Island Farmer



Nigwek Festival for an Organic PEI

Thu, 08/26/2010 - 16:31
  The second annual Nigwek Festival for an Organic PEI is happening on Sunday, September 5th from noon to 10pm in downtown Charlottetown. This year Nigwek has been elevated to be a premier event for PEI's Fall Flavours Festival. Nigwek (a Mi'kmaq word meaning "something good is growing") is an occasion to celebrate organic agriculture on PEI, and to revel in the potential that exists within the realization of a fully organic Island.  The day-long street festival boasts 15 of the best musical acts that PEI has to offer, a smorgasbord of organic food, cooking demos, lots of fun activities for families, and ...


Huffaker predicts strong yields, good prices for P.E.I. potatoes

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:10
Potato growers on P.E.I. may enjoy what Bruce Huffaker calls the “best of both worlds” in 2010—that elusive combination of a bumper crop and strong prices. The publisher of the North American Potato Market News addressed a recent meeting of tablestock growers by telephone. He told the 20 plus growers this was an “exciting time” to be in the potato business in the province. “P.E.I. crop conditions are the best in three years,” he said. “A bumper crop is possible in the Maritimes, and possibly Maine,  although they are having some dry weather right now.” ...


Willard Waugh & Sons named champion McCains grower

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:10
Willard Waugh & Sons of North Bedeque has been recognized for growing high quality potatoes. Brothers Gordon, Alan, Ronald and sons Andrew and Jonathan Waugh were named McCain’s best grower in P.E.I. during a banquet held recently at the Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club. More than 170 guests gathered to celebrate the top growers and their achievements. Potatoes are rated throughout the year on a variety of factors including size, gravity, defect level and colour and awarded points accordingly. At the end of each crop year, the top 10 growers are determined based on their overall scores. “The potato industry, and particularly exports, will ...


Study details opportunities for value added grain products

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:10
The road to success for the province’s grains sector lies in developing an Island brand focused on consumer ready products. That was the major conclusion of a market study commissioned by the Island Grains and Proteins Council. Consultants Peter Llewellyn and David MacKay, who compiled the document, unveiled their findings to industry at a breakfast meeting August 12. Biofuels appeared to be the future of the sector just a few years ago as oil prices headed towards $1.40 per litre. However, they have since dropped significantly and that has also resulted in less interest in the biofuels sector. The president of the Island Grains ...


Sheep judge at OHW has tough task

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
    Judge Mike Eisnor of Nova Scotia had a full evening of work as he placed the many sheep that were brought out in front of him. Both purebreds and market sheep were a part of the annual show at Old Home Week. One of the highlights of the evening was Irving Boswall's win of grand champion Suffolk ewe. It has been well over a half century since his father, the late Lyle Boswall, showed sheep at the Provincial Exhibition. Boswall was more than pleased with his win.   Following are the results: SUFFOLK   Ram Lamb: 1. King D 1X, Doug King; 2. King D ...


Dairy production up in June

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
Canadian milk producers sold 7.03 million kilolitres of milk and cream to dairies during the first eleven months of 2009-2010 dairy year, up 1.5% from the same period last year. Industrial milk sales, which accounted for 60.7% of all milk sold, totaled 4.27 million kilolitres. Fluid milk sales were 2.76 million kilolitres. Canadian consumers purchased 2.71 million kilolitres of milk and cream during the first eleven months of the 2009-2010 dairy year, 1.4% less than a year ago. Sales of 2% milk, the most popular, were lower at almost 1,123 thousand kilolitres. Sales of 1% milk and skim milk decreased, at 543 ...


Egg pricing order

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
  The Egg Producers of P.E.I. has made the following pricing order effective August 8. The minimum Canada Grade A Producer Price by the dozen: extra large $1.74; large $1.74; medium $1.62 and small $1.14. The suggested minimum Canada Grade A Wholesale Carton Price: extra large $2.36; large $2.33; medium $2.21; small $1.73. The minimum Canada Grade A Spot Price: extra large $2.23; large $2.20; medium $2.08 and small $1.60. ...


Canada celebrates World Food Day

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
    Food Day, July 31 was a perfect opportunity to recognize Canadian farmers' hard work and dedication to producing the best food in the world. "Canadian farmers produce the best food in the world and we're not shy to say it," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "What better time than Food Day to celebrate Canada's hard working farm families and their important contribution to our economy, our country, and the health of consumers at home and around the world." Agriculture drives eight percent of our Gross Domestic Product. The industry is responsible for one in eight  jobs. Last year,  its contribution to trade was ...


Centre offers executive training for agriculture industry leaders

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
The enhancement of business management skills, in order to manage and even find opportunity in  challenging global conditions, is the basis behind the George Morris Centre’s Executive Development Program. The Executive Development Program(EDP) is like a mini MBA but focused directly at businesses within the agriculture, food and rural sectors, so it is ideal for men and women who want to build and evolve their businesses, but are unable to devote months on end to study. The course instead consists of four intensive four-day sessions held over eight months in different locations across Canada. The first module runs from October ...


