Lessons learned on the relationship between water and soil

KAREN DAVIDSON

Doubling up, doubling down.That’s been the case for BrettSchuyler and family whoseapple acres have doubled in thelast six years to 600.

Situated near Simcoe,Ontario, the farm is fortunate inhaving access to a spring-fedpond. What’s more unusual forOntario is that the farm has setup overhead pipes for irrigation,using the layout left behindfrom an original vegetable farm.They have made a differenceduring this droughty summer innourishing newly plantedorchards and in sizing apples forharvest.

“From my perspective, theGreat Lakes area is in a sweetspot for water compared toCalifornia,” says Schuyler.

Stewarding water also meansadjusting water rates for thespecific soil type. TheSchuyler’s have invested heavily in soil mapping and

precision technology to give justenough fertilizer, just enoughwater according to topography.Fox sand has cropping limitations, whereas Brantfordsilt loam is more forgiving.Even apple rootstock is selectedto suit certain soil types.

All of these considerationshave affected orchard layout.Red Delicious apples, forinstance, are slow-growing treeswhich do better on productivesoil. On the other hand,McIntosh apples have donewell on sandy soil whileHoneycrisp varieties do betterin a loamy soil.

The overhead watering system has been put into gearin recent years for overheadfrost protection for 90 acres.The pipes are set up on 60 footby 60 foot centers.

Just a decade ago, none ofthis planning would be part ofapple orchard management.Investment in high-densityorchards requires more

management of all resources.Computer-generated soil mapping, better understandingof apple rootstocks and systemsto meter water on an as-neededbasis are integrated.

After such a water-thirstysummer in Ontario, parts ofQuebec, Nova Scotia and PrinceEdward Island, all growers willbe evaluating how to preparefor the 2017 crop. DeannaNémeth, horticulture sustainability specialist, OntarioMinistry of Agriculture, Foodand Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)says “The best way to preparefollowing a dry season, is to takea recent soil sample for planning next year’s nutrition

program.” Because nutrientuptake may be less underextended dry soil conditions,there may be some nutrients inreserve for the following cropyear. Plan to take a soil sampleeither post harvest 2016 or earlyspring 2017 to get a good estimate of the remaining nutrients for the 2017 croppingseason.

Christoph Kessel, soil fertility specialist-horticulture,OMAFRA, describes howextended periods of very drysoil conditions can reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium availability to plants.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

SEPTEMBER 2016 CELEBRATING 137 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION THEGROWER.ORG

DROUGHT EFFECTS

Lessons learned on the relationship between water and soil

INSIDECheers to potato country pg 6

Temporary water permits issued in Ontario pg 12

Focus: New equipment and technology pg 14

Volume 66 Number 09P.M. 40012319$3.00 CDN

Let it rain. Even if it’s manmade rain, pumped through overhead lines. At Schuyler Farms Limited, this droughty summer has been hard on orchards but fortunately, aspring-fed pond is on tap. Although rain was in the forecast, Brett Schuyler, Simcoe, Ontario, generously primed the pumps on August 15 to show an apple tailgate tour howthe system works on 95 acres of Gala apples. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

From my perspective, the Great Lakes area is in asweet spot for water compared to California.

~ Brett Schuyler

““

Time extended for moreconsultation on marketing of Ontarioprocessing vegetables

Ontario’s agriculture ministerhas intervened in the OntarioFarm Products MarketingCommission (OFPMC) timetableto change the marketing of processing vegetables such aspeas and sweet corn. The proposed changes were to removethe provisions for negotiatingagencies and to replace the structure with an industry committee. Growers perceive thisproposal as giving more power toprocessors.

Originally, the comment period was to end August 12,however Hon. Jeff Leal has written to OFPMC chair GeriKamenz directing the commis-sion to develop a plan for furtherengagement and consultationwith interested parties and stakeholders.

“It is the expectation of theGovernment of Ontario that suchamendments, if any, will be consistent with the needs of bothproducers and processors and willcontribute to the Government ofOntario’s broad policy objectivesof supporting regulated market-ing and increasing the number ofagriculture-related jobs inOntario.”

Leal directed the commissionto refrain from any changes untilthere is a more fulsome industrydiscussion.

The August 17 announcement

was welcome news for the $100million industry in the midst ofharvest. Growers had been worried that sudden changeswere underway in an industrythat’s enjoyed relative stability inrecent years. Contract negotiations for 2017 crops suchas onions and cucumbers usuallybegin in October.

Haldimand-Norfolk MPPToby Barrett, opposition agriculture critic, has been activein lobbying for more consultation.

Get hopping

The Great Ontario-HoppedCraft Beer Competition is accepting entries for the 2017event at the Ontario Fruit andVegetable Convention. To celebrate the fifth year of competition bringing togetherOntario’s finest brewers withOntario's best hop growers, organizers are expanding toaccept 18 teams – first come, firstserve. This year’s style will be aBelgian India Pale Ale.

Registration forms can befound at: http://onhops.ca/registration-form/

Canada's potato acreagedown almost 2%

According to Statistics Canada,potato farmers in Canada planted342,602 acres (138,647 hectares)of potatoes in 2016. This is down1.8 per cent from 2015, continuing the overall downwardtrend of the past 12 years.

This downward trend is mostly the result of the steadyincrease in the yield per acrewhich is averaging 300 cwt/acre.

Seeded area decreased in allprovinces, except Quebec,Ontario and British Columbia.

The largest reductions wereseen in New Brunswick andManitoba where the plantedacreage was down by 4.5 per centand 4.2 per cent respectively.

Prince Edward Island accounted for 26 per cent of thepotato acreage in Canada.Although it is the smallestprovince in Canada, PrinceEdward Island is the largest potato producer in Canada.

Manitoba takes the secondplace, and accounts for 19 percent of the potato acreage in2016.

NEWSMAKERSTHE GROWER

AT PRESS TIME…

PAGE 2 –– SEPTEMBER 2016

The Ontario Potato Board hasannounced the retirement of generalmanager Don Brubacher, effectiveOctober 31. He’s been with the boardfor 28 years, 18 years in the leadershiprole. His son Kevin Brubacherassumed the general manager’s roleAugust 1 after a decade as field manager and office services coordinator.

Dennis Van Dyk has been named vegetable specialist, Ontario Ministryof Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) responsiblefor potatoes, carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, radish andhorseradish. Previously, he was the University of Guelph’s integrated pest management coordinator for the Muck CropsResearch Station in Bradford, Ontario. He is close to finishing hisMasters degree in plant agriculture under the tutelage of Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald.

The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame will induct one of horticulture’s leaders this fall: the late James Bartlett. Theagribusiness pioneer made tremendous gains for the Canadianhorticultural industry through his leadership and vision. Born intothe family business, N.M. Bartlett Inc., Bartlett led the Ontario-based company to become the only national horticulture cropprotection distributor. James advocated for policies affectingimportation of U.S. crop protection products. He helped create,and later chair, the precursor organization to CropLife Canada.And he championed the minor use registration of pesticides forsmall, specialty markets to keep Canadian horticultural growerscompetitive. James Bartlett was from Beamsville, Ontario andwas nominated by Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. The awardsevent will be held November 6 at the Royal Agricultural WinterFair in Toronto.

The Canadian ProduceMarketing Association host-ed a town hall August 9 inpicturesque Tracadie,Prince Edward Island todiscuss industry issues withfederal agriculture ministerLawrence MacAulay. Apublic Half Your Plate BBQattracted media coveragewith chef Michael Smith,Half Your Plate CulinaryAmbassador.

Remi Van de Slyke has been electedto the board of directors for theOntario Fruit and VegetableGrowers’ Association representingthe ginseng industry. He’s grownginseng for 20 years and is currentlyvice-chair of the Ginseng Growers ofOntario. He replaces Ken Van Torreon the board.

The Prince Edward Island PotatoBoard, Cavendish Farms and the PEI Department of Agricultureand Fisheries have announced an agronomy initiative to improvemarketable yields of potatoes, sustainably. The working groupsare chaired by John Ramsay, seed management; JonathanMacLennan, soil improvement; and Nathan Ching, science andtechnology. Project leader is Ryan Barrett, PEI Potato Board.

Congrats to Linda Delli Santi, executive director of the BritishColumbia Greenhouse Growers for being chosen by the Globe andMail as one of The Food 53. The five-part series celebrated themost influential people in Canadian food. She was lauded for herrole in winning greenhouse sector tax relief from a carbon emission tax, arguing successfully that greenhouse growers needcarbon dioxide -- created by burning natural gas -- to fertilizevegetable crops.

Peter Chapman, retail consultant and principal at GPS BusinessSolutions, has teamed up with Gary Morton to launchSKUfood.com. For more than 35 years, Morton has worked withagriculture and agrifood businesses. This on-line community is anopportunity for people to access free industry knowledge and toimplement it in their own business.

Federal agriculture ministerLawrence MacAulay (L) and chefMichael Smith.

Remi Van de Slyke

Don Brubacher

CONTINUED FROMPAGE 1

Nitrogen (N) availability maybe depleted

For nitrogen, he says that lowsoil moisture decreases soilmicrobe activity. Microbes play

an important role in breakingdown organic matter and converting organic nitrogen toinorganic nitrate nitrogen, aprocess called mineralization. Indry soils with low nitrogen min-eralization, there could be lessplant available nitrogen in theform of either ammonium(NH4+-N) or nitrate (NO3--N)

nitrogen. In dry soils, the risk ofNO3--N loss through leachingor denitrification is reduced.While this means there is moresoil nitrogen available to crops,plant uptake can be reduced.When the rains return, Kesselsays there can be a suddenincrease in soil nitrogen. If thisoccurs late in the season, extranitrogen may be detrimental forperennial crops going into dormancy.

Phosphorus (P) may be reduced

Reduced soil microbial activity in soils with low moisture can reduce organicmatter decomposition and themineralization of organic P toinorganic P. Phosphorus movesfrom higher concentrations inthe soil to lower concentrationsin plant roots by diffusion. Assoils become drier, less diffusion occurs. This isbecause the water film around

the soil particles becomes thinner, making diffusion to theplant root more difficult.

Potassium (K) moves less

Decreased movement of K tothe plant roots occurs in drysoil. As soil dries, clay mineralsbecome dry and shrink, trap-ping K tightly between minerallayers. Once trapped, K isunavailable to plant roots foruptake. This K is released andplant-available again when thesoil moisture increases.

Reduced K uptake duringextended dry soil conditions canshow up as low K levels in tissue samples or high K levelsin a post-harvest soil sample.Taking soil samples in a dryyear and comparing it to normalyears can provide valuable information as to what to expectif future dry years occur again.

Beyond preparing for nextyear’s crop, what management

practices help farmers adapt tolong term impacts of extremeweather? Adaptation meansmaking changes to balance theextremes in weather conditions;either too little rain, too muchrain, or rain at the wrong time ofyear.

An example of managementchange is increasing soil organicmatter. Soil organic matter canbe increased from long-termaddition of crop residues, organ-ic amendments such as manuresand composts or including covercrops. Increasing organic matterhelps improve soil structure.Improved soil structure helpsbalance soil drainage in the wetyears, and water holding capacity in the dry years,improving conditions for achieving consistent crop yieldsover the long term.

For a video interview withBrett Schuyler, go to www.thegrower.org.

SEPTEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

COVER STORY

Lessons learned on the relationship between water and soil

PERU

New ag minister setsambitious targets

Peru’s new minister of agriculture and irrigation, JoseManuel Hernandez, has setambitious trade targets ofUS$10 billion by 2021. Othergoals include:

• Mitigate the sector'simpacts caused by frequent climate phenomena (floods,frosts and droughts) with prevention programs. Thisbudget is expected to double.

• Provide technology andtechnical training to farmersthrough Serviagro program —set to be ready within the first100 days of Hernandez' administration.

• Rehabilitate at least 10,000hectares of terraces throughwater programs.

• Ensure better access tocredit among farmers by inject-ing US$149.3 million of capitalinto Agrobanco

Source: FreshPlaza.com

INTERNATIONAL

NORTH DAKOTA

Potato crops severelyhail-damaged

Northeastern North Dakotatook a direct hit from hail andrainfall on July 26, devastatingthe heart of potato country.Growers are reporting up to 80per cent losses, especially inthe Crystal area.

Andy Robinson, a potatoextension agronomist at NorthDakota State University,warned that pores on tubersopen up to search for oxygenon wet fields, only to exposethe plant to disease-causingbacteria. With late blight discoveries in westernManitoba, chances are higherthat spores will be carried intothe region.

This area of North Dakotagrows chiefly fresh, seed andchip potatoes.

HONG KONG

Asia Fruit Logistica welcomes 9,000 visitors

Exhibition space is sold out for the 10th anniversary of AsiaFruit Logistica, ready to open September 7-9. By the numbers,there are 644 exhibitors from 37 countries showcasing products andservices. Twenty-three countries are hosting pavilions.

Marketers will be curious about the current status of China withits economic slowdown. Youchi Kuo, who leads Boston ConsultingGroup’s China Center for Customer Insight will share her perspective. The consultancy published a seminal report inJanuary 2016 called: The New China Playbook: Young, Affluentand E-savvy Consumers will Fuel Growth.

That report counsels produce companies to more strategicallytarget income segments, product categories and retail channels.Rapid shifts in the nature of Chinese consumption are underway.The most potent trend is the rise of e-commerce, particularlyamong the young generation.

China’s “slowdown” translates to annual growth of 6.5 per cent.


UNITED STATES

Apple category spurredby organics and newvarieties

Analysis shows that varietiessuch as Honeycrisp, Ambrosia,Jazz, Envy, Kiku and Kanzialong with organics are pro-pelling sales growth in the U.S.apple category. Steve Lutz,Columbia MarketingInternational, says that hiscompany’s organic productionwill increase by 60 per cent thisyear. Because organic applescommand up to a 50 per centretail premium over conven-tional varieties, this growth isprofitable.

Lutz notes that high-colour-ing apples such as Honeycrispare popular as well as Ambrosiawhich made the top 10 list lastyear.

Washington state’s applecrop is expected to rebound by20 per cent in volume this year.If the cherry season is a fore-runner, then expect high quali-ty and good sizing of apples.


Schuyler Farms Limited is most fortunate to have access to a spring-fed pond with a pumphouse.With plentiful moisture, these Gala apples will size nicely in time for September harvest.

– SEPTEMBER 2016THE GROWER

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST

University of BritishColumbia (UBC) researchers areone step closer to identifyingthe biological personalities ofthe world’s greatest wines.In a recent study, UBCresearchers Dan Durall andMansak (Ben) Tantikachornkiatdeveloped a technique thatcombines a process to identifythe full spectrum of DNA inyeast and bacteria samples witha technique that distinguishesbetween live and dead micro-organisms.

“Since only live micro-organisms are relevant in thevarious stages of fermentation asthey relate to the senses, thisstudy provides some of the

important tools that will be necessary to determine why different types of wine taste andsmell as they do,” says Durall,an associate professor of biologyat UBC’s Okanagan campus.“While more research needs tobe conducted, these findingscould also lead to the identification and elimination ofmicro-organisms that areresponsible for spoilage.”

In undertaking the study, thepair used a number of differentkinds of yeast and bacteria specimens, including those typically found in wine fermentations.

Key in the development ofthe new scientific technique

was the use of a light-sensitivedye, propidium monoazide,which binds to dead DNA andprevents it from being detected.This allows scientists to identifyand focus on the more relevantaspects of a test sample.

“This technique allows us toquickly and accurately monitorin one experiment what previ-ously could have taken multipleexperiments and months of trialand error,” saysTantikachornkiat. “This willinevitably make research in thisarea faster, cheaper and moreefficient.

“The next stages of researchwill focus this technique on different types of wine-making

methods to see how theychange micro-organisms thataffect the final wine product.”

Durall andTantikachornkiat’s research was

recently published in theInternational Journal of FoodMicrobiology.

Source: UBC news release

UBC researchers examine the DNA of theworld’s wine regions

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Following the rebrandunveiled earlier this year at the2016 CPMA Convention,Thomas Fresh has been working hard to take the nextimportant step in refreshingtheir visual identity in thehearts and minds of produceconsumers.

As potatoes make up a dominant percentage ofThomas Fresh’s total distribu-tion, potato bags were amongthe first packages to beredesigned. Canadian-sourcedpotatoes with new ThomasFresh branding will be arrivingin stores as early as September.

“In addition to rethinkingthe look and feel of our packaging, we really went towork determining what the

grocery consumer is looking forin terms of potato pack sizesand varieties,” says Erin Power,director of marketing, ThomasFresh, based in Calgary,Alberta. “We’re emphasizingsmaller pack sizes – such as1.5lb and 3lb bags - in additionto the traditional 5lb and 10lbbags.”

According to CEO RoyHinchey, one of the big wins isthe chance to bring Canadianwhite potatoes into the foreground. “We have a lot ofgrower partners across the country working hard to deliverquality whites to our warehouse,and we felt it was not only anopportunity, but in some ways aduty to bring these forward tothe stores in a meaningful way

that will attract consumers.” “We’re also offering a great

variety of organic and conven-tional product, in all colours.There’s a lot of real estate inthe potato aisle of the producedepartment, and we felt we hada chance to offer a more consumer-focused selection,”adds Hinchey.

The new potato bags will useThomas Fresh’s existing pillowtop packaging technology.Welded poly bags have enoughprintable real estate on the frontof the bag for eye-catching artwork that also helps blocklight to preserve the quality ofthe potatoes. The bag’s backwill remain mostly unprinted soconsumers can view every potato in the pack -- a request

that has come directly from consumers, who want the opportunity to see exactly whatthey’re buying. The lay-flat,rectangular shape of the pillowtop pack also enables easier,

tidier merchandising on produceaisle shelves.

Source: Thomas Fresh news release

Thomas Fresh debuts new packaging ALBERTA

The Prince Edward IslandPotato Board, Cavendish Farms,and the PEI Department ofAgriculture and Fisheries havelaunched an enhanced agronomy initiative. The goal isto improve marketable yields ofprocessing potatoes and profitability of PEI potato growers while also improvingenvironmental sustainability.

To meet these goals, threeworking groups have beenestablished, with membershipof both farmers and industryresource personnel. Theseworking groups will be lookingat priorities in the key areas ofsoil health, seed management,and science and technology andwill work to establish bothresearch and extension projects

that address these priorities.Coordinating these efforts is

project lead Ryan Barrett whoholds a Bachelor of Sciencedegree from the DalhousieFaculty of Agriculture and aMaster of Science degree fromthe University of Guelph. Ryanreturned to Prince EdwardIsland and began working withthe PEI Potato Board in June2012. In addition to this newrole, Barrett retains responsibili-ties as research coordinator forthe Prince Edward IslandPotato Board.

This collaborative programwill be jointly funded byCavendish processing potatogrowers, Cavendish Farms, andthe Prince Edward IslandDepartment of Agriculture and

Fisheries. The growers are con-tributing via a special check-offon their processing contracts.These partners, together withrepresentatives from Agriculture& Agri-Food Canada and theDalhousie Faculty ofAgriculture, are represented ona steering committee.

Work began in early May2016, and Prince Edward Islandprocessing potato growers wereconsulted through the springand early summer to solicit theirideas and needs in agronomyand research extension. Someresearch and extension projectsare already underway, whileothers will be developed laterthis year.Source: PEI Potato Board newsrelease

Potato industry partners launch enhanced agronomy initiative

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

@growernewsThe Grower www.thegrower.org

UBC’s Dan Durall (left) and Ben Tantikachornkiat are looking athow micro-organisms may affect the taste of wine.

THE GROWERSEPTEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 5

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST

Hopes for a big cherry crop in British Columbia weredownsized when summer showers delayed harvestingand caused fruit cracking. However, sorting technologyhas helped to deal with quality defects.

“We have experienced cracking losses averaging 12to 17 per cent,” said Julie McLachlan with JealousFruits. “Luckily, between our upgraded defect sorterand more staff on the lines, we have been able to produce a very clean pack.”

While rain has delayed harvest a few days this year,

the cooler weather has resulted in larger fruit size andvery firm fruit. Growers have aggressively used helicopters and ground blowers to deal with the rain,and the extra water has contributed to large cherries.

The season ended in mid-August. Though production in British Columbia is only a fraction of thatin Washington and Oregon, acreage is growing to meetrising demand for cherries around the world – thoughexpansion is still limited by land use from other cropsand industries.

“We are adding acreage tomeet burgeoning demand inboth Asia and NorthAmerica,” said McLachlan.“Presently, 4,500 acres are planted in BC, and this mayslowly grow to 6,000 acres over the next severalyears.”

Source: Jealous Fruits news release

Good sorting mitigates effects of rain on cherriesBRITISH COLUMBIA

A thought leader for agriculture, David Sparling, 64,died of brain cancer on July 31, 2016. Most recently, hewas the Chair of Agri-Food Innovation and Regulationfor the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey BusinessSchool. Previously, he was a professor and associatedean at the University of Guelph. These roles broughthim into contact with a wide network of students, farm-ers, industry and government leaders.

Sparling was regularly sought as a speaker and for hiscounsel to agribusiness. For example, he co-authored areport on food waste, documenting the losses along thevalue chain. In an interview with the London Free Presson July 9, 2014, he said, “In a land in which we have somuch food and a land of so much hunger, it still doesn’tmake sense that so much food goes to landfill. You’renever food secure, if at the end of the day, you’rethrowing out one-third of your food.”

In another interview with the London Free Press onNovember 4, 2015, he commented on the federal election: “When different political parties talk about

agriculture and they talk about food, pretty mucheveryone agrees that they are bedrock industries. Ithink the new regime in Ottawa will continue to investin these industries and in exports.”

His optimistic views about the resilience of agriculture were on full display in a podcast interviewfor Farm Credit Canada earlier this year. In a segmenttitled “Six years that changed agriculture,” he analysedthe global shifts from 2005 to 2011 – everything fromeconomic recession to biofuel mandates that soaked uphuge quantities of corn.

“One of the interesting things is that people startedto recognize that agriculture is sheltered to some extentfrom global forces,” said Sparling. “Agriculture is attractive to investors and to governments because it’s astable industry. It’s a very nice place to be – from anenvironmental perspective, a health perspective. It’sunbelievably exciting to be in the agricultural spaceright now.”

Ironically, at the end of the podcast, there was

another segment: What a funeral can teach us aboutlegacy. “History does not remember or celebrate thosewho champion the status quo.”

For the full podcast, go to: www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/fcc-edge/fcc-edge-15-david-sparling.html

Agriculture mourns the loss of David Sparling ONTARIO

It’s not a box. It’s a billboard. Canadian corrugated is a billboard for your brand. It’s tried, tested and new.

Proud supporter of the Paper & Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC)

www.ppec-paper.com

VISIT US AT WWW.CCCABOX.ORG

TO LEARN MORE

– SEPTEMBER 2016THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SUMMER TOUR

Downey Potato Farms

A decade of experience ingrowing organic potatoes hasn’tmade this season any easier.

“It’s been trial and errorworking through drought,” saysTrevor Downey, Melancthon,Ontario. As a certified organicproducer through ProCert,Downey explains that organicfarm management practicesecho the 1950s and 1960s.

Remember a scuffler? Thispiece of equipment is used onceand sometimes twice a week tocontrol weeds. This summer,three weeds have emerged tobe particularly troublesome:Canada thistle, lamb’s quartersand milkweed.

“What we’re learning thisyear is to employ more labourfor weed control,” says Downey,

speaking about 50 acres oforganic potatoes. “We’ve gotfour people weed whacking formilkweed.”

One trick is to top the milk-weed before a rainfall. Oncemoisture gets inside the stem,the plant will rot and die. Thishas been hard to execute in adroughty year.

“We’re getting more labour-

intensive versus equipment-intensive in growing organics,”says Downey. It’s a case of analyzing the input costs.Compared to conventional seed,organic seeds are more expensive as are biological controls.

The good news is that lady-bugs are doing a good job ofcontrolling the larvae of

Colorado potato beetles as wellas leafhoppers. It’s a fine balance.

At the end of the season,Downey expects his 50 acres oforganic potatoes to yield about200 cwt/acre. That’s well belowthe 300 cwt/acre that heachieves with conventionallygrown potatoes on the rest ofhis farm.

Sunrise Potato Storage Limited

All farmers are researchersbut few are more studious thanPeter VanderZaag. For the last20 years, he’s focused on a plotof land that’s prone to potatoscab and trialled parental lines

and their progenies for resistance to common scab.Potato scab bacteria attacktubers for their moisture andflesh, often pitting the potatoand rendering it unmarketable.

“We’re making good progresswith this multigene trait,” saysVanderZaag, president ofSunrise Potato, Alliston,Ontario. He credits CornellUniversity’s plant breederRobert Plaisted with mentorship on his life’s work.

Potato breeding is time-consuming. Potatoes haveattractive flowers which are naturally self-pollinated andthen form berries which contain200 to 300 true seeds. By crosspollinating between parentsthere is the promise of thousands of new varieties,which must be grown out forseveral generations to determine their vigour andvalue under various environmental conditions.

In addition to looking for

scab resistance, Vander Zaagdoesn’t want to lose sight ofproducing a white chipping variety that stores well into winter. This is no easy tasklooking for concurrent, but notnecessarily related traits.

In today’s continental potatomarket, seed flows easily fromeast to west and north to south,however this free movementresults in new subspecies andstrains of potato scab hitching aride. “Seed movement is socommon that we’ve made itworse for ourselves when itcomes to this disease,” saysVander Zaag.

Farmers are tempted to solvethe potato scab issue by fumigating soil. But with fewerproducts on the market, thisexpensive practice will not be

sustainable into the future. Vander Zaag is undaunted in

his search for a breeding solution. In fact, he’s recentlyshifted efforts to findinggermplasm that’s resistant tolate blight as well. These plantbreeding efforts include collaborators such as Robert andJoyce Coffin, private breedersfrom Prince Edward Island.

No doubt there will be a dayin the future that potato growers will thank these soldiers for their untiring efforts.

For a fascinating glimpse ofongoing research, go towww.sunrisepotato.com/Learnmore/Peter’s research and watchthe video: Selection of NewVarieties for Scab Resistanceand Good Processing Qualities.

Tupling Farms Limited

By taking care of the land,the land is taking care of Bertand Pat Tupling, their sonsAndrew and Aaron and families.

Depending on the parcel ofland, potatoes may be rotatedinto either corn, wheat or barley.

“We’re getting to a placewhere potatoes are planted onceevery three years,” says BertTupling, Shelburne, Ontario.

This commitment to soil fertility requires ownership andlong-term rentals of close to4000 acres of land. Do the mathand about 1,600 acres is plantedto potatoes in a given year.

“We’re positive about thefuture of fresh table potatoes,”says Tupling. Part of that optimism stems from on-farmresearch trials which yieldadvance knowledge of bettervarieties. Will this variety store?

Will this variety yield for thefresh table market? Those arethe questions that need to beanswered when input costs areas much as $3,000 per acre.

The Tupling family deliversfresh potatoes to many marketsin southern Ontario, directly towholesalers or warehouse facili-ties. It’s a competitive market-place given that fresh potatoesmay come from neighbouringprovinces or the western UnitedStates. Ontario’s droughty summer has reduced yields by25 to 30 per cent so the recom-mended price by the Ontario

Potato Board has just gone up to$3.00/10 lb as of August 10.

Since Ontario potato growersfill about 65 per cent of theprovince’s demand, there’s notmuch room to increase prices toreflect local growing conditions.As the 2016 crop is harvested,watch for any price tweaks. It’sa delicate balance between supply and demand, especiallygiven the recent headlines thatretailers are seeking lowerprices from suppliers.

Cheers to potato countryKAREN DAVIDSON

OFVGA’s summer tour was aptly named: Exploringthe dirt on potatoes. It almost required boots on theground in the Alliston and Shelburne, Ontario areas.

Much needed rain prior to the August 18 summer tourprevented in-field inspections. However, industry participants enjoyed an in-depth perspective of bothfresh table and chipping potatoes grown on 34,800 acresin Ontario.

Topics ranged from wash-water management

strategies to late blight control experiments to breedingtrials. The potato industry is continually innovatingwith value-added products and novel packaging.

No tour is complete without taste tests. Thanks toThe Chippery for freshly fried crisps and Beattie’sFarm Distillery for potato vodka samplers.

Trevor Downey inspects potatoes going into storage at his Melancthon, Ontario farm. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

Peter VanderZaag

Bert Tupling

THE GROWER

SEPTEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 7

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SUMMER TOUR

Beattie’s Farm DistilleryBeing fifth-generation potato

farmers doesn’t make it any easier to start a value-addedbusiness. Ken and Liz Beattiehave spent more than two yearsplanning the construction of anon-farm distillery and market-ing program near Alliston,Ontario. The early success oftheir farm-crafted potato vodkais measured in the fact that it’salready in 300 stores of theLiquor Control Board ofOntario (LCBO).

“We currently have a 750mlbottle in production but arenow looking to a 1.14ml bottle,”says Liz Beattie. “The goal is tobe across Canada before weexplore export markets.”

True to their rural roots, 50cents of every bottle sold will

be donated to local charities. The distilling process is

currently offsite but will bebrought home soon with thearrival of a German-made,5,000-litre still pot. At capacity,it can churn out 250 to 300cases per day. One of the benefits of choosing to “cook”and ferment potatoes is that,unlike other alcohols, aging isnot required.

“We are in the process ofmaking a potato whiskey thatcould be marketed byChristmas,” says Beattie.

With in-store demonstrationsunderway from Oakville toOttawa, the brand is set to takeoff. Cheers to farm-craftedvodka.

THE GROWERPAGE 8 –– SEPTEMBER 2016

CROP PROTECTION

Bulb and stem nematode infestations crimp garlic expansion

KAREN DAVIDSON

Demand for locally-growngarlic edged retail prices intothe $7.99 per pound territory in early August.

“Garlic is the poster-child of

locally-grown produce,” saysMichael Celetti, OntarioMinistry of Agriculture, Foodand Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)plant pathologist for horticulturecrops. “The size of bulbs arelarger than foreign products andthe quality is superior. That’s

why garlic will be sold out infestivals and local markets byearly fall.”

Even with the promise ofprofitable returns, growers arestymied by a nasty pest: bulband stem nematode. Thesemicroscopic eelworms cause thebulbs to rot and become unmarketable. Above ground,the plant appears wilted andstunted in its growth habit.

At a Garlic Growers ofOntario field day last June,growers eagerly reviewed a trialcomparing different methods oftreating bulbs before they aresown for the next crop. MaryRuth McDonald, University ofGuelph research program director, explained the trial atthe Muck Crops ResearchStation Bradford, Ontario. Dip,drench and foliar sprays were

compared (see sidebar). While results are preliminary,

the active ingredient fluopyramshowed superior results when itwas used in water to soak garlicbulbs for four hours.

“These are promising resultsbut the product is not registeredfor this use,” explains Celetti.Discussions are active with thePest Management RegulatoryAgency in terms of how handling protocols could bemodified to protect worker safety and thus lead to a registration.

The abamectin (Agri-Mekemulsifiable concentrate (EC))also works well, better than theproduct in soluble concentrate(SC) form in 2015 but per-formed similarly in the 2016trial. Neither drench productsnor foliar sprays controlled orsuppressed the pest. The finalresults will be presented atgrower meetings throughout thefall and winter.

While this research contin-ues, growers are in a tough spot.They shouldn’t plant clean seedin infected soil. They shouldn’t

plant infested bulbs in cleansoil. Nematodes are easilyspread when infested seed iskept for replanting next year.For some growers who oversoldtheir garlic at high prices lastyear and had to find sources ofnew seed, they were discour-aged to learn that they broughtnematode infection to theirfarm.

In the near-term future,Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada researchers based inQuebec are working to identifydifferent races of nematodesand their ranges in crops. TheCalifornia Garlic and OnionResearch Advisory Board hasprovided funding to theUniversity of Guelph to contin-ue nematode research.OMAFRA, in partnership withthe University of Guelph, isfunding a three-year trial.

If the scourge of bulb andstem nematode could be solved,garlic is one crop that could begrown widely, and contribute tothe agricultural economy inprofitable ways.

The ‘AQUA Wetland System’“A new breed of constructed wetland”

AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installs the ‘AQUA Wetland System’ (AWS) for tertiary treatment of many types of waste water including sanitary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoirwastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water & mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pileleachate) and high strength winery washwater.

The ‘AQUA Wetland System’ is operated out ofdoors and can achieve year-round tertiary treat-ment of wastewater. This sub-surface, vertical flowconstructed wetland consists of sand & gravel bedsplanted with moisture tolerant plant species. Wateris pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is noopen or standing water. Treatment occurs throughphysical filtration & biological degradation. Plantsshade & insulate the cells, cycling nutrients whilepreventing algae growth. There is no production ofsludge.

The AWS has been approved for use by the Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 EnvironmentalCompliance Approvals. Recently the Region of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of ‘smallflow’ winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals includeHealth Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent projects include:1) treatment & re-use of greenhouse irrigation leach water at greenhouses in Niagara & Haldimand2) treatment of winery wastewater at Greenlane Estates Winery & numerousother in Niagara 3) treatment of landfill leachate at sites in Pembroke, Niagara and Alabama

For additional information please Contact LloydRozema at: cell. 905-327-4571email. [email protected]

Garlic Growers Association of Ontario held a field day at the Muck Crops Research Station, Bradford,Ontario. Photo left: Abamectin (Agri-Mek SC) treatment stands next to fluopyram (Luna Privilege/VelumPrime).

Treatment regimesDip treatments – 300 L/ha H2O1. Abamectin (Agri-Mek EC) for 4 hours – 3.76 mL/L H2O 2.Abamectin (Agri-Mek SC) for 4 hours – 0.858 mL/L H2O3. Abamectin (Agri-Mek SC) double rate – 1.716 mL/L H2O4. Fluopyram (Velum Prime) for 4 hours – 500 mL/ha = 1.66ml/L H2O5. Fluensulfone (Nimitz) for 4 hours – 6 L/ha = 20 mL/L H2O

Drench treatments – use 1000 L/ha H2O spray volume6. Fluensulfone (Nimitz EC) at planting and in spring – 6 mL/ha= 6 mL/L H2O7. Fluensulfone (Nimitz GR) at 19.2 kg/ha at planting andNimitz EC in spring8. Fluopyram (Velum Prime) drench at planting and spring – 500ml/L = 0.5 mL/L H2O

Foliar Spray - starting when foliage is 8 inches high and appliedevery two weeks: 9. Spirotetramat (Movento) at 500 L/ha + Hasten 0.2% v/v – 3sprays

• trial planted 9 October, 3/4" irrigation applied immediately afterplanting• 25 May, 2016: number of emerged plants per replicate counted• 30 May, 2016: heights of 10 plants per replicate measured


ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION

Board briefsHere is a summary of the

board meeting held July 21.

Charles Stevens – CropProtection

The Canadian Association ofProfessional Apiculturists (bee-keepers) released its report onthe status of bee health inCanada. The survey was wellreceived by beekeepers, with 61per cent participation fromacross the country. Nationallybeekeepers claim that they lostabout 16.8 per cent of theirhives, which is the lowest since2006-07. There was an increasein colonies in Canada – 22.4 percent. Compared to the U.S.,Canada is one of the few coun-tries where farmed bees areincreasing in numbers.Beekeepers ranked the highest-ranking losses due to the follow-ing factors: poor queens, varroamites, weak colonies, and poorweather conditions. Pesticideswere not mentioned.

There are two re-evaluationstaking place: Captan and Rovral(which affects ginseng growersand vegetable seed treatment).OFVGA has sent comments tothe Pest ManagementRegulatory Agency (PMRA).Although Captan did not get alot of commodity responsesfrom across Canada, apple grow-ers and associations were themost active in their responses.

Harold Schooley - Research

The Ontario Agri-FoodTechnologies steering committee is now reviewingconsultants’ reports regardingprecision agri-food. The studyexamined Ontario’s needs andopportunities and comparedthem to what is being doneelsewhere in the world. It alsodetermined what would be ourneeds for information technology, infrastructure andsecurity for a centralized, public, precision agri-food system.

Phase two of this project isnow underway to put such acentralized system in place.

York University researchersare studying the status of polli-nation needs in certain areas ofOntario. After meeting with thePost Doctoral Fellow headingthis study, I also directed her toconfer with other horticulturalproducers. It will be interestingto see the viewpoint reported inthis study which is funded bythe Weston Foundation.

Lavender is one of the cropsgrown at our farm, attractingbees in a big way. These arelargely feral bees as several different species can be seen(although I am probably drawing some honey bees awayfrom my neighbour’s cucumberfield). This broad diversity hasbeen confirmed by an

OMAFRA/U of Guelph teamalso studying bee diversity.

Bee numbers in lavenderfields are tremendous and thepublic that visits us are amazedto see the bees thriving in thishabitat. It is pleasing to see thesize and health of feral bee populations. From what isreported by commercial beekeepers, bee populations areat strength this season.

Brian Gilroy - Property

The OFVGA’s comments forthe Great Lakes NearshoreFramework have been submitted thanks to the effortsof the committee.

The Royal AgriculturalWinter Fair’s HorticultureCommittee has been strugglingto attract more competitors toparticipate in its annual competition. The validity of itbeing called a competition withso few entries in multiple categories is the main issue. Inthe future, the horticultureexhibit regrettably might befeatured as a display only.

The Bird Damage Mitigationwork continues with BrockUniversity. The kestrel nestingboxes in the study have seenmuch greater success this year,with 21 young kestrels that havefledged the nesting boxes. TheInvisi-Shield units have beendeployed to a sour cherryorchard and a blueberry patch,and their effectiveness will beassessed soon. One observationthat has been made to date isthat birds, and robins in particular, are very adaptable.

The Farm and Food CareOntario file has been busy withan overall strategic planningprocess, beginning soon. Theorganization’s new executivedirector, Tracy Hussey has beena welcome addition to the team.I appreciate OFVGA’s supportin my new role as chair of Farmand Food Care Ontario.

The Municipal PropertyAssessment Corporation(MPAC) is now using the newupdated property and farmbuilding value assessments. It iseveryone’s right to challengetheir assessment should theyview it as unfair. I am hopefulthat a methodology manual willbe ready as soon as this fall.

There is a committee exam-ining the issue of food waste,and a University of GuelphPhD student is focusing herresearch in this area. She islooking for people to interviewfrom across the supply chain.

Mark Wales – Safety Nets

There was discussion aboutsuccessor model programs forSDRMs.

Adrian Huisman - CanadianHorticultural Council (CHC)

There have been some significant staff changes atCHC. Rebecca Lee is the newexecutive director. Julie Paillat,

manager, greenhouse, is filling anew role. The positions of manager, communications andmanager, policy development

and research, are vacant. A two-percent membership

fee increase has been approvedfor 2017.

Photo by Glenn Lowson


STAFFPublisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ AssociationEditor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, [email protected]: Carlie Melara, ext. 221, [email protected]: Alex Nichols, 519-763-8728 x 218, [email protected] Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Anyerrors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compen-sated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue.No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad.Client signature is required before insertion.The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the soleowner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed inThe Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/orcontributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the associa-tion.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publication maynot be reproduced either whole or in part without the priorwritten consent of the publisher.

OFFICE355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADATel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to allmembers of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year forthe paper through their commodity group or container fees.Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office:

$30.00 (+ G.S.T.) /year in Canada$40.00/year International

Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues withinfour months. If the issue is claimed within four months, butnot available, The Grower will extend the subscription byone month. No refunds on subscriptions.

P.M. 40012319

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEChair Jason Verkaik, BradfordVice-Chair Jan Vander Hout, WaterdownFruit Director Norm Charbonneau, Port ElginVeg Director Mac James, LeamingtonDirector John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake

BOARD OF DIRECTORSApples Charles Stevens, NewcastleFresh Vegetable - Other Kenny Forth, LyndenTender Fruit John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-LakeON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. Mike Chromczak, BrownsvilleGGO/Fresh Grape Growers Bill George Jr., BeamsvilleFresh Vegetable - Muck Jason Verkaik, BradfordON. Potato Board Mac James, LeamingtonSmall Fruit/Berries Norm Charbonneau, Port ElginON. Ginseng Growers’ Remi Van De Slyke, StraffordvilleGreenhouse Jan Vander Hout, WaterdownGreenhouse George Gilvesy, Tillsonburg

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

Crop Protection Charles Stevens, NewcastleResearch Harold Schooley, SimcoeProperty Brian Gilroy, MeafordLabour Ken Forth, LyndenSafety Nets Mark Wales, AlymerCHC Adrian Huisman, St. Catharines

It was a successful winter forhoney bees across Canadaaccording to the latest reportfrom the Canadian Associationof Professional Apiculturists(CAPA), with overwinter lossesnationally just below 17 percent. Couple this with the factthat honey bee numbers inCanada are at an all-time highand there’s a great story to tellaround bee health, though youwouldn’t know it from thealarmist claims and chargedrhetoric being thrown around bycertain groups.

In Ontario specifically, over-wintering losses this year werejust below 18 per cent. This is asignificant drop from last yearwhere losses were just under 40per cent. As we’ve seen inrecent years, and indeedthrough the course of history,overwintering losses fluctuatesignificantly from year to yearbased on various factors, chiefamong them, weather.

The last five years in Ontarioserve as a perfect case study.The 2011/12 winter was particularly mild in Ontario andoverwintering losses that yearwere around 12 per cent. Lossesclimbed up to the 30 and 50 percent range in subsequent yearswhen the winters were particularly harsh. And this year

the numbers dropped again tobelow 20 per cent with a moderate winter, highlightingthat a combination of factorsincluding weather, nutrition andcolony strength all factor intooverwintering losses.

These fluctuations all happened while farmers’ use ofneonicotinoid-treated seedsremained relatively consistent.So while certain politically motivated groups point to neon-ics as the primary cause of beehealth issues in Ontario, thefacts simply don’t support it.

CAPA specifically asked beekeepers across the countrywhat they thought the primarycauses of overwintering losseswere this year. They identifiedpoor queens, varroa mites, weakcolonies and weather as the topfour issues. Pesticides in general, and neonicotinoidsspecifically, did not make thelist.

There’s clearly a disconnectbetween the beekeepers themselves and some of theprovincial beekeeping organizations that claim to represent their interests. Inrecent years the OntarioBeekeeping Association (OBA)has spent the bulk of its timelobbying to have neonicsbanned. Their members would

be much better served by having them focus on the realissues of concern to beekeepersin the province.

Unfortunately, the Ontariogovernment bowed to pressurefrom activist groups and introduced regulations toseverely limit farmers’ use ofneonic-treated seeds. The government’s stated goal withthese regulations was to getoverwintering losses down to 15per cent. The numbers inOntario this year are close tothat level even before the newregulations took effect. Thequestion then is why are farmers being handicapped withthese restrictions when there isno apparent impact on honeybee overwintering success?

Ontario’s regulations are burdensome and costly for farmers. They serve only toremove a useful tool from thetoolbox that has allowed growers to farm in increasinglymore sustainable ways. Forcingfarmers to revert to using olderproduction methods is not goodfor them, it’s not good for theenvironment, and it’s not goodfor Ontarians and Canadians asa whole.

I hope that these latest overwintering loss numbers andthe expert commentary from

Canada’s preeminent beeexperts lead both the Ontariogovernment and OBA to recognize the error in theirways. And I hope they serve asa cautionary tale for others, likeQuebec, who are consideringimplementing similar restrictions that will hurt theagriculture industry and do littleto help protect bees.

Many stakeholders are working productively togetherto address the primary

challenges identified by bee-keepers through venues such asthe Bee Health Roundtable.Let’s drop the finger pointingand politics and work togethertowards meaningful solutions toensure the continued success ofthis vital industry.

Ted Menzies is president and CEO,CropLife Canada.

PERSPECTIVE

CAPA report tells good news story for Canadian honey bees

Farm organizations and businesses in Ontario are onceagain being asked to respond toa consultative process on redtape reduction. Red tape reduction always has been andcontinues to be a great idea. Iam glad that the provincial government is striving to reducethe administrative burden but Ireally need to ask: how is that

working out for them? I heardlast week from a former civilservant that red tape reductionor “open for business” as it isalso called is not a novel ideaand in fact more than 20 yearsago this was in the works. Soare we almost there? How dowe even measure this? It seemsto me there is more regulationthan ever.

I have yet to speak to a business person who is satisfiedwith the amount of red tape tobe dealt with. Understandablythere is a lot going on thesedays with environmental concerns, zoning issues, maximum building heights inyour neighborhood, NIMBYismand so on. It is only natural thatgovernment must step in andkeep people in line. If you canthink of specific regulations thatadd undue administrative burden then I hope you willanswer the call to government’sconsultative process. You can

do that by going to their website at www.Ontario.ca/redtapechallenge.

Is this really going to fix theproblem? It might help but willit really lessen the administra-tive burden of running yourfarm business? We can hope butI believe there is a more fundamental issue here: therole of the administrators. I amnot going to center out any min-istry or municipality or otherbranch of government becausewhat we are talking about is systemic through all branchesand levels of bureaucracy. Ibelieve we need to look at the“customer service representa-tives” that we deal with in allthese different governmentoffices and the way they dealwith their clients.

My personal experience hasbeen too often one of frustrationdue to the way governmentemployees handle our cases. Ifeel they should be there to

help us navigate the regulationsso we can get back to our regular business. The sense isthat they feel they are there toenforce and uphold some regulation or more likely all regulation whether it needs toapply or not and to dig untilthey find every regulation thatmight apply and let us sort itout. They think they are thereto drop the heavy hand of theirministry on our operations andmake us fill in all of the formsand applications and do all therequired studies no matter howridiculous and inapplicable.

The big question is what isto be done? I do not have a silver bullet for this but I dohave a couple of ideas thatmight help. If we have frankdialogues with our MPPs, towncounsellors, mayors and man-agers perhaps we can effect achange in the role of “customerservice representatives” in thedifferent levels of government.

We can respond to the red tapechallenge with the suggestion ofhelping civil servants rememberthat they are working for us andhelping business achieve theirgoals. We can be cooperativewhen dealing with governmentemployees in order to helpthem help us.

As a bit of a disclaimer I haveto say that not all governmentinteractions are challenging andsome “customer service representatives” are a pleasureto work with especially whenwe identify some of our sharedgoals or how we can help eachother achieve our respectivegoals. After all, that is thepoint.

Jan VanderHout is a greenhousevegetable grower and vice-chair ofthe Ontario Fruit and VegetableGrowers’ Association.

Red tape, open for business

JAN VANDERHOUTVICE-CHAIR, OFVGA

Photo by Denis Cahill


Some of Ontario’s leading commodity groups, includingthe Ontario Fruit and VegetableGrowers’ Association (OFVGA),are hoping sugar goes fartherthan vinegar in the increasinglyimportant court of public opinion.

Over the past year or so,farmers have been frustrated –and let it show – over the challenges of connecting withconsumers and decision makers.Producers certainly need theend users of their commodities

to trust them. And decisionmakers need to know the publicapproves of what’s happeningon the farm.

But there’s a disconnect.Farmers feel the goalposts keepgetting moved. They addressone public concern, or at leastthink they do, and up popsanother. And many of theseconcerns cross commodities,particularly when it comes tothe environment, one of theprovince’s biggest targets.

Acting independently has notachieved the kind of resultsfarmers need going forward.Neither have legal approaches,such as the Grain Farmers ofOntario’s attempts to block theprovince’s limitations on neonicotinoids, and going wayback, CropLife Canada’s failedefforts to successfully stopmunicipal legislation in Ontarioagainst cosmetic pesticides.

Against a huge and moresophisticated PR machine, andwith little public sympathy ontheir sides, neither group couldconvince the public to let thembattle bugs and weeds with

products and in ways that federal authorities had deemedsound.

Now, it’s time for a differentapproach. Big commoditygroups – OFVGA, OntarioProcessing Vegetable Growers,Ontario Greenhouse VegetableGrowers, Grain Farmers ofOntario, Ontario Pork and BeefFarmers of Ontario – have cometogether with a program calledGrow Ontario Together, to try akinder and gentler way of generating public support.

They hope leadership, education and conversation willdo what tough talk and litigation could not – namely,preserve the brand quality ofOntario agriculture, and staveoff legislation that ties farmers’hands.

They’re calling it a “comprehensive engagementstrategy” and it could result insome interesting pairings. Thegroup quotes research showingthe public trusts policies or programs that have supportfrom organizations representingopposing viewpoints. So on

some issues, you could seeactivists and farmers standinghand in hand.

The first issue the groupwants to address is overusingphosphorus, the nutrientblamed for algae blooms in theGreat Lakes and elsewhere.

This was a huge issue yearsago. When the connectionbetween phosphorus loadingand certain farm practices wererealized, farm groups, led bypork producers and theUniversity of Guelph, conduct-ed a great deal of research andrallied together to help lessenphosphorus loading.

So, farmers are not startingfrom scratch. They can point tosome successes they’ve had, anddrive towards their goal of whatGrow Ontario Togetherspokesperson Amy Cronin, chairof Ontario Pork, describes as“working with municipalities,environmental groups, citizensand bordering U.S. states tomake sure we are all takingaction. We recognize andacknowledge there is a problemand being proactive is one of

the best ways to show the public we want to be part of thesolution.”

Grow Ontario Together’sfour-point plan involves aresearch-based approach,recruiting arm’s-length expertise such as that found atthe University of Guelph toarrive at mutually agreed uponscience and data, and creatingfor provincial considerationwhat Cronin calls “a solid planthat works for everyone.” Thatwill be one measure of victory,as will phosphorus reductionitself.

Coming together from suchdiverse and previously divisiveperspectives is indeed a different approach to leadership.It’s a measure of willingnessand patience, especially giventhe trying summer many farmers have experienced withthe likes of low rainfall and highenergy prices.

Now, on with the quiet revolution.

Farm groups try cooperative approach for public support

OWEN ROBERTSU OF GUELPH

PERSPECTIVE

Thinking about far

Get Star

rm improvements for 20

rted

017?

and requirements under the program.to learn about opportunitiesg .orontariosoilcrop

Consult the Producer Program Guide available at

:3 easy stepsassistance by following ) funding F2G(Growing Forward 22Apply NOW for

application for the next intake for funding assistance. 2016 to submit anou have from October 14 to November 3,YYo FUND

YAPPLLY

WORKTTENAAT

ARMFFAENRO

funding assistance allocations.Growing Forward 2orkshops may be a requirement for WSome OSCIA *

.g.orontariosoilcrop Register at .orkshop Leaderr.WLead or margorPlanoigeRAttend a workshop* and speak to a Questions?

ANCEDING ASSISTTAY FOR

KSHOPND A

M BUSINESSOUR OL YYO

BRUCE KELLY and MORGAN ELLIS

The extremely dry growingseason has been hitting Ontariofarmers hard, particularly in theNiagara region. The effects ofthe intense heat combined withlittle to no rain has resulted inthe Ontario Tender FruitGrowers and the Ontario FreshGrape Growers’ MarketingBoard asking the government tostreamline Permit to TakeWater (PTTW) procedures.

With the combination of lowmoisture levels leading up tothe growing season and minimalrainfall through the season, theindustry is scrambling to maintain its crops within thecurrent water allotmentallowance. Harvesting local,nutritious fruits of marketablesize is a commitment growersmake to the public. Now,Ontario farmers are turning toirrigation to maintain crop quality.

Matthias Oppenlaender,chair of Grape Growers ofOntario, noted, "Vineyards cansustain a lot of dry, hot weather.However, to produce economically viable yields,water is essential. This continuous lack of moisture hasput tremendous strain on newgrape plantings and existingvineyards."

In early July, the OntarioTender Fruit Growers and theOntario Fresh Grape Growers’Marketing Board collaboratively

sent a letter to the OntarioMinistry of Environment andClimate Change (MOECC).The communication urged thegovernment to collaborate withmunicipalities and growers todevelop short-term and longer-term water infrastructuresolutions.

The MOECC, supported byOMAFRA, heard the pleas ofOntario farmers and agreed to astreamlined approval process forPTTW. The streamlining of theapprovals process will be doneduring the current growing

season and on a temporary andshort-term basis. Requests bygrowers will be dealt with on acase-by-case basis and mayinclude takings from the GreatLakes and connecting channels,takings from dugout ponds andtakings from neighbouring permitted sources such asponds.

Patrick Spezowka,Supervisor, Program SupportServices, MOECC in the SouthWest Region, said, “theMinistry of the Environmentand Climate Change recognizesthe unique and difficult situation faced by the OntarioTender Fruit Growers and theOntario Fresh Grape Growers.The streamlined urgent permitting process providesfarmers with a solution to theirimmediate water taking needs.This process is available on atemporary and short-term basisduring the current growing season to help maintain cropquality. We’ll continue to work

collaboratively with the agricul-ture community to find solutions to current and futurechallenges.”

“Every water taking source isunique, and potential environmental impacts of thetaking need to beevaluated,”says SashaNovakovic, water specialist atthe Ontario Fruit and VegetableGrowers’ Association. “Growersare encouraged to contact theirregional MOECC office or theOFVGA for additional information and support.”

Over the long-term, the government is committed toworking with grower organiza-tions in developing longer-termdrought management solutionsand infrastructure projects, particularly in the Niagararegion, for tender fruit and freshgrape growers. Phil Tregunno,chair of the Ontario TenderFruit Growers commented, “Welook forward to working withthe province and municipalitiesto implement water accessstrategies that will ensure a

sustainable supply of local fruitfor consumers.”

Rebecca Shortt, a waterquantity engineer at OMAFRA,points to the importance ofwater conservation efforts as awhole, stating, “Efficient irrigation practices are alwaysimportant but even more soduring dry periods. Some practices which may helpstretch irrigation to more cropsinclude ensuring the irrigationsystem is applying the amountof water expected, using soilmoisture instruments to ensuresoil is at optimum moisture andavoiding irrigating non-targetareas such as roadways andneighbouring fields.”

Despite water conservationefforts, the increasing demandfor water has Grape GrowersCEO, Debbie Zimmerman stating, “Weather patterns havechanged significantly over theyears and it will be our collective efforts to plan forthese shifts in climate. Clearly

we need the Ontario government and its relevantministries to respond to theimmediate needs of the growerswith water taking strategies.”

Resources:

• Ontario Ministry ofAgriculture, Food and RuralAffairs – Dry Conditions andLow Water Response

• Ontario Ministry ofAgriculture, Food and RuralAffairs – Irrigation

• Ontario Ministry of

Environment and ClimateChange – Permits to TakeWater

Bruce Kelly and Morgan Ellis,Farm & Food Care Ontario.


THE GROWER

Temporary water permitsavailable for Ontario irrigators

Sept 2 Verona Garlic Festival, Verona, ON

Sept 10-11 Stratford Garlic Festival, Stratford, ON

Sept 13 Ontario Berry Growers’ Association Annual Farm Tour, Barrie Hill Farms, Barrie, ON

Sept 13-15 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON

Sept 14 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Annual Golf Tournament, Lionhead Golf & Country Club, Brampton, ON

Sept 14 Grape Growers of Ontario Celebrity Luncheon, Club Roma, St. Catharines, ON

Sept 18 6th Annual Toronto Garlic Festival, Artscape Wychwood Barns, Toronto, ON www.torontogarlicfestival.ca

Oct 1 Holland Marsh Soupfest, Ansnorveldt Park, Ansnorveldt, ON

Oct 3-4 Advancing Women Conference, Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, ON

Oct 5, 6 Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank Conference Centre, Niagara Falls, ON

Oct 14-16 Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit Conference and Expo, Orlando, FL

Nov 1 Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council, annual general meeting, venue TBA

Nov 4-13 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON

Nov 11 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, Universal Event Space, Vaughan, ON

Nov 21 Ontario Food Tourism Summit, Ottawa, ON

Nov 21-23 50th Annual Alberta Potato Conference and Trade Show, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, AB

Nov 21-23 CHC/CPMA Fall Harvest Event, Ottawa, ON

Nov 29-Dec 4 Outstanding Young Farmers Event, Niagara Falls, ON

Dec 4-6 North American Strawberry Growers, Raspberry Growers and Blackberry Growers, Grand Rapids, MI [email protected]

Dec 6-8 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, Devos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids, MI

Dec 7 Ontario Potato Board Annual General Meeting, Holiday Inn, Cambridge, Ontario

Dec 8 CanadaGAP Annual General Meeting, Canadian Federation of Agriculture Boardroom, Ottawa, ON

COMING EVENTS 2016

Map of drought in Southern Ontario for July 2016

Last month we shared thecomponents of effective packaging:

Merchandising. As you prepareto design packaging for a newproduct or revitalize an existingproduct you need to visit thestores to understand how theproducts in your category willbe merchandised.

Your unique selling propositionand brand promise. The bestplace to sell your product is inthe store. What are the topthree things you need to conveyto the consumer that will enticethem to pick it up and put it intheir shopping cart?

Regulations. One of the biggestchallenges to developing effective packaging is to make itcompliant with all regulations. Functionality for the productduring shipping, in the storeand at home. One of the mostimportant functions for packaging is to protect the product as it moves from yourfacility, through your customer’ssupply chain to the store shelf.

On shelf, off shelf and on line. Your packaging needs to sell onthe shelf, in an off-shelf displayand in our new world, on-line.

Examples of effective packaging

Packaging can increase sales.Recently in produce we haveseen bags for items that wereoften sold in bulk. The consumer buys the bag whichusually has more than would benormally purchased. We seeexamples of this in cherries,beans and potatoes.

Your packaging can give theconsumer ideas in the store.This will sell your product andperhaps a loaf of bread.Retailers love ideas that sellmore than one product.

More often we see symbolscommunicating a message.Websites are moving more tothis format. Iam’s pet food listsmany product attributes withsymbols and text.

Communicating value incommodities is a challenge.This paper overwrap is effectiveto communicate organic kale.

Protecting tomatoes is important and we see a veryunique bag from Sun Selectwhere they have replicated amason jar to give the product anauthentic feel.

Your packaging should helpthe consumer make a quickdecision. These fresh herbs aredesigned to help the consumerchoose the correct protein or theflavour of the world cuisinethey are trying to achieve.

Consumers are looking forideas and many are looking forproducts to help them cook likea chef. These vegetables fromMann’s are called CulinaryCuts. The name implies thatthey will be cooking like a chef.

Packaging is so important

You should always be lookingfor great packaging ideas. Keepa file of ideas that will help sellmore of your products.

If you have some ideas tomake packaging design more

effective please give me a call at(902) 489-2900 or send me anemail at [email protected].

INDUSTRY NEWS

SKUfood.com takes flight

I am excited to share thenews that Gary Morton and Ihave launched SKUfood.com.We have teamed up to developan online community for peoplein the food industry. Often weget requests to help producersand processors but it’s just notrealistic to do this one companyat a time. This on-line community is an opportunity forpeople to get access to theknowledge we have and implement it in their own business.

For a chance to see what thisis all about check out www.skufood.com/free for someawesome FREE informationyou can implement in your

business today. It is FREE andour gift to you. Once you have achance to see what we have letme know what you think or ifthere are other topics you wouldlike to see covered.

RETAIL NEWS

Loblaw sends letter to suppliersregarding 1.45% deduction

In July, Loblaw’s leaderssent a letter to suppliers statingthey believe they have had toabsorb hundreds of millions ofdollars in unjustified costincreases. The message wasclear they are not happy andany suppliers who received theletter who ship to them afterSeptember 4 will see a deduction of 1.45 per cent.

Since the Loblaw letter wentout, other retailers have communicated the same message to their suppliers.Recently we have seen theprice of oil and currency

impacting product costs. Ibelieve retailers are frustratedbecause when oil went up theyagreed to cost increases however when it took a plunge,how many suppliers reducedtheir costs?

Producers and processorsmust focus on the facts and alsopush back on their suppliers tokeep costs in line.

Peter Chapman is a retail consultant, professional speakerand the author of A la cart-A suppliers’ guide to retailers’ priorities. Peter is based inHalifax NS, where he is the principal at GPS BusinessSolutions. Peter works with producers and processors to helpthem navigate through the retailenvironment with the ultimategoal to get more of their items inthe shopping cart. [email protected]

THE GROWER


RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Packaging: on-shelf, off-shelf, on-line

PETER CHAPMAN

Innov

vation is

a lot ls alIt’s

the fu

like familyl about

e.uture

y:

ovide

AgSolutions egistis a r

e’ve prWeowers sincegr

e info For mor

ed advanced solutions fo

ed trade-mark of BASF Corporation; uster

e just gee 1950. And we’rgo to agsolutions.ca/ho

e

sed with permission by BASF Canada Inc.

or horticulturetting started.

eorticulture.

© 2016 BASF Canada Inc.

Organic kale Greenhouse tomatoes Fresh herbs Fresh-cut vegetables


FOCUS: NEW EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Spore traps prove valuable predictor of late blight on potatoes EUGENIA BANKS

This growing season, theOntario Potato Board asked me toevaluate an innovative spore trapping technology to take lateblight management to the nextlevel. Spore traps should detectthe presence of late blight sporesin the air before infection takesplace and before symptoms arevisible in fields.

Knowing that late blightspores are present will help potato growers to better timesprays and to include fungicidesspecific to late blight which aremore effective than protectantfungicides. Wind can spreadspores up to a hundred kilometers; thus late blight sporesare likely present in other areas ofthe province.

We installed spore traps inpotato fields in the Alliston andShelburne areas. The filters thattrap the spores were replacedtwice a week and sent to a

laboratory for analysis.Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) based tests were used toidentify the presence of lateblight. This test is very reliableand specific; the risk of false positives is negligible.

To validate the performanceand effectiveness of the sporetraps, the fields were monitoredtwice a week; drone technologywas used once a week.

All the PCR tests in June gavenegative results; no late blightspores were found in the traps.However, during the week of July7, late blight spores were trappedin both areas, Alliston andShelburne. Field scouting anddrone flights indicated that thefields were healthy and well protected with fungicide applications. These preliminaryresults indicated that spore trapsare invaluable tools to predict thedevelopment of potato late blight.Weather conditions -- wet andcool -- are also important factorsthat influence the development

of this disease. Emails were sent to the

organizations of Ontario potatogrowers and tomato growers thatlate blight spores were in theAlliston and Shelburne areas. Theproject ended the last week ofAugust. Studies will continue

in 2017. This project is funded in part

through Growing Forward2(GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. TheAgricultural Adaptation Councilassists in the delivery of GF2 in

Ontario.

Dr. Eugenia Banks is a potato consultant to the Ontario PotatoBoard.

‘Smart’ door contributes to energy efficiency KAREN DAVIDSON

When Vineland Growers’Cooperative built its new 30,000-square-foot storage facility nearNiagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,energy efficiency was one of thekey goals. One of their suppliers,Penn Refrigeration, suggested ahigh-speed door for the cold storage rooms for tender fruit.

Sourced from TNR IndustrialDoors, a Canadian-based company, this door opens andcloses in a few seconds, allowingquick access by employees.

“It’s a smart door,” says DaveLepp, Vineland Growers’ directorof operations, “in that it operateson a sensor that detects theapproach of a tow motor andoperator. It is not activated if aperson walks by or if it’sapproached at the wrong angle.”

The benefits are multifold.There’s no humidity inside andlittle condensation on the exterior. Coolers run more efficiently. No air curtain isrequired.

These high-speed doors arebecoming popular in the foodindustry says Erik Klein-Horsman, door division sales,O’Brien Installation Limited.“It’s important to have environ-mental separation between thecooler and the dock area,” hesays. “There’s a heated guide anda heated bottom bar so that nocondensation forms on the outside. This is important whenstoring peaches.”

Another feature of this high-speed door (Chill-Fast model) isthat it has a direct-drive systemwith no chains or pulleys.Although the door opens at 75inches per second, it has a soft

start and stop to ensure no strainon the door materials. The doorcloses on a timer which can beprogrammed according to need.In the case of Vineland Growers’Cooperative, it’s 30 inches persecond. The springless design iswarranted for a million cycles.

Klein-Horsman notes that thegreenhouse vegetable industry isalso discovering the benefits ofhigh-speed doors for newly builtfacilities.

This high-speed door is manufactured by TNR Industrial Doors.Photo by Glenn Lowson.


kubota.ca

|a

AMCAt Kubota

E WITH A 6a Canada we make e

A6-YEAR WAexceptional quality pr

.t

.ARRANTY.o prove itroducts TTo

At Kubotawe’ve intror 3,000 hours on in our prowith the b

a Canada we make eroduced our best warhours* on BX, B andapplicable M Series troducts, we’re also cbest possible experien

exceptional quality prrranty ever: Enjoy a F L Series tractors, anractors. Because we’rcommitted to providnce.

t,y

0*

nts

o prove itroducts. TToree 6-year warrantyd 6 years or 5,000

re not only confidening our customers

*Whichever comes first. This wa

arranty is only valid in Canada to Canad

dian Market Products distributed by Kub

vailable on BX, B, L, Mbota Canada Ltd. A

MX, M, M5 and M6 Series tractors. See

e your dealer for complete details.

KAREN DAVIDSON

For the first time this fall,Canadian apple growers havethe opportunity to use Blushplant growth regulator (PGR).American competitors have hadaccess to the product since2014.

With the active ingredientprohydrojasom, a naturallyoccurring plant hormone, theproduct promotes red coloura-tion in bi-colour apples such asFuji, Gala, Honeycrisp,Ambrosia , Paula Red and PinkLady. If it’s a rainy, cool fall, itcould make a difference in grading.

“This product hastens theaccumulation of anthocyanins,”says Jim Kruger, northeasternrepresentative for FineAmericas, Inc. who presented toOntario’s Georgian Bay growersin late July. Anthocyanins arered pigments that belong to aclass of molecules calledflavonoids. Along with stimulating fruit colouration,anthocyanins act as powerfulantioxidants.

The PGR does not affectfirmness, sugar levels or ethylene production. It’ssprayed within seven to 28 daysof harvest, along with a non-ionic surfactact. While no trialshave been conducted inCanada, apple growers in bothNew York state and Washingtonstate attest to the product’svalue. Colouring is a complicat-ed process, they note, with theproduct working well undercooler conditons.

For growers who use other

PGRs to manage fruit maturation and ripening, thereis no concern in mixing twoproducts. Blush PGR cancounter the effect of “colourdrag” from other harvest management products. Kruger suggests using a tight sprayinterval of seven to 10 days.“The longer out you can applythe product before harvest, themore consistent the results,”says Kruger.

In many apple growing areas,droughty conditions have prevailed this season. “If youwere to give emotions to anapple, you can imagine that thelast thing it would worry aboutis colour,” says Kruger. “It justwants to protect the seed, survive and say my job is donefor the year.”

One side benefit of BlushPGR is improved harvest efficiency. It can increase thepercentage of packable fruit inthe early part of the season,spreading labour costs.Blush PGR is available toCanadian apple growers throughN.M. Bartlett. According toSean Bartlett, sales representa-tive, the product has a fit for bi-coloured fruit.

“Growers in the northeast generally get fairly good colouring in the fall due to thewarm days and warm nights,”he says. “However we havetrouble achieving enough colourto get away from multiple picks.The hope with this new productis that we have another tool tohelp achieve more uniformcolouring, more consistentyields and greater tray fruit.

Early indications are that

growers plan to try the producton Fuji, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia,McIntosh and a few others. Forcertain varieties, it may be harder to justify the expense.

“Macs, for instance, do notfetch the money a Honeycrispapple would but if we can pick15 per cent more on the firstpick or pick everything on thetree at once, we are starting tosave significant dollars,” saysBartlett. “I would say south-western Ontario growers woulddefinitely see a benefit on certain varieties such asHoneycrisp which is challengedto colour properly.”

In Ontario, it’s been a hotand droughty summer, butapple growers need the coolnights in September to get goodcolouring. Otherwise, thecolouring tends to bleach out.The use of Retain PGR willmitigate this colouring process.All growers have blocks thatdon’t receive as much colouringas they would like.

We are recommending growers stay at the high ratesuggested by the manufacturer,with two applications spaced a

few weeks apart,” says Bartlett.“The first application should begoing on 35-42 days beforeanticipated harvest. With thistiming in mind, you want tomake sure that the apples havealready started to colour. Thisproduct will not turn a greenapple red. I would also recommend that growers applytheir first spray before applyingRetain to get the product working best as possible.”

If the product is part of atank mix, it should be mixedwith a non-ionic surfactant forimproved uptake. It can also be

tankmixed with Retain with noissue, in which case growersshould substitute the non-ionicsurfactant for a silicone surfactant.

“So for the launch year, Ihope growers will walk beforethey run,” says Bartlett. “Startwith the high rate and workbackwards and try some different trials on your farmwith different varieties and timings. We are all learning howBlush PGR works in the northeast and we want to makesure it does the best job possible.”


THE GROWER


New plant growth regulator promotes redcolouration in bi-colour apples

Blush trials - Gala

Gala Control Gala Blush

Acreages of high-densityorchards are increasing in allapple-growing areas of Canada.The taller, spindle-like architec-ture of fruiting walls require atotally different approach tospraying for pests and fungi. Hol Spraying System (HSS) hasdeveloped a high-efficiencysprayer that provides growerswith less drift, lower fuel consumption, more consistentcoverage and increased operatorsafety.

The unique distribution system enables the grower toplace the product where itneeds to be and not blow rightby, helping save on water use.Where growers may have used700-1000L/ha, users are gettingadequate coverage with 250-500L/ha.

Secondly, the distribution ofair through the tower is muchdifferent than current machineson the market. The HSS uses acustom cowling on the fan todirect air evenly to all outlets ofthe tower sprayer, ultimatelyproviding even distribution ofproduct to the canopy. With thissystem, growers are also able toadjust the air up, down, andside-to-side based on growerneeds or wind directions. Thismakes the system very versatileand gives the grower ownershipof where the product goes. Withthis system there is also theoption to include the woollyapple aphid support. This is aunique nozzle that can beadded to the sprayer to pushspray up and into the tree froma different vantage point.

In addition, the CF2000-3has a lot of features that promote operator safety byreducing potential for exposure.One convenient feature is theaccess port separate from thetank fill port. No need toremove the basket toexamine/clean the interior, andno need to remove the basketand come in contact withresidues. There is also a cleanwater tank that supplies twoventuri nozzles to rinse the tankout after a spray, limiting theexposure to growers who wouldhave otherwise have used apressure washer. Aside from theclean wash tank there is also anon-board hand wash tank, giving the growers access toclean water while spraying.

“With standard features likea clean-water tank for hand-washing and a recirculatingtank-rinsing system, it’s great tosee an airblast sprayer thatmakes operation and cleanoutsafer, easier and more effective,” says Jason Deveau,application technology specialistfor OMAFRA.

This piece of equipmentcomes standard with dual axle.This helps cut down on compaction. It also has thecapability of moving the rearaxle out by 12 inches on either

side, further cutting down onruts and compaction during thewet months. The sprayer is alsowhisper-quiet, cutting back onnoise pollution, an ever growingissue with urban sprawl. Asmentioned above, the sprayergives the operator the ability tohave control over the depositionof product, maximizing the pesticide on the intended targetinstead of potentially driftinginto environmentally sensitiveareas.

The H.S.S. control box hasthe capability of measuring therate per ha output, nozzle output, and tank metering. Thisgives the opportunity for the

operator to have control of allparameters from the tractor seat,limiting exposure and helpingcut down on overfill.

The control box also comesGPS ready. With a GPS-enabled tractor, growers willnow be able to link the sprayerto the tractor. The tractor canspeak with the sprayer’s plc andhave it shut down at the end ofthe row. These features bringsorchardists one step closer tothe autonomous sprayer.

Equipment is now availablein Canada through N.M.Bartlett. For a video,go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha9ZnnWOSZk


Three-row sprayer arrives in Canada FOCUS: NEW EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

LABELS & LABEL MACHINERYAUTOMATION SYSTEMS & ROBOTICS

www.madleyglobal.com

PLU DIRECT FRUIT LABELLING

Print & Apply

Top & Bottom

LEAMINGTON - TORONTO

PRODUCE PACK LABELLING

ROBOTIC PALLETIZING

COMPLETE SYSTEMS AND INTEGRATION, INCLUDING VISION, TRAFFIC CONTROL & BARCODE SCANNING SYSTEMS, WITH ALL TYPES OF AUTOMATED CONVEYORS AND SORTATION

MGI LIMITED, 5 IROQUOIS RD, LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3V7 ph 1-888-770-8454 [email protected] fx 1-888-567-1297

Since 1993, MGI has been offering solutions for simple to complex label and labelling requirementsfor hundreds of customers in the agricultural, retail and manufacturing sectors.

We can assist your business with any labelling needs from hand-held label applicators to fully automated, custom pack lines.

Individual PLU labelling from 1 to 8-lanes and in-box systems with MGI’s own DYNA-Vision.

We service all the products we sell and our goal is to provide our customers with prompt deliveryof parts and service to ensure our customer’s production levels are the highest possible.

In keeping with our commitment to offer superior customer service, we continually search for innovative product solutions. MGI is excited to announce our Automation & Robotics product line!We are now integrating Kawasaki Robots to offer businesses the future in robotic palletizing, with the highest flexibility and product rate available in the world today. Contact us today to discuss this state-of-the-art approach to palletizing.

After a summer of drought inseveral parts of Canada, waterconservation is top of mind. Ayoung entrepreneurial teambased in Toronto, Ontario hasbeen working with the floriculture sector on smart irrigation with successes thatcan be translated to horticulture.

Peytec, founded in 2011 byPeyman Moeini, biomedical,electrical and computer engineering, MASc/PhD cohortgraduate student, has focussedon an Internet of Things (IoT)solution for water scarcity.Working with SheridanNurseries, the group identifiedthat its Sensor Track CropHealth solution can help withyield improvement and resource

management. It has an easyplug and play, mobile and scaletechnology platform.

Sensor Track Crop Health isa patent-pending, cloud-basedbattery efficient wireless solution that monitors your crophealth remotely and in real-time24/7 cost effectively. It trackssoil moisture, soil temperature,electrical conductivity and pH.All data is easily accessed in auser-friendly cloud dashboardand accessible by mobilephone, desktop with real-timealerts.

An additional piece of technology is called BeagleTrace GPS, a real time freightlocator and temperature readingfor freight transportation managers.

For more information, contact Debra Chanda at [email protected], 416-500-2681.


Check out new equipment at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Sept 13 - 15

Soil monitoring devices help conserve water


THE GROWER

Self-Propelled Sprayer Ride’n’Drive

Growers shopping for a self-propelled sprayer this year can save time coordinating demonstrationswith sales representatives by simply making a trip to Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS). The2016 field equipment demonstrations will include a self-propelled sprayer ride’n’drive zone.

The self-propelled sprayer ride ‘n’ drive will be ongoing from 10:00am to 3:00pm in the SouthwestDemo FielD. Among the manufacturers available to test drive will be John Deere, New Holland,Case IH/Green Lea Ag Centre Inc., HJV, Agrifac/Specialty Vegetable Equipment as well asApache/R. E. Egger Truck and Machine.

The new ride ’n’ drive test track will feature a partially cropped, partially bare field so drivers caneasily test each sprayer for stability, turning, and rinsing on the go among other aspects. The track willinclude turns to get a feel for both sides while performing a high speed turn, as well as a number ofobstacles for operators to maneuver around to get a good feel of the machine’s capabilities.

Bugnot debuts in NorthAmerica

Bugnot NA is proud to present their line of BPM StoneGrinders at Canada’s OutdoorFarm Show. Started in 1915,Bugnot specializes in the manu-facturing of stone grinders andforestry mulchers. These toolsare ideal for the development ofnew lands and to maintain stonyfields. The crushers pulverizestones, wood and stumps to adepths of 15 inches. A rapidchange over combined with aninterchangeable range of hammers allows for one to workin wide range of conditions:stones, stones and wood or wood.Bugnot NA’s exhibit will belocated on 8th Lane South.

New Kubota M7 Series Ride’n’Drive

Originally unveiled to Canadian farmers at Canada’s OutdoorFarm Show last year, the new Kubota M7 series tractors will beavailable to test drive this fall. The Kubota M7 ride’n’drive zonewill be open all day on September 13, 14 and 15 for farmers toexperience. Interested farmers can cross over to the ride’n’drivezone at Gate 5 on Lower Machinery Mall. Feel the power of theM7 tractors directly from the driver’s seat. In addition to theride’n’drive zone, the Kubota flagship exhibit will display its fullrange of equipment at the corner of 1st Lane and South Mall.


KAREN DAVIDSON

This crop harvester was ontrial at Barrie Hill Farms thispast summer to good reviewsfrom Morris Gervais. While itsmost efficient use is withasparagus, it can be amortized

over day-neutral strawberries onplastic beds as well.

“As growers, we need tothink about labour savings,”says Gervais. “We can’t totallyautomate the asparagus harvest,but this is a step forward.”

Located near Barrie, Ontario,the farm grows a diverse range

of fruits and vegetables andmarkets through their on-farmmarket facility.

The one-person asparagusharvester has an advantage overthree or five-person harvestersin that there’s no need to slowdown for heavy patches for oneperson. The operator of a

one-cart system can regulate themost efficient speed for theasparagus maturity in the row.

“This is an intriguing andchallenging machine,” saysGervais. “The electric cart isbattery-powered but the kickeris that it must be plugged inovernight to recharge. For someremote fields, this would notwork.”

The machine worked well inthe summer 2016 season withno breakdowns. Maintenancewas minimal. The long-termquestion will be the life of thebattery over multiple seasons.

The machine is availablethrough Specialty VegetableEquipment, Princeton, Ontario.


Labour-saving harvest aids are the trend

– SEPTEMBER 2016

THE GROWER

JASON DEVEAU

(This article has been shortened.For the full version seehttp://sprayers101.com/berry-fungicide-survey/ )

In the spring of 2016, theOntario Berry GrowersAssociation (OBGA) conducteda survey of its membership topoll how fungicides were beingapplied. The results were veryinteresting

Respondents reported onhow much carrier (i.e. water)they used to spray fungicide ontheir crops. I have converted allvalues into the most commonunits: l/ha, US g/ac l/ac.

There appears to be a lot ofvariability in the volumesapplied.

Improving coverage

So, is there an ideal sprayer setup and volume? The variabilityin crop staging, crop morpholo-gy, target location and sprayequipment make a single recommendation impossible.But there are diagnostic toolsand a few simple rules to help asprayer operator determine avolume to suit their particularneeds. Much can be accom-plished with these three things:• Water-sensitive paper• A modest selection of nozzlesand a nozzle catalogue• An open-minded sprayer operator willing to spend a littletime and reconsider traditionalpractices

Water-sensitive paper isplaced in the canopy, oriented

to represent the target (e.g. leaf,bloom, etc.). It is important toput multiple papers in at leastthree plants to ensure the cover-age reflects a typical applica-tion. The paper changes colourwhen it’s sprayed and this provides valuable and immediate feedback. Did thespray go where it was supposedto go and did it distributethroughout the target? If so,then the operator now knowsthat they can safely focus ontiming rather than targeting. Ifnot, a little diagnosis isrequired:

Were targets completelydrenched? If so, there is toomuch coverage. Operators candrive faster (if possible, and aslong as it doesn’t create drift),reduce operating pressure (ifpossible, and as long as the

nozzle is still operating in themiddle of its registered range),or change nozzles to lower rates(as long as spray quality is constant).

Were targets only partiallycovered, as if a leaf obstructedpart of the target and created ashadow? This mutual-shading isthe bane of spraying densecanopies. One possible solutionlies in understanding dropletbehaviour: Coarser sprays generally mean fewer dropletsand they move in straight lines. Therefore, when they hit a target, they might splatter orrun-off, but typically their journey is over. If the spray istoo Coarse, a slightly Finerspray quality increases dropletcounts and may help dropletsnavigate around obstacles andadhere to more surfaces. Spraysthat are too Fine will not penetrate dense canopies with-out some form of air assist.They slow very quickly andtend to drift and evaporatebefore they get deep enoughinto a canopy to do any good. AMedium droplet size is a goodcompromise because it producessome Fines and some Coarserdrops – the best of both worlds.

Increasing volumes andreconsidering spray qualityoften helps, but there might beother options. If using air assist,

there are tests that can confirmthe air volume and direction areappropriate. Another solutionmight lie in canopy manage-ment (where pruning bushesand canes can help spray penetration immensely). Stillanother might lie in the use ofadjuvants to improve dropletspread on the target.

Were targets missed entirely,or coverage is consistent butsparse? The operator is likelynot using enough water, and/orthe spray quality is too fine. Ithas been demonstrated timeand again that higher volumesimprove coverage, but operatorscan try any of the options listedpreviously for partially-obstruct-ed coverage. All the reasoning isthe same.

Spraying fungicides effectively requires an attentivesprayer operator. Timing andproduct choice are very important, but when it is timeto spray the sprayer operatorshould diagnose coverage withwater-sensitive paper, and bewilling to make changes to thesprayer set-up to reflect changing conditions. Thanks tothe OBGA for sharing the survey data.

Dr. Jason Deveau is applicationtechnology specialist for OMAFRAbased in Simcoe, Ontario.

Fungicide application in berry crops

BECKY HUGHES, JOHNZANDSTRA, TOKTAMTAGHAVI AND ADAMDALE

Many growers in Ontariohave planted day-neutral straw-berries in recent years to takeadvantage of a longer marketingseason. Day-neutral productionsystems are very different thanthose we have used for years toproduce June-bearing strawber-ries. For day-neutrals, plants areset at a high density on plastic-mulched, raised beds. Culturalpractices are used to producelarge multi-crown plants for thegreatest fruit production. Inmost of Ontario, fruit is usuallyharvested in the first year andthe spring of the second year ina modified annual system.

Runner removal is a costlybut recommended practice inday-neutral strawberry production. A trial was plantedat Cedar Springs in southwest-ern Ontario and New Liskeard

in northeastern Ontario in 2014to examine the effects of runnerremoval on harvest distribution,harvest efficiency/recovery,yields and plant growth.Runners were removed weeklystarting six weeks after planting,three times a season at six, nineand twelve weeks after planti-ng, once a season at ten weeksafter planting or not at all.

The effects of runnerremoval on yields and plantgrowth depended on the year,cultivar and site. Runnerremoval treatments were continued in 2015, howeverthere were few treatmenteffects on yield in the secondyear at either site.

There were many effects ofrunner removal in the plantingyear. This article will concen-trate on the effects on yields.At both sites, all fruit was harvested twice a week andsorted into marketable (no rotand regularly shaped with adiameter greater than 1.5 cm)and unmarketable. Fruit in each

category was weighed andcounted. Berry weights (g/fruit)were calculated for marketablefruit only.

Runner removal increasedthe yield of Albion in the planting year. Runner removalincreased the total and marketable yields of Albion inthe planting year at both sites.In Cedar Springs, the total yieldof Albion was reduced by 30 percent when runners were notremoved (Table 1).

Seascape responded to runner removal only in the more

challenging northern climate inNew Liskeard. In the cooler climate, both Albion andSeascape produced greateryields in the planting year withweekly runner removal but notwith the less frequent treatments (Table 2, next page).

The timing of runnerremoval was more critical at thenorthern site with early, morefrequent runner removal givingthe best results.

Removing runners weeklytook almost twice as much timeas the other two runner removal

treatments at both sites.However, the amount of plantmaterial removed by the once-a-season runner removal treat-ment was six times that of theother two runner removal treatments. The time recordedfor runner removal was the timeto cut the stolons from a metreof row and didn’t include thetime to remove the plant material from the field.

CONTINUED ON NEXTPAGE

Runner removal increases Albion yields

Number reportingl/ha ± std

(max./min.)US g/ac ± std(max./min.)

l/ac ± std(max./min.)

HighbushBlueberries

7.0 534.2 ± 340.1(1,000/150)

57.1 ± 36.4(106.9/16)

216.2 ± 138(404.7/60.7)

Day-neutralStrawberries

22.0 418.5 ± 192.2(1,000/224.5)

44.7 ± 20.6(106.9/24)

169.4 ± 77.8(404.7/90.8)

June-bearingStrawberries

33.0 403.1 ± 235.1(1,000/50)

43.1 ± 25.1(106.9/5.3)

163.1 ± 95.1(404.7/20.2)

Raspberries &Blackberries

27.0 450.1 ± 279.4(1,200/50)

48.1 ± 29.9(128.3/5.3)

182.1 ± 113.1(485.6/20.2)

Table 2: Average water volumes used to spray fungicides

Rule-of-thumb fungicide coverage on water-sensitive pape.

Runnerremoval

treatment

Albion yields 2014 (kg m-1) Albion berrywt. (g/berry)

Seascape yields 2014 (kg m-1) Seascapeberry wt.(g/berry)Total Marketable Total Marketable

Weekly 1.92 a1 1.72 a 16.4 a 2.33 a 1.99 a 12.7 a

3 times 1.81 a 1.65 a 15.4 a 1.92 a 1.60 a 12.2 a

1 time 1.90 a 1.60 a 15.9 a 1.96 a 1.65 a 12.3 a

Never 1.32 b 1.21 b 15.6 a 2.12 a 1.83 a 12.3 a

Table 1. The effects of runner removal at different intervals on the total and marketable yields, andberry weights of Albion and Seascape in Cedar Springs in 2014.1 Numbers within a column with different letters are significantly different.


BERRY FOCUS

CONTINUED FROM LAST PAGE

This would be necessary withonce-a-season runner removalgiven the amount of materialpresent. As the work crew alsopreferred removing youngerrunners with less plant material,removing runners every weekor two may be the best

compromise from a labour andyield point of view.

Becky Hughes, John Zandstra,Toktam Taghavi and Adam Daleare horticultural specialists,University of Guelph.

Runner removal increases Albion yields

HANNAH FRASER AND PAM FISHER

Scale insects seem to be an emerging pest in blueberries in Ontario and several states. We noticed atleast three finds of scale insects last year and reports arecoming in from new locations. It is possible the sprayprograms used to manage spotted wing drosophila arehaving an impact on natural predators and parasites thatwould normally help keep numbers down.

There are several species of scale insects affectingblueberries in Ontario, including both soft (Azaleascale, Eriococcus azalea, and Lecanium scales, with mul-tiple species including terrapin) and armored scales(Putnam scale Diaspidiotus ancylus). Scales have piercing-sucking mouthparts. Heavy scale infestationscan weaken blueberry plants and reduce yield. Softscales feed on woody tissue, stems, and/or leaves. Softscales can produce large amounts of honeydew (attractive to ants), which result in the development of

unsightly sooty mold. Putnam scale can cause defoliation, decline and death of blueberry plants ifpopulations are sufficiently high. It will also feed onfruit (Figure 1), causing direct damage, and on leaves(Figure 2).

Mature Lecanium scales are often brown with arounded or helmet-like appearance, six to eight mm inlength at maturity (Figure 3). Azalea bark scale is mosteasily recognized by the white cottony sacs (Figure 4)that protect the developing pink eggs underneath(Figure 5). Putnam scales are small (1-2 mm at maturity) (Figure 6) and have a flattened, plate-likecover that can be removed to reveal the insect underneath. When numbers are high, they appearcrust-like. In contrast, the “helmet” of soft scales ispart of the body wall of the insect and cannot beremoved; if you flip off the cover you will remove theentire insect (possibly revealing eggs or newly hatchednymphs). Putnam scale is easy to miss on old bark butthe small grey dots are fairly obvious on leaves and

fruit, or on new growth. Check branches for signs of scale insects. Scales

overwinter on older, woody canes. Look at new growthas well as older wood. Plan to prune well next winter –regular pruning of old canes is important in keepingscale under control - and apply dormant oil in earlyspring. Thorough coverage is essential. The third stepfor lecanium scale control is application of Moventoinsecticide, after bloom but before harvest (7 day phi).The optimum timing is when scale insects are producing “crawlers,” the mobile first instar nymphsthat leave the protection of their (now deceased) mother’s shell. These crawlers spread to other parts ofthe plant, or nearby plants, in search of places to settleand feed. Crawlers are tiny and can be difficult to spot;use double-sided tape to help monitor their activity.

Hannah Fraser is entomologist for horticulture and PamFisher is horticulture fruit specialist with the OntarioMinistry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Check for signs of scale insects on blueberry

Figure 1. Putnam scale on fruit. Each dot is a singlescale insect.

Figure 4. Azalea scale egg sac.

Figure 3. Lecanium scale, unidentified species.

Figure 6. Putnam scale on new growth.

Figure 2. Putnam scale on leaves.

Figure 5. Azalea scale – pink eggs under protective cot-tony covering.

Leah Erickson (BC/AB)604-957-2359

Marc AndréLaberge (QC)514-984-4589

Jim Robinson (ON/MB)905-715-8595

Paul Banks (ON/NS)905-688-4300

Henry Zomer (ON/MB/SK)905-308-4396

Rob Hovius (ON/PEI/NB)519-580-3231

LauraCaralampides (QC)514-984-0662

~ Quality Seed Since 1881 ~

www.StokeSeeds.com

T: 1-800-263-7233F: 1-800-272-5560

OUR EXPERTS ARE HERE TO HELP!

Runner removaltreatment

Seascape yields 2014 (kg m-1) Berry wt. (g/berry)

Total Marketable Seascape Albion

Weekly 1.52 a1 0.89 a 13.2 a 21.1 a

3 times 1.32 ab 0.76 ab 13.3 a 19.4 ab

1 time 1.23 b 0.60 b 13.3 a 19.7 ab

Never 1.25 b 0.64 b 13.8 a 13.8 b

Table 2. The effects of runner removal at different intervals on the total and marketable yields ofSeascape, and berry weights of Albion and Seascape in New Liskeard in 2014.1 Numbers within a column with different letters are significantly different.

– SEPTEMBER 2016

THE GROWER

Vegetable greenhouse growers will beall ears for what Silke Hemming has tosay about light. The researcher fromWageningen University and ResearchCentre, The Netherlands, is the keynotespeaker October 5 on the future of thegreenhouse industry, predicting thatgreenhouses will transform from beingenergy consumers to energy suppliers.

Most recently, Hemming has headed the greenhouse technology scientific research team. TheWageningen UR LightLab is a uniquefacility with the most modern measure-ment equipment for optical properties ofgreenhouse materials. She is also leaderof the International Society ofHorticultural Sciences working group“Light in Horticulture.” She conductsseveral research projects on greenhousesystems in different climate zones

world-wide.Hemming will describe the Dutch

research program’s newest results on energy saving, focussing on energy conservation by greenhouse design, newcoverings and the use of sensors and decision support systems.

Joining her in the vegetable sessionsis Xiuming Hao, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, who will report on hislatest research on lighting strategies andclimate control to increase yield and quality and improve the response ofgreenhouse vegetables to long photoperiod of lighting in year-round production. Todd Graham, OntarioGreenhouse Vegetable Growers, willreveal details on a study conducted atseven commercial greenhouses lookingat various HPD/LED lighting configurations on different greenhouse

vegetable crops. University of Guelph’s Youbin Zheng

will highlight the similarities and differences in fixtures both within andbetween LED and HPS technologies.Philips Lighting expert Abhay Thosarwill talk about supplemental lighting requirements, developing proper lighting layouts and the economic feasibility of LEDs. Erik Runkle,Michigan State University, will share hisexpertise on how the light spectrum canbe manipulated to influence plant morphology of young plants.

The Canadian GreenhouseConference will be held October 5 – 6,Scotiabank Convention Centre, NiagaraFalls, Ontario. For a detailed agenda and registration, go to: www.canadiangreen-houseconference.com.

For the popular bus trip visiting localfloral and vegetable greenhouses, pre-register no later than September 26.

BITS AND BITES

Canadian Greenhouse Conference welcomes lighting experts

The Ontario Processing VegetableGrowers (OPVG) and the Ontario Fruitand Vegetable Processors Association(OF&VPA) are continuing with a bursaryfund to support and encourage individuals pursuing a career in anyaspect of the processing vegetable industry. These organizations are work-ing together to ensure that there are newindividuals who will have the interest,skills and abilities to further develop and

grow this sector of Ontario’s agri-foodeconomy.

Up to five bursaries are available tostudents this fall, including bursaries inmemory of former OPVG directors JimWhitson and Ken Epp. Note that theJim Whitson bursary is awarded to a student attending Ridgetown College.The award in memory of Ken Eppreceives an additional $1,000 from thefund established in his name by the

OPVG. Applicants must be a resident ofOntario and registered as a full-time student at any college or universityentering the second, third, fourth or postgraduate year of study which relates insome aspect to the processing vegetableindustry.

For further details, please contact:Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers at519-681-1875.

The Bursary Application Form is

available at www.opvg.org or on requestfrom the OPVG office (519-681-1875).Applications must be submitted nolater than October 15th and will bereceived by regular mail at 435Consortium Court, London, ON N6E2S8, by e-mail at [email protected] orfax (519) 685-5719 and can also be submitted online at www.opvg.org/opvg-bursary/.

Ontario processing vegetable industry offers bursaries

Dr. Silke Hemming


FROST PROTECTION

THE GROWER

[email protected] 866-898-8488 x 218

CONTAINERS

P: 1-888-770-8454F: 1-888-567-1297www.madleyglobal.com

SALESSERVICESUPPORT

LABELS & LABEL MACHINERYAUTOMATION & ROBOTICS

CLASSIFIEDSFor Sale: Grimme 1700 carrotharvester, $27,000. Call 519-809-3944

Used Wooden AppleBins For Sale!

48” x 48”, plywoodUsed wooden posts

8’ x 2”ALGOMA

ORCHARDS905-242-6141

ORCHARD SUPPLIES

Book your ad for October 2016

Focus: Greenhouse innovation

Deadline: September 15

866-898-8488 x [email protected]

@growernews The Grower www.thegrower.org

– SEPTEMBER 2016

THE GROWER


SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

Providing quality

apple trees for 40 years.

• Bench graft• Sleeping budded eye• 9 month bench• 1 year old whip• 1 year old feathered• KNIP tree• 2 year old tall feathered

(instant orchard)

Brian Van Brenk31760 Erin Line

Fingal ON, Canada N0L 1K0519-902-6353

[email protected]

ASPARAGUS

ASPARAGUS CROWNSMillennium

Mary Washington

Sandy Shore Farms Ltd.(519) 8753382

[email protected]

classified ads

866-898-8488 ext 221

Mori Nuseries now has various types of hoop houses ready for sale.

Sold by the square foot. Both Gothic and round types available.

All specialized nursery equipment will be sold.

As example of equipment:2005 Univergo Hydra Weeder, Model SARL M 923

This is a 3 seat unit in excellent condition.

Call 905.468.3217 ext. 225 or [email protected]

Fresh newsdelivered weekly to

your inbox!Sign up at www.thegrower.org

EQUIPMENT

DON ARTHUR ORCHARD EQUIPMENT(519) 599-3058 [email protected] Clarksburg, ON

HYDRAULIC TILT AND LOAD - ACCOMMODATES 5 BINS - ALL SIZESOF WOOD AND PLASTIC BINS. LOW PROFILE TANDEM WHEELS. OPTIONAL REMOVABLE SIDE STEP PLATFORMS. - ORDER EARLY

TURBO-MIST SPRAYERS - 400, 500 600s IN STOCK2017 MODELS ARRIVING IN OCTOBERPRE-SEASON DISCOUNTS FOR YOUR EARLY ORDERLOW-DRIFT SPRAY TOWERS FIT ANY TURBO-MISTCLEAN SPRAYER TRADES NEEDED - CUSTOMERS WAITING

FINANCING - LEASING - DELIVERY

**** WISHING YOU A SAFE & BOUNTIFUL HARVEST ****

[email protected] EQUIPMENT

OUR SPECIALITY

NEW . . USED . . SERVICE

YOUR SOURCE FORJOHN BEAN AND

DURAND-WAYLAND

YOUNOW

have beento the rest,

call theBEST!!P

HIL

LIP

SFA

RM

SU

PPLIE

S

BIN CARRIER FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

HOPS

CLEAN HOP PLANTS AVAILABLE FOR 2016 PLANTING

Alpharoma, Cascade, Cashmere, Centennial, Chinook, Cluster L-8, Columbia, Horizon, Glacier,

Mt. Rainier, Newport, Nugget, Sorachi Ace, Tettnang, Triple Perle, Ultra, Vanguard, Willamette,

Zatecki Cerveni.

PRODUCED FROM CLEAN STOCK THROUGH WSU NATIONAL CLEAN PLANT NETWORK

For more information Call 905-932-0300 or email inquiries to: [email protected]

@growernews

The Grower

www.thegrower.org

THE GROWER

GREENHOUSE ROOFING

REFRIGERATIONIRRIGATION

Pipe& Fittings

for Water Systems• PVC, ABS, Poly, Copper

• Stainless, Brass, SteelProduct Lines

• Drip & Micro Irrigation• Septic & Sewer• Drainage & Culverts• Berkeley Water Pumps

Winona Concrete & Pipe Products Ltd.

489 Main St. W., Grimsby, ON. L3M 1T4

[email protected]

Phone (905) 945-8515 Fax: (905) 945-1149

or call toll-free

1-800-361-8515

CALL ABE FIRSTFOR BETTER PRICES, MORE

CHOICES, FAST, AND FRIENDLY SERVICE. BUY A DIESEL ENGINE

PUMP UNIT FROM THE DIESEL MECHANIC.

NEW IRRIGATION PUMPUNITS ON TRAILER

• Cummin 4 cyl & 6 cyl• John Deere, 4 cyl & 6 cyl• Iveco/Cummins, 4 cyl & 6 cyl• Kubota & Deutz etc, etc.• Perkins-Cat

Rovatti PumpsBerkeley Pumps, etc.

And many more new or used up to 550 HP.

We build them all big or small.Also couplers, hoses, clamps, forsuction, camlock, ringlock, bauer

etc.

A. KOOLMEESR.R. 1, Otterville, ON N0J 1R0

(519) 879-6878 Fax: (519) 879-6319



www.thegrower.org

REAL ESTATE

$179/month**

bruoY

dracsseinsub

sr

xeolbiamehtinmyerev

se 0002,1of ghtnom sselrfo

2¢

g rewro -r erdeanahts

liacremmocdief?ledrac - ecalptekraMehTnidaezsi

GhTd

ynacelseerehWorg

uoynehw,ylnoemitdetimilarