Spring 2018 • Volume 7 • Issue 1ccaontario.com/uploads/pdfs/CCA_Chatter_SPR2018_FINAL.pdf · 2018-05-15 · Spring 2018 • Volume 7 • Issue 1 CERTIFIED CROP ADVISOR ASSOCIATION®

TThe CCA Award of Excellence has been given out at the CCA Conference and Annual Meeting in January since 2004.

This year, there were three nominees. The recipient of the award for 2017 was Anne Verhallen, the Soil Management Specialist (Horticulture) at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The other 2017 nominees were:Tarlok Singh SahotaBrendan Zettler

Anne Verhallen was nominated for the Award of Excellence by Christine Brown.

Anne has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph. She has been involved in agriculture for over 30 years and is employed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Anne is currently the Soil Management Specialist (Horticulture) for Ontario but has held various positions within OMAFRA including Soil Conservation Advisor and Horticulture Crop Advisor.

In her present role, Anne’s areas of focus include cover crops, soil health, soil fertility, compaction, irrigation, reduced tillage and residue management. Her responsibilities include soil management promotion and education with farmers, agribusiness personnel, and rural landowners. Anne also spends time with researchers helping to identify industry needs and then developing projects to address those needs.

Anne has a long list of career accomplishments. She is a graduate of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Class 12 – 2009, is a member of the OMAFRA Soil Team, and has been instrumental in providing input and ideas for workshops, BMP booklets, and research. Just a few of the publications she has assisted with include: Horticultural Crops BMP, Soil Management BMP, Controlling Soil Erosion on the Farm BMP, Publication 611 the Ontario Soil Fertility Handbook, the Ontario Cover Crops Strategy, and Publication 811 the Agronomy Guide.

Anne has been very supportive of the CCA program, receiving her designation in 1997. She currently sits on the Ontario CCA Exam Committee and was previously a member of the Ontario CCA CEU Committee. In her spare time, Anne volunteers with school and church functions as well as spending countless hours with her local 4H club to help ensure the future generation’s success in agriculture.

Congratulations Anne!

Nominations for the award are taken throughout the year with a deadline of October 31st for submissions. Nomination forms can be obtained by visiting the website at www.ccaontario.com or by calling the office at (519) 669-3350.

2017 Ontario CCA Award of Excellence Winner

Spring 2018 • Volume 7 • Issue 1

CERTIFIED CROP ADVISOR ASSOCIATION® • 39 William Street, Elmira, Ontario N3B 1P3(519) 669-3350 • Fax: (519) 669-3826 • www.ccaontario.com

IN THIS ISSUE

3 CCA Resistance

Management Specialty Coming to Ontario

5 4R Nutrient Management Specialty Exam Results

6 2018 CCA Certification

Exam Results

9 Industry Updates

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The 2017 CCA Award of Excellence was co-sponsored by CropLife Canada and Syngenta. The 2017 award was presented to Anne Verhallen, January 10, 2018 at the CCA Conference and Annual Meeting in London. Presenting the award is Norm Sutherland (L) Syngenta.

2 CCA Chatter ~ Spring 2018

2017 CCA Conference and Annual Meeting

The 2018 conference and annual meeting was another success. There were 288 attendees!

The 2018 CCA conference sponsors were as follows:

Gold Sponsors - $2,000 Contribution

Silver Sponsors - $1,500 Contribution

Bronze Sponsors - $500 Contribution

2017 CCA Award of ExcellenceCo-Sponsors - $1,000 Contribution

• CropLife Canada• Syngenta Canada

Thank you again to all our sponsors. Without your continued support we would not be able to maintain such an informative and collaborative event.

Save the date! The 16th CCA Conference and Annual Meeting has been set for January 9 and 10, 2019. We will be returning to the Best Western Lamplighter Inn.

Further details will be posted on the website in the near future.

Conference Draw Winner

The conference draw was for those CCAs whose business card stated that they were a Certified Crop Advisor or had the CCA logo present. CCAs used their business card as a

ballot for the Marketing Committee’s annual draw.

This year’s winner of a 3-in-1 jacket was:

Mike Veenema from AGRIS Co-Operative Ltd.

Congratulations Mike!

20 Years Certified in Ontario

The following CCAs received their 20 year certificate at the 2018 CCA conference.

Congratulations on this milestone!

• A & L Canada Laboratories• Ag Business & Crop Inc.

• Agronomy Company of Canada

• ALPINE

• Bayer Crop Sciences• Cargill Ltd.• Deveron UAS • Dow AgroSciences • Growmark

• NuFarm Agriculture Inc.• SGS Agri-Food Labs• Sylvite Canada• Syngenta • Yara Canada

• AgStep Agriculture Recruiting

• C & M Seeds• DuPont Canada

• IGPC Ethanol• Pride Seeds • SeCan Association• Thompsons Ltd.