Potato board pleased with tribunal decision

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
The chair of the P.E.I. Potato Board is pleased with the decision of the Natural Products Appeals Tribunal upholding the mediation/arbitration process the board put in place for the processing sector late last year. The process was used for the first time this year to reach a deal between the processors and growers. It allows for a mediator to be appointed if negotiators for both sides are unable to reach a deal. If the two sides still remain deadlocked, the issue is send to binding arbitration. A deal was reached with Cavendish Farms with the help of a mediator, while the arbitrator ...


Deadline extended for abattoir program

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is extending the application deadline for the initial phase of the Abattoir Competitiveness Program to August 27, 2010 to allow eligible recipients more time to take advantage of the program. Announced on July 5, 2010, the program is making $25 million available to help Canadian cattle slaughterhouses maintain critical slaughter capacity in Canada for OTM cattle while the industry undertakes efforts to become more innovative and competitive when dealing with SRM. For more information on the Abattoir Competitiveness Program and how to apply, visit www.agr.gc.ca/acp or call 1-877-290-2188. ...


P.E.I. potato brand to receive make-over

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
The humble Island potato is about to undergo a branding make-over. While the P.E.I. potato has an excellent reputation for quality throughout the world, the marketing director of the P.E.I. Potato Board said the data collected from last year’s “Pack Your Appetite” promotion shows there is work to be done to reach a new generation of consumers. Kendra Mills told a recent tablestock growers meeting held by the board,  the contest attracted 114,000 entrants from every province and territory. Information printed on potato bags directed consumers to a website where they were entered the contest and filled out a short survey. ...


Nominations period closing for “Taste our Island” award

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
  Nominations close August 27 for the PEI ADAPT Council 4th Annual Taste Our Island award. This prestigious and much sought after award recognizes the Island's best innovative chefs and restaurateurs who are supporting our local food system. Prince Edward Island’s bountiful and delicious harvest is part of what defines our land, heritage, and culture. Supporting local food strengthens the local economy and ensures we have a secure source of high quality produce. Nominees should be someone who has built effective relationships with farmers, wholesalers and distributors in order to help sustain a regional agricultural food system in new, innovative and effective ...


P.E.I. 4-H Rural Youth Fair in Egmont Bay

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
The general public is invited to the 2010 4-H Rural Youth Fair at the Egmont Bay Exhibition Grounds, September 10 - 11. Lots of entertainment for the entire family. Friday, September 10, from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Highlights include: Turkey Live Auction, Tug of War Competition and Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition. New this year... Jeff Collins: Magician, Juggler, Fire Eater Extraordinaire! Saturday, September 11, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Highlights include: Livestock Classes, Kubota Lawn Tractor Driving Competition, Flower Arranging Competition, and Old Fashioned Games. The 2010 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair selection class for Beef and Dairy will take ...


Canadian Pork Council happy with loan deferment

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
  The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) is confident the recent announcement by the Minister of Agriculture, Gerry Ritz and Minister of State for Agriculture, Jean-Pierre Blackburn, will go a long way to help Canada's recovering livestock sector to address their concerns about the immediate repayment of the loans made through the Advance Payment Program (APP). "The emergency advances under the APP provided a critical means of assistance when the hog industry was under unbearable economic pressure," says CPC's President Jurgen Preugschas. "This announcement will further strengthen our industry by providing producers the opportunity and time to review their cash flow, manage their ...


Howatt provides snapshot of processing sector

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
Harvesting of chip stock varieties has begun in the province and both the quality and yields have been good, indicates the= processing co-ordinator of the P.E.I. Potato Board. Scott Howatt gave an update from that sector during a meeting of tablestock growers held recently by the board. He said growing conditions have been good, but there are now some dry areas and there have been several cases of late blight in the western part of the province. The August 19 potato pest alert also cautions weather conditions are now ideal for late blight and encourages growers to maintain a strict spray schedule and ...


Ritz highlights Canadian food at Calgary Stampede

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
  The federal government recently showcased the safe, delicious and high-quality foods that Canadian farmers produce at a breakfast hosted by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz at the Calgary Stampede. Ritz was joined by Agriculture Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux and industry leaders, who rolled up their sleeves to assist a selection of top Canadian chefs in cooking up the feast and spreading the word about Canada’s world-class agriculture products. "We know Canadian farmers grow and produce the best food in the world and we’re not shy to say it," said Ritz. "Our Government maximizes every opportunity, like the tremendous Calgary Stampede, to ...


Agricultural news briefs

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
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CFA meeting focuses on farm profitability

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 05:00
  The closely integrated issues surrounding agri-food policy and farm profitability were the key themes at the semi-annual meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture held recently in Halifax. "Leading up to what is sure to be a busy fall session, CFA members have renewed their focus on farmer priorities. We anticipate many opportunities to bring forward our concerns and recommended solutions, particularly for business risk management, as we advocate for a more robust and sustainable agriculture industry in Canada," said Ron Bonnett, CFA President. ...