rural way of life that is often taken for granted.

MSN recently released the TOP reasons to indulge in this sweet Canadian treat, check it out–

 

1) It’s as local as they come
Canada supplies 85 per cent of the world’s maple syrup, according to Agriculture Canada. True, it’s not local to all Canadians—91 per cent of Canada’s maple syrup is produced in the province of Quebec, followed by New Brunswick, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island—but this sugary treat is a lot more “local” than sugar cane and many other nature-derived sweeteners. So it’s a blessing to locavores, who are trying to lessen their carbon footprint by sourcing food products locally.

 

2) It could disappear
A March 2006 report by Environment Canada’s Adaptation and Impacts Research Division suggests that climate change could spell disaster for Canada’s sugar maples—and the industry they support. Sap only flows for a short period of time every spring and is highly sensitive to climatic conditions: the air must be below freezing at night and above freezing during the day, with an optimum temperature range of -5°C to +5°C.

According to the report, global climate models project that, over the coming century, a warming climate will cause sugar maple forests to shift two degrees of latitude north. In fact, it is already happening. In the past decade, the flow of sap has started earlier than usual in some parts the continent, and the duration of the season is decreasing.

Sap flow can also be affected by precipitation, snow pack, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and ozone, and acid rain. The latter causes a loss of nutrients in the ecosystem, which affects forest productivity. According to Environment Canada’s EnviroZine, “Some estimates put annual timber losses at $197 million from reduced forest growth and $89 million from damage to the maple syrup industry in eastern Canada.”
 
3) It keeps us in trees
Maple trees mean money, providing an economic incentive to keep sugar-bearing forests—and the ecosystems they’re part of—intact and healthy.

Canada exports maple syrup to nearly 45 countries, and global demand is on the rise. Take Japan, which is second only to the United States as an importer of Canadian maple syrup. “Maple product imports to Japan were approximately 8.6 million pounds in 2008, an increase of some 7.2% compared to 2007,” says Serge Beaulieu, president of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. “The Japanese market is especially loyal to the product.”

Non-timber forest products, such as maple syrup, honey, berries, mushrooms, are increasingly factoring into plans to protect the boreal forest by linking conservation with economic development. Of course, harvesting maple syrup and other products from forests is not without consequence, but if the process is well managed, it can help to ensure the long-term survival of large swaths of forest.

In fact, the Forest Stewardship Council of Canada, a certification and labeling system that ensures that wood products come from responsibly managed forests, is now certifying maple syrup. Woodlots in New Brunswick and southern Ontario have received FSC certification. Scott Davis, FSC’s forest certification coordinator, says, “The woodlot owners that participate in our certification program are eligible to market and sell their syrup as FSC certified once they agree to some conditions. The syrup is really the same as any other—we are just recognizing the responsible management that went into the woodlot that created the sap and syrup.”

 

Certified organic maple syrup is also available. National organic agricultural standards were introduced in 2006, and for maple syrup production they govern everything from the maintenance and development of the sugar bush, to the collection and storage of the maple sap, to the processing of the sap into syrup and derived products. The standard also applies to the sanitation of equipment and storage of the finished products. In Quebec, the Reserved Designations Act has governed organic designation since February 2000. Its standards for maple syrup production can be viewed here.

 

As of 2005, Quebec had 279 certified organic maple syrup farms, Ontario and New Brunswick each had eight respectively, and Nova Scotia had three farms.

 

4) It’s more versatile than ever
A drizzle of maple syrup makes just about any dish—sweet or savoury—irresistible. And today, there are plenty of new options in maple-based products: In addition to maple butter, there’s maple vinegar, maple concentrate and maple flakes—all of which allow you to get creative in kitchen.

Happy Earth Day!

What is Earth Day? To me it is taking a good look around at our beautiful country sides are NOT taking them for granted. It serves as a reminder that we all must do our part in protecting the environment- not enviro-conscious for one day out of the year.

It is in everyone’s best interest to be environmentally responsible and nobody realizes this more than farmers.

A 2007 study by AGCare (Agricultural Groups Concerned About Resources and the Environment) showed that Ontario’s farmers are environmental leaders. The study showed that:

·         Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by the equivalent of taking 125,000 cars off the road through improved soil conservation measures

·         Farmers have spent at least $600 million on environmental improvements and 300,000 days in environmental training

·         Over 70% of farmers have voluntarily participated in the Environmental Farm Plan Program

Every day should be Earth Day in agriculture and we need to keep promoting this message. If you’re being a responsible environmental citizen, let people know why it’s important to you.

I challenge all of you to communicate to the non-agricultural public, our industry’s role in the environment. Share with them how agriculture is making the earth a better place.

For more information on the AGCare study, please visit www.caringfortheland.com

Please ALSO visit the following site to learn what EVERYONE can do to make a difference- http://www.earthday.ca/pub/resources/media_releases/2009-04-16_edc_top_10/index.html

Pesticide Ban Moving Ahead

“I agree that steps needed to be taken to address the use of “cosmetic” pesticides, it’s a sad state of affairs when science and common sense were pushed aside by scare tactics and emotion.”

This is an exert of a letter written by International Environmental Consultant, Dean M. Stanbridge of Milton, Ontario to the Canadian Champion publication. 

Stanbridge continues to say that the new pesticide rulings are adhering to heresay and rhetoric and not scientific facts. He believes that with using small amounts of pesticide and common sense— controlling noxious weeds in ones lawn should not be an issue.

A good point is raised in this letter:

 ”To further that perspective, the average vehicle leaks about a litre of an unknown mix of oils, gas, antifreeze and other liquids per year. The combination of these fluids, are neither tested, regulated or registered.”

Perhaps it is time that the government reevaluates their priorities.

To read the full letter, please visit: http://landscapemanagement.blogspot.com/2009/03/reasoned-response-to-ontario-ban.html

The Raw Milk Debate

“The War on Raw” appeared on the projection screen at the Ontario Agri Centre in Guelph two weeks ago. While attending a presentation by one of my classmates in the Ag-Communications program at the University of Guelph, I sat there wondering which raw commodity this “war” was fighting against and why it was worthy of the term war.

The issue of drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk had never occurred to me as being a “war”. However, as the presentation continued, I realized that worldwide there are strong advocates for and against raw milk consumption, both with powerful arguments as to whether it is safe, sanitary or even healthy.

Raw milk has been a hot topic since Michael Schmidt’s Durham, Ontario dairy farm was raided by provincial authorities in November 2006. Schmidt had been distributing raw milk through a so-called “cow share” program, in which customers buy a share in one of his cows, rather than the milk itself. His equipment was seized that November and he faced 20 charges related to illegally producing, storing and distributing raw milk- all violations under the Milk Act.

Supporters of raw milk say the pasteurization process kills most, if not all, microorganisms including the beneficial ones. They also say that pasteurization destroys enzymes and diminishes vitamin content. They believe that raw milk offers a myriad of health benefits, preventing ailments like allergies, tooth decay and colic in infants.

But Health Canada says any possible benefits are far outweighed by the serious risk for illness. In August 2006 they released a statement “to remind Canadians not to drink raw milk because it could contain bacteria that can make you seriously ill.” The reminder warned that these bacteria, which include Salmonella, E.coli and Listeria, could lead to very serious health conditions ranging from fever, vomiting and diarrhea to life-threatening kidney failure.

There is a lot riding on the outcome of the Raw Milk Trial and public debate around the topic is fierce. Until the rulings are given in June, Michael Schmidt likely can be found on his farm milking cows.

Agri-Tourism: Rediscovering fresh air and outdoor fun

Skyrocketing input prices and uncertain product prices have led farmers to look into alternative markets to make money. One of the places they’re turning to is agri-tourism…and it looks like the public is following them to the farm gate. 

Agritourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the Canadian and Ontario rural economy. In fact, a 2005 study commissioned by the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association estimated on-farm marketing is a $116-million business in Ontario.

Helping the agritourism industry in North America grow is a new website called Rural Bounty. It serves as an online directory of farm fresh products and services in Canada and the United States.

“Rural Bounty was created to help people find the country’s greatest agricultural experiences, whether they’re looking for a close-to-home activity, taking a weekend getaway or traveling across the country on a family vacation,” says site founder Jane Eckert of St. Louis, Missouri, a sixth generation farmer’s daughter who was raised as part of a family orchard business that became a successful tourism enterprise.  “Connecting people with the farmers who grow our nation’s food and offer such wonderful and authentic experiences is my life’s passion.”

Rural Bounty aims to become an integral part of the emerging agritourism trend in North America. It allows visitors to choose a location, product or special activity and the site’s search function locates exactly what they want.

Perhaps the best feature of this website is that it makes farmers more “google-able.” When farmers sign up for Rural Bounty, their farm information will be linked to the home page. By using “meta-tags”, any site associated with Rural Bounty will be moved to the top of the list when keywords such as local, produce, farm, wagon rides, etc. are keyed into a computer’s search engine.

A barrier to this growing industry is farmers’ reluctance or inability to admit what they do is worth seeing. But with new produce stands, independent meat markets and wine-making facilities popping up all over rural Ontario, agritourism is hot. Besides, farmers are already involved in the basic activity behind agritourism – that is, food production. So why not show the world what’s behind the scenes?

For more information on Rural Bounty, visit www.ruralbounty.com.

Farm safety study reveals a need for change

As farmers prepare to hit the fields this spring, a new study has been released to highlight the importance of farm safety.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) produced the study in time for this year’s Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (March 11-17). Over 750 primary producers from across Canada completed the study online. The idea behind it was to get an idea of the state of farm safety planning and to see if farmers were interested in upgrading their safety training.

“They practice many safety measures on a regular basis,” the report, released on February 11, says. “However, they acknowledge that they are not practicing all safety measures all of the time, which could result in the potential for accidents or injuries on the farm.”

Of all the provinces, Quebec had the best results, with 44 per cent of respondents reporting that they have a safety program at the farm. This compares to the provincial low of eight per cent in Manitoba and 21 per cent in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, says Tanis Goski, manager of research with FCC.

In general, the study found that farmers are taking steps towards safer farm practices:

• Ultimate precautions are taken when it comes to children, 93% of farmers claim that child safety is of the utmost importance

• Almost 90% of respondents state that they practice safe equipment handling and 85% practice safe livestock handling

• 83% train family members on safe farm practices on a regular basis

But, there is still room for improvement:

• Farm safety did not appear to be a priority in farmers over 60 years of age

• The study found that while 83% of Canadian primary producers feel that farm safety is important, a mere 15% have a formal safety plan in place. • Only 51% the respondents say that they order additional safety options, such as ladders and monitors.

• 66% of respondents report that they regularly work when tired, and only 32% take steps to manage stress

• Respondents report that the key barriers to practicing safety measures are old habits (35%) and time constraints (31%)

Farming is a way of life for many Canadian families. It is vital that a safety program is in place to protect you, your family, and your employees from injury or fatality. During this year’s agricultural safety week- let’s make it our responsibility as a rural community to know the rules, know the facts and be safe.

For more information regarding the study findings and CASA, log on to www.casa-acsa.ca or www.fccvision.ca/InAction.aspx.