Robert AltonRobert AndersonDavid BachJames BarclayRussell BarkerThomas BickellRobert BoothRoger BourassaVincent BourassaEdward BrooksWilliam BrownAlex BurnettDaniel ClarkeScott CollinsAndy de VriesJames Dippel William Dunbar Joseph FerketPatrick FerynFrancis FlanaganWilliam ForanReiny FreiterWilliam GallaherGraham GlasgowLawrence HaleRon HathawayRobert HelmSteven HenryMerle HoegyBruce HowsonLarry HutchinsonSteven JohnsDonald LittleGeorge LubbertsPatrick LynchJudy MacudaDale McComb

Barry McFaddenRobert McFaddenMark McKerrallDonald McLachlanKeith McMillanRobert McNeilJohn McNivenChristopher MeierPaul MenardJeff MeredithClifford MetcalfeRobert MoloneyJean-Marc MontpetitLaura NeubrandDennis O’ConnorKirk PattersonPaul PetkerBrian SchoonjansJonathan SebokBradley ShantzDean ShantzJohn SnoweIan SponagleReg StirlingRoss StoneFiete SuhrPaul SullivanDavid TownsendWilliam UngarMurray Van ZeggelaarScott VandehogenDonald WeaverDouglas WestWayne WheelerArchie WilsonKent WolfeSteven Wright

CCA Chatter ~ Spring 2018 3

CCA Conference Auction Summary

Another very successful auction was held at the CCA conference on January 10, 2018. A very impressive sum of $6,265.00 was raised in support of Enactus Lambton College: Project One

Seed. The auctioneer, Lee Brien, led the event, and managed to get great bids from the audience.

We would like to thank all of the following sponsors for contributing to and making the auction a success:

We are now asking for agricultural charity suggestions for the 2019 auction. If you have an idea please email your suggestion to the CCA office and the Marketing Committee will review all suggestions in the coming months.

As well, we will be starting to collect donations for the coming auction. We are asking for both consumer and agricultural goods for the 2019 auction. No donation is too small.

CCA Resistance Management Specialty Coming to Ontario

The International CCA Board has approved three specialty designations with a fourth set to launch later in 2018. The 4R Nutrient Management Specialty was introduced in Ontario

in August 2016 and we currently have 108 Ontario CCAs with that designation. The other two existing specialties are Resistance Management and Sustainability. A Precision Agriculture specialty is being developed.

The ICCA office is strongly urging all CCA Boards to offer all four specialties. The Ontario CCA Board of Directors is willing to allocate resources to the new specialties if there is genuine interest from Ontario CCAs. Typically, the ICCA material (Performance Objectives and exams) is U.S. focused and requires revision in order to be applicable to Canada in general and Ontario specifically. In

Ontario, we have also tried to ensure a resource guide or study guide is available.

Last year, we surveyed the Ontario CCA membership and asked about your interest in the Resistance Management and the Sustainability specialties. Of those surveyed, 43% said they would (23%) or likely would (20%) attempt the Resistance Management Specialty. For the Sustainability specialty, again 43% said they would (16%) or likely would (27%) write that exam.

Based on the survey response and also due to very strong interest and support from CropLife Canada, the Ontario CCA Board has decided to offer the Resistance Management specialty in Ontario. The Ontario Exam Committee has revised the Performance Objectives to ensure they are reflective of Canadian and Ontario standards and are in the process of assessing the exam. CropLife Canada is supporting the writing of a resistance management resource guide

The first Resistance Management CCA specialty exam is expected to be offered during the regular exam sitting on Friday, February 1, 2019. The exam registration will open in October and close in early December. The resistance management resource guide should be available in October 2018.

Check the Ontario CCA website, www.ccaontario.com, for more details as they become available.

2018 CCA Board of Directors

As of December 31, 2017 there were three seats up for election on the CCA Board of Directors designated for Ontario CCAs duly elected by the CCA membership in Ontario. There were

seven candidates nominated who agreed to let their name stand for election to the Board: Ken Brett, Ben Dalgleish, Brad Garlough, Stephanie Kowalski, Aaron McQueen, Tarlok Singh Sahota, and Nicole Weber.

The elected directors were: Ken Brett, Brad Garlough, and Nicole Weber.

Your 2018 Board of Directors is as follows:

Ken Currah (Chair) .........................................................Pride SeedsDeborah Campbell (Vice-Chair).............Agronomy Advantage Clare Kinlin (Past - Chair) ............................. MacEwen AgricentreDale Cowan .............................................AGRIS & Wanstead CoopJeff Jacques ..................................................... Parrish & HeimbeckerMurray Van Zeggelaar ............................................................ ALPINEAnn Vermeersch ........................................................VanMeer FarmsLes Nichols ............................................Farm & Food Care Ontario Jack Legg .............................................................SGS Agri-Food LabsBill Deen ............................................................ University of GuelphNicole Weber ......................................................................FS PartnersBrad Garlough ........................................................Syngenta CanadaKen Brett ..................................................................................... ALPINEStuart Wright .............................................................................. OSCIA

Keith Reid is the liaison from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Christine Brown is the liaison from OMAFRA, and Mark Eastman is the liaison from Conservation Ontario.

A&L LaboratoriesALPINEArt Gallery of OntarioBayer CropScienceBest Western Lamplighter InnBlackCreek ResearchC&M SeedsCanada’s Outdoor Farm ShowCargillDEKALBDow AgroScienceFitzgerald & Co. Four Points by SheratonHuron CommoditiesKingPin Bowl LoungeLondon Ag CommoditiesMaizex

Maple Leaf Sports EntertainmentMonsantoNuFarm AgricultureOntario FarmerParrish & HeimbeckerPioneerReal AgricultureRipley’s AquariumSalfordSevita Snobelen FarmsSpringfield Golf & Country ClubSteamwhistle BrewerySyngenta CanadaToronto ZooValent


We currently have or have had projects in the areas of health care, education, clean water, business/economic development and food security (agriculture). It’s

important to note we are in these five areas at the request of our Zambian friends.

Our programs are built on a few key fundamentals:

1. We only do what we are asked to do; we do not impose our will or desires on the Zambians.

2. We transfer knowledge by training trainers. They need to take ownership of the projects.

3. The point of aid is to end aid - we stay in a community on a specific project for a maximum of four years - by then have transferred the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required for sustainability.

4. Zambians must contribute a minimum of 50% to any capital project.

Student InvolvementThere have been 330 Lambton students have been directly

involved in the design, development and delivery of projects in Zambia. At their own expense, 81 students have travelled to Zambia to implement/manage their projects. Students come from all disciplines within the College.

Project SummariesHealth Care

We have finally completed the build of a new health clinic in Gaali, eliminating a 2.5 – 3 hour walk to the nearest hospital. This project was led by Erica Chisholm and Ally Bell. They had a dream as 1st year BScN students to build a clinic. Four years later (and a combined eight trips) they are now nurses and the clinic is built. We are currently fundraising to install the solar system required.

Clean WaterFour wells have been drilled in various communities to be used

for our drip irrigation work. At each location a community tap has been installed. This tap eliminates the labour of hand pumping and the wells are drilled deep enough to provide potable water. Hundreds of people use the taps daily.

EducationWe have built three houses for teachers, in Kasaka, where there

was a teacher shortage due to lack of housing. We revamped the entire school, making it brighter and more inviting for the kids.

We started the first pre-school in our project area four years ago. The first cohort had 33 kids between 3-5 years of age. This year’s cohort has 88 kids.

Solar panels have been installed at two schools – delivering power for the first time to over 1,600 students and 16 teachers.

Lambton College has donated 20 laptops, four iPads and four iPhones to the schools in our project area. Children in grade 8 are expected to write and pass a national IT proficiency exam – prior to the donations, these kids had never seen a computer or laptop. We are planning on building with the school in Hufwa, the first

ever rural IT lab. This lab will be shared between eight different schools.

Business/Economic DevelopmentIn February 2017, we launched Cube

Zambia, an entrepreneurship hub for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Cube has helped to launch 22 businesses to date, creating over 250 jobs. This includes “Hippy Peanut Butter”, a concept developed and implemented by students in the school of business capstone course. By growing, processing, packaging and selling their own peanut butter farmers are now earning $6,000/hectare. Prior to Hippy, farmers were selling their peanuts into the market for $300/hectare.

Food SecurityFarmers using conservation (no till)

farming are obtaining yields that are three-

The precision tools for Spatial-Data and Soil-Samplers

www.agbusiness.ca •• [email protected], Ont. • (519) 343-5454

Helps reduce minimum distance seperation when applying for building permits

www.agbusiness.ca •• [email protected], Ont. • (519) 343-5454

MDS approved for NMPReduce nitrogen emissionsReduce odourReduce green house gassesCooling ponds insulation

Project One Seed: Zambia Update 2012 to PresentSubmitted by Jon Milos


to-five times their traditional yields. In 2012 we had 0.2 of a hectare under production. Today, we have 47,000 hectares in our project area using conservation farming methods. These farmers are now producing 235,000 tonnes of corn. Historical production on these same lands was 58,750 tonnes of corn. Our work has caught the attention of the Zambian government with the President attending a planting training session.

We have also begun installing drip irrigation systems (three to date). These systems provide irrigation 365 days a year and allow us to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, bringing much needed diversity in peoples diets. With a life expectancy of 42 in rural Zambia, this food is vital.

Thanks to CCA, we have been able to add another drip irrigation system. Our drip systems are built in partnership with area schools, where the food from our drip systems is available for free to students. We typically also see enrollment at the school increase by 25-30% because students no longer have to choose between staying at home and working in the fields, where they may find something to eat, or going to school where food was previously unavailable.

The work that has been done in Zambia has helped end food scarcity for over 240,000 people and created hundreds of jobs.

4R Nutrient Management Specialty Exam Results

On Friday, February 2, 2018, 22 Ontario CCAs wrote the 4R NMS exam. Nineteen CCAs or 86% of the writers passed and received their specialty designation. The results were

higher compared to last year when 80% (40 CCAs) passed. In Ontario, we now have 108 CCAs with their 4R specialty.

For those who have their 4R NMS designation, the minimum requirements for CEUs in Soil and Water and in Nutrient Management have increased to 7.5 in each of those two categories (up from the standard minimum of five). However, the overall total of 40 CEUs in a two-year cycle remains the same. If your CEU cycle ends December 31, 2018, you MUST complete the additional CEUs by the end of your cycle. Accordingly, if your cycle ends December 31, 2019, you will have to complete the additional requirements by December 31, 2019.

Congratulations to the following Ontario CCAs who passed their 4R NMS exam in February:

The next 4R NMS exam sitting is Friday, February 1, 2019. This will be in conjunction with the regular CCA exams.

CCA Mentorship Program

As the first year of the Board Mentorship Program has come to an end; the CCA Board would like to thank Dustin Bergsma and Meagan Griffiths for their hard work over the

past year as Board mentees. They each completed a special project during their time on the Board, and presented their findings at the 2018 CCA Conference.

As a result of Meagan’s project; the Ontario CCA Board is now introducing the Resistance Management speciality.

Dustin’s project was able to illustrate the interest and need to offer more information to our CCAs about horticulture.

The following two CCAs have been selected for the 2018/2019 Mentorship Program:

Emma Epp, Market Development Agronomist with Cargill Ltd. Emma’s project will look at continuing Dustin Bergsma’s work on how to offer more value to CCAs working in horticulture.

Carley Matheson, Agronomist with R.M. Matheson Farms Ltd. Carley’s project will look into expanding the resources available to CCAs.

Drip Irrigation Install

Drip Irrigation Up and Running

Nicole BloetjesNick CressmanMike DoughertyEmma EppMeagan GriffithsBrian HovenKen IrwinJeremy JohnsonBrad KingKim Lawlor

Jay LennoxNeil McGregorBrad NicholsonJamie ReichRichard RellGeoffrey SmithRyan ThompsonDan VanekRoss Wilson


2018 CCA Certification Exam Results

February 2, 2018 was CCA exam day in North America. In Ontario, the exams were written at the Quality Inn, Woodstock and at the Brockville Convention Centre,

Brockville.

There were 100 people who wrote the Ontario exam and 74 who wrote the International exam. The number of people who passed the Ontario exam was 41 or 41%. The number of people who passed the International exam was 45 or 61%.

The Ontario exam results were lower this year compared to 2017 (44%). The International results were also lower this year compared to 2017 (67%).

For those writers who have now passed both the International and Ontario CCA exams; the next step in the process of becoming a CCA is to submit their “credentials” booklet. Writers have until August to submit this information or their exam marks will be nullified. The Ontario CCA office does have an electronic version of the package available for anyone who needs it.

Welcome New CCA’s

We are pleased to announce that in the past four months there were five newly certified Ontario CCAs. Congratulations to:

Kurt KouwenbergJay LennoxDenise LuytenRobert McClureDaniel Yeoman

CCA Embroidered Shirts Available

The CCA office has embroidered shirts available for purchase in a variety of sizing (M, L, XL, and XXL. The Shirts are navy/dark blue with the CCA logo on the chest.

Shirts are $30 plus tax each (plus shipping if required). Please contact the CCA office if you have any questions.

Get your CCA mug today!

The CCA office only has three handmade pottery mugs left for purchase! These mugs are dark blue and fade into brown around the top.

Mugs are $20 + HST each (plus shipping if required).

Please contact Sarah in the CCA office if you have any questions or would like to place an order.


Hop production has increased significantly in Ontario over the last eight years. The province now has over 80 ha (200 ac) of hops and the industry continues to expand

each year. This may seem like relatively low acreage, however to put things in perspective, an area over 0.2 ha (0.5 ac or 450-500 plants) is considered the defining entry point into commercial production which typically also signals a requirement for growers to invest in mechanization for crop production.

The 2017 growing season was a challenging year for Ontario’s hop growers, particularly for organic producers. Cool temperatures and above average rainfall in most regions created favourable conditions for hop downy mildew (P. humuli). Additionally, poor plant vigour was noted in many locations possibly due to continually saturated soils and below normal solar radiation. As we approach the 2018 growing season, hop downy mildew and fertility management are two key areas to focus on when advising growers in order to reduce the impact of the 2017 season on this year’s crop.

Hop Downy MildewHop downy mildew is specific to hops and is distinct from

downy mildew diseases of other crops. The pathogen systemically infects shoots, called “basal spikes”. Spikes are stunted shoots, with shortened internodes, and usually exhibit chlorotic, yellow leaves that curl downwards. The undersides of infected leaves are often covered with dark, purple-black spores (sporangia). Leaves may become necrotic and die, with necrosis beginning at the base of the shoot and progressing towards the tip (Figure 1).

Here are a few guidelines for early detection and management of hop downy mildew:

1. Scout early and scout often: growers should be on the lookout for basil spikes, removing them when first identified.

2. For conventional growers, an early season application of Ridomil Gold 480 SL can be used when plants are first becoming active (only permitted as an early season soil drench at the root site Note: Ridomil’s PHI on hops is 135 days so typically needs to be applied by mid-April as hop harvest can begin as early as mid-August).

3. Continue a preventative spray program throughout the season to minimize spread of spores and infection of new or uninfected plant material.

4. If expanding or planting a new yard, suggest the use of disease free plants and reduce the risk of spreading the disease by using cultural management practices in newest plantings/yards first before moving to more mature yards

5. Refer to the OMAFRA Pest Control Products List for Hops on the OMAFRA Hop Index Page (http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/hops.html) or ONSpecialtyCrops Blog (www.onspecialtycrops.wordpress.com).

6. For more detailed downy mildew management practices (e.g. crowing and pruning), refer to OMAFRA’s ONSpecialtyCrop Blog.

Advising Hop Growers This Year? Potential Issues and Resources for Hops in Spring 2018Submitted by Evan Elford, OMAFRA New Crop Development Specialist and Melanie Filotas, OMAFRA Horticulture IPM Specialist

Figure 1: Basal spikes at the base of hops plants often stand out from other foliage. Note the yellow, downward-curling leaves.

Continued on page 8.

Foliar feeding is an excellent way to the efficient, effective,

and economical use of your crop nutrition dollars.

Get the ALPINE® team and the Phazed Nutrition Program® working for you.

Call 1-844-655-PHOS (7467)www.alpinepfl.com

© 2018. NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. “ALPINE” IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK of NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS.

Foliar Feeding: Make it part of this year’s

Crop Profit Plan

• Optimize delivery time of plant nutrition

• Less soil leaching and soil tie-up of nutrients

• Assist crops through stressful periods

• Better utilization of spray equipment

HIGHER YIELDS.


Focus on FertilityWith above normal rainfall in many regions during 2017 (and

saturated soils in some cases) mobile nutrients such as nitrogen, in nitrate form, may have been leached from the soil more rapidly than in a normal rainfall year. The reduction in available nitrogen during the 2017 season may have negatively affected plant vigour and reduced plant reserves for 2018. Additionally, plants that did not reach full canopy in 2017 will have reduced reserves to draw on for this year’s production. Growers may see nutrient deficiencies during rapid plant growth this spring due to last year’s environmental conditions. Therefore, plant nutrition will be very important to focus on this year in order for growers to realize optimal yields.

There are currently no official Ontario fertility recommendations for hops. The following information on lime, and tables for nitrogen (Table 1), phosphorus (Table 2) and potassium (Table 3) applications are guidelines only and provided for reference based on similar common crops and published research on hops in other jurisdictions (note: lime, phosphorus and potassium should always be applied according to a soil test).

Lime: Studies suggest that the optimal soil pH range for hops is 6.5-7.5. However, as with most horticultural crops, a pH range of 6.0 and above is typically suitable for plant growth. Ground limestone is traditionally used to correct soil acidity and is easiest to apply prior to crop establishment. In the case of perennial crops like hops, it can be difficult to incorporate large amounts of limestone after crop establishment. Applying and incorporating split applications of total recommended lime over multiple years will help distribute the lime more uniformly over a pre-existing yard and make it easier when working around hop crowns. Note: Full effects of lime may not be realized for up to three years after application. For lime application rates, refer to Lime Requirements to Correct Soil Acidity in the OMAFRA Soil Fertility Handbook, Publication 611 (www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub611/pub611.pdf).

Continued from page 7 ~ ADVISING HOP GROWERS THIS YEAR?

Table 1: Nitrogen guidelines for hops in new yards and established yards.

Nitrogen Guidelines for Hops in Ontario

Plant Age kg N/ha Notes

New Yard 65-135 Apply fertilizer in split applications after plants emerge approximately every two weeks with no more than 25 kg actual N/ha in any one application. Gradually decrease N application rate at the beginning of July through to harvest.

Established Yard

135-165

Table 2: Phosphate guidelines for hops based on soil phosphorus levels.

Phosphate Guidelines for Hops Based on OMAFRA Accredited Soil Tests for Similar Vegetative Perennials (based on OMAFRA Publication 360, Guide to Fruit Production, 2016-2017)

Soil Phosphorus (ppm)*

Rating1

Phosphate (P205)2 required (kg/ha)

New PlantingsEstablished Plantings

0-3

HR

140 100

4-5 130 90

6-7 120 80

8-9 110 70

10-12MR

100 70

13-15 90 60

16-20

LR

70 50

21-25 60 40

26-30 50 30

31-40

RR

40 20

41-50 0 0

51-60 0 0

61-80NR

0 0

80+ 0 0

* 0.5M sodium bicarbonate extract test method.

1. HR, MR, LR, RR, and NR denote, respectively, high, medium, low, rare and no probablilities of profitable crop response to applied nutrient.

2. Where manure is applied, reduce fertilizer applications according to the amount and quality of manure.

Table 3: Potassium guidelines for hops based on soil potassium levels.

Potassium Guidelines for Hops Based on OMAFRA Accredited Soil Tests for Similar Vegetative Perennials (based on OMAFRA Publication 360, Guide to Fruit Production, 2016-2017)

Potassium Soil Test (ppm)*

Rating1 Potassium (K2O)2 required (kg/ha)

0-15

HR

130

16-30 120

31-45 110

46-60 100

61-80MR

90

81-100 80

101-120 LR 70

121-150

RR

60

151-180 40

181-210 0

211-250 0

251+ NR 0

* 1 M ammonium acetate extract test method.

1. HR, MR, LR, RR, and NR denote, respectively, high, medium, low, rare and no probablilities of profitable crop response to applied nutrient.

2. Where manure is applied, reduce fertilizer applications according to the amount and quality of manure.


Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Update Submitted by Keith Reid

Transition is underway from Growing Forward 2 to the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), with the Canada-Ontario bilateral agreement signed and ready to go. The largest portion of the funds are transferred directly to the provinces for support programs at that level, but there is a significant investment in research that is funded directly by AAFC. This is divided into the Agri Science Clusters, which are intended to be national in scope and highly integrated, and Agri Science Projects, which are focused on more specific regional or commodity specific issues. The review of the Cluster proposals is nearing completion, and the intent is that decisions will be announced before applications for projects are due; in case the application is more suitable to a project than a cluster.

New staff have been hired at the London Research Centre, with Dr. Michael Fruci hired as an Environmental Microbiologist, and Dr. Carrie Taylor hired as the Associate Director to replace Dr. Karl Volkmar.

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association Industry UpdateSubmitted by Stuart Wright

The Farmland Health Check-Up was available through the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (GLASI) between 2015-2018. This offered a unique opportunity for producers to work with a Certified Crop Advisor to develop soil health Best Management Practices tailored to the specific needs of their operation.

There were approximately 850 Farmland Health Check-Ups (FHCU) completed. The technical support provided by CCAs added considerable value to the process for participating producers and resulted in a lot of positive feedback. Many particpants said they planned on implementing and/or applying for funding for a BMP recommended by their CCA.

The complementary cost-share program supported almost 1,000 projects with a widespread impact on acres across the GLASI geography.

The combined actions of Ontario producers have had a cumulative positive impact that works towards the shared goal of

improving the health of our Great Lakes. OSCIA looks forward to building on these efforts and continuing this valuable partnership with Ontario’s Certified Crop Advisors.

Farm & Food Care Ontario Submitted by Les Nichols

Farm & Food Care Ontario has gone through some restructuring and the strategic planning process over the past several months. We are committed to being the voice of modern food production for Ontario.

Early in 2018, Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan officially began operations. A Farm & Food Care PEI is in the formation stage.

The 4th edition of “The Real Dirt on Farming” was unveiled in November. The publication addresses common questions and misconceptions about Canadian food and farming. Hard copies are available via www.realdirtonfarming.ca. A digital version will be going as an insert in the Globe and mail on May 12th – 190,000 copies.

The 2018 Annual Conference is being held on April 11th at the Country Heritage Park – Gambrel Barn. Farm & Food Care Ontario is continuing to add to its “FarmFood360” virtual farm tour series.

Breakfast on the Farm dates:June 23, 2018 – AncasterSeptember 8, 2018 – North Gower

Please visit the Farm & Food Care Ontario website at www.farmfoodcareon.org for more information and updates.

Conservation OntarioSubmitted by Mark Eastman

Soil Carbon StudyThe Climate Change Action Group of Erin in Wellington

County, in partnership with local agricultural producers and Credit Valley Conservation and Organic Consultant Inc., have recently been awarded funding to launch a soil health project. The project will involve soil carbon sampling and analysis, water infiltration testing and the creation of local groups of farmers to discuss, develop and test methods/practices aimed at improving soil health for improved farm profits and environmental health.

Industry Updates

Continued on page 10.


Cost and Benefit of Water Management in Ontario’s GreenbeltCredit Valley Conservation will be working closely with

the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, among others over the next year to examine the regional water budget dynamics (i.e. balancing the supply and demand for water resources) in the Greenbelt and to better understand water use trade-offs during periods of water shortages in the region. Specifically, the project will seek to understand the role agricultural adaptation practices can play helping mitigate such shortages.

The project will seek to address three primary objectives:

1. To assess the costs and benefits of adaptation options related to water management on agricultural lands within Ontario’s greenbelt;

2. Assess the influence (i.e. benefits) that agricultural adaption could have for water use in other sectors, specifically the implications for the regional domestic/municipal, industrial, and commercial water supply; and,

3. Determine whether agricultural adaption can reduce the costs of long-term water servicing infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population.

Biochar: A novel approach to improve soil health in Ontario?By Maren Oelbermann, PhD

One of the most challenging global issues currently facing us is climate change and its impact on agricultural productivity and soil health. This challenge can potentially

be addressed by using biochar. Biochar is a carbon-rich and fine grained material produced during the pyrolysis of organic material in an oxygen-limited environment. Essentially, biochar is charcoal but it is distinguished from charcoal due to its intended use as a soil amendment. Using biochar as a soil amendment originated in the Brazilian Amazon over 2000 years ago.

Research on biochar in tropical soil began in the late 1990s, and from this work we learned that biochar improved soil properties. Adding biochar to nutrient-poor tropical soils increased soil pH, which enhanced microbial activity and increased plant available nutrients. But soils in Ontario have different clay types, a higher pH, soil organic matter and nutrient content, and therefore will respond differently to biochar than tropical soil.

Research on biochar in temperate soils began just over a decade ago. With most work still in its infancy and with a lack of comprehensive field studies, researchers remain divided on whether or not biochar has a positive impact on soil. Despite these differences in opinion, model simulations showed that biochar amended soil, compared to other commonly used

management practices (e.g. maize-soybean rotation, continuous maize, addition of manure, no-till), from southern Ontario lead to a greater accumulation of soil organic carbon. Others found an overall positive effect of biochar on temperate soil health including increased water retention, aggregation and nitrogen uptake, higher crop biomass, and enhanced microbial activity, abundance and composition.

Results on greenhouse gas emissions from biochar amended soil remains variable, with some studies showing a decrease or no change. Currently, one of the main issues in biochar research in temperate soils is a lack of replicated field trials since to date most research has taken place under controlled laboratory conditions.

In May 2016, the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics laboratory at the University of Waterloo started a three-year replicated field trial, in addition to a social study, in Huron County using on-farm commercial management operations. The funds for this study were provided by OMAFRA. To date, this research found that those farmers that participated in the social study were concerned about soil health and were interested to improve their soil. However, less than 50% of the farmers interviewed were aware of biochar and its potential to improve soil health. Those farmers that did know about biochar were mostly concerned with additional costs, economic benefits of biochar and current lack of research on the impact of biochar on soil.

Access to high quality and affordable biochar derived from high quality feedstock remains difficult. Current costs for high quality biochar can be as much as $2000 per metric ton. However, with increasing pressure on contributing to the circular economy, which promotes the recycling organic waste materials, in association with improved pyrolysis technology, it is projected that costs will decrease to $300 per metric ton. Using biochar derived from a high quality feedstock is essential since low quality feedstock will produce biochar that can be contaminated and will have negative effects on the environment, plants and soil.

Equally important is the process of pyrolysis. Pyrolysis under controlled conditions will yield a consistent biochar of high quality compared to a backyard pyrolyzer. Pyrolysis under controlled conditions, according to a Washington State University researcher specializing in pyrolysis and production of biochar, can yield a

Continued from page 9 ~ INDUSTRY UPDATES


biochar for various applications. In other words, biochar can be produced with specific properties according to its end application.

In Huron County, after the first field season, researchers from the Soil Ecosystem Dynamics laboratory found that greenhouse gas emissions were similar in biochar and non-biochar amended soil. However, biochar amended soil was higher in total nitrogen, and lower in soil nitrate and phosphate compared to non-biochar amended soil. The total number of macroinvertebrates was greater in biochar amended soil. Shoot and root biomass of the corn crop, and grain yield were slightly greater in biochar amended soil. Results from the second field season under a soybean crop are currently under evaluation and the third field season will begin in May 2018.

Our preliminary results from the field trial show that adding biochar to soil does not cause any negative effects on soil properties and crop production relative to standard commercial farming practices. The Soil Ecosystem Dynamics research group is currently conducting a laboratory study to determine if biochar amended soils are more resilient to climate change. In this study, biochar and non-biochar amended soil, from the field trial in Huron County, seeded with soybeans is exposed to projected climate trends (greater temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations) expected for this area of Ontario.

Forthcoming for farmers and those associated with the agricultural industry is an on-farm open house field day planned for July/August 2018. A final workshop will be held at the University of Waterloo in February/March 2019. Updates on this study and forthcoming events (open house and workshop) will be announced via the website www.moelbermann.com or on Twitter @OelbermannMaren.

CEU Centre

Remember to check your CEU report often. Every two years you must accumulate 40 CEUs with a minimum of five CEUs in each of the four agronomic categories. CCAs with their

4R designation need a minimum of 7.5 in NM and SW. With some cycles coming to an end December 31, 2018, it is important to check and make sure you have the required number of CEUs.

You can view your CEU statement online at www.ccaontario.com under the CEU Centre tab. Remember, your log-in name is the email address you have provided and your password is your CCA # and the initial of your first name. If you have trouble logging in, please DO NOT create a new account. Call the CCA office for assistance (519) 669-3350.

If you find you are still in need of additional CEUs, check the Event Calendar on the website for seminars and meetings taking place in which you may be able to earn those missing CEUs.

The link for the event calendar is www.ccaontario.com/events

If those seminars do not fit your schedule, you can check out the self-study quizzes available online at www.certifiedcropadviser.org. There is no limit to the number of on-line courses you can take. Don’t forget, all self-reporting CEU’s are subject to an audit.

The CEU application has been updated. To apply for CEUs please go to www.ccaontario.com/CEU-Centre.

You can also find a step by step presentation explaining how to apply for CEUs, along with the CEU standards document for those unclear what CEUs may be appropriate for their meeting or event.

Write an Article, Win a Jacket

The Marketing Committee is continuing with its tradition of awarding a prize to one lucky person for his/her contribution of an article for the Ontario Farmer column. Every article

written is worth one ballot into the draw. This year, we are offering the winner a choice of a 3-in-1 CCA embroidered jacket, a gift card to an app store, or a complimentary conference registration.

This year’s winner was Mike Bakker.

Congratulations Mike!

We are always looking for articles, so try your hand at composing one. Articles should be 500-600 words in length, deal with any agronomic topic or issue and not contain any company or product specific promotion.

You may view or download previously printed articles from our website http://ccaontario.com/communications

Job Postings

If your company is looking to fill vacant positions within your organization, you can post those opportunities on the CCA website http://ccaontario.com/careers

Please let your human resource department or the person within your organization who is responsible for hiring, know that this service is available. There are still many companies who post their ads on other recruiting websites. Why not use the CCA website as an avenue for finding the right fit for your company?

Rates are available upon request by contacting the CCA office.

Save the Date!

In partnership with Mosaic, the Ontario CCA Association will be hosting the 2nd Soil & Water Information day on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. The event will take place at Springfield Golf

& Country Club in Guelph.

Expected CEUs available for the day will be SW: 4.50.

Once the agenda has been set, an email will be sent to all CCAs.


Maintaining healthy soils would be very difficult if livestock were removed from Ontario agriculture

Forage based crop rotations and the regular addition of manure are not part of a Vegan cropping system. What changes would be required to make continuous row crops sustainable with current soil management practices?

A vegan diet is defined as a diet and/or lifestyle that precludes any products coming from animals. Everything is plant based. Environmental veganists argue that livestock production is environmentally damaging, unsustainable and less healthy. There are many celebrities and special interest groups that promote a transition to a plant-based diet, but most have not considered what impact the production of crops without livestock would have on the sustainability of agricultural soils.

The average Canadian diet consists of a number of different protein sources, including meat, milk, eggs, cheese, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and edible beans and lentils. Most Canadians have not acquired a taste for insects. The diversity of protein options results in a complementary balance of amino acids to match nutritional requirements. Many of these proteins are produced on Ontario farms. However, if the protein options were limited to plant-based, it would result in a large increase in Ontario bean production; both soybeans and dry edible beans and would result in an increase of protein sources imported from countries with warmer climates.

Only 5% of the Canadian landscape is suitable for crop production (class 1, 2 or 3 land) and much of prime agricultural land is covered in urban centers. Livestock farms, especially ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats, are often situated on rolling topography and fragile soils that are not as well suited for row crop agriculture. Forage fields and pasture land provides much of the feed used in ruminant nutrition and is an important component of including livestock as part of sustainable agricultural production system.

Sustainability is defined as the ability, from an environmental, economic and social platform, to maintain indefinitely current production systems while managing waste and pollution and managing the use of non-renewable resources so that future generations can also enjoy earth’s bounty.

From a soil productivity standpoint, we know that in Ontario soil organic matter levels have been declining over the past few decades. We know that water infiltration into soils during rainfall events has decreased. We know that soil erosion has increased. We know that the most productive layer of soil disappears with water and wind erosion. We also know that when soybeans dominate a crop rotation, there is less crop residue returned to the soil than what is required to maintain organic matter. We know that livestock based forage rotations, pastures and over-wintering cover crops and winter grains make a significant improvement in soil microbial activity, aggregate stability and overall soil health. The manure produced from livestock production also contributes to improved soil health by returning fertilizer and organic matter.

In past generations of farming, the balance of livestock and crop production ensured that there was manure returned to the fields that produced the feed. Economic sustainability has led to a decline in mixed livestock and an increase in large scale farms. One farm producing crops on over 5,000 acres has replaced the 100

acre farm with a mix of crops and livestock. From an environmental standpoint there is a need to reassess the mass balance of nutrients on all farms. There are opportunities to improve sustainability of Ontario soils, but in the big picture, removing livestock from food production is not a logical strategy.

If society were to move to a more vegan diet, we would need to address the question of how it would fit into a sustainable production system. How would the balance between clean water (Great Lakes phosphorus) and the carbon footprint (climate change) and productive soils (Soil Health Strategy) change current production systems? Would food production require soybean dominant crop rotations to remain “fallow” with cover crops or forages for a growing season? Would society be prepared to pay more for soybeans and edible beans so that fields could be rotated with a soil-improving cover? Can livestock be part of a vegan production system just for manure production? For example, sheep grazing in orchard crops, or cattle grazing cover crops in the “fallow” year between soybeans. Would society be prepared to shift from livestock manure as a source of fertilizer/organic matter to human waste (e.g. composted sewage biosolids) to be returned to agricultural land? Or alternatively, would cattle and sheep be raised on forage land and pastures only for solid manure production. From an economic and environmental sustainability perspective, is there a positive or negative carbon footprint when shifting away from livestock but increasing the use of commercial fertilizers produced long-distances from their end use or from a decreasing carbon content in agricultural soils?

History would suggest that “everything in moderation” is the model for social, economic and environmental sustainability. An equilibrium of crop and livestock production will ultimately balance the ecology of the land with the needs of a population.

Vegan Food for Thought Submitted by: Christine Brown, Field Crop Sustainability Specialist, OMAFRA

CERTIFIED CROP ADVISOR ASSOCIATION® • 39 William Street,

Elmira, Ontario N3B 1P3(519) 669-3350 • Fax: (519) 669-3826

www.ccaontario.com

Two neighbouring fields demonstrate the benefit of forage-based rotations and manure production from a livestock operation compared to the overworked soybean field with poor aggregate stability, high erodibility and low organic matter.

Documents

Spring 2018 • Volume 7 • Issue 1ccaontario.com/uploads/pdfs/CCA_Chatter_SPR2018_FINAL.pdf · 2018-05-15 · Spring 2018 • Volume 7 • Issue 1 CERTIFIED CROP ADVISOR ASSOCIATION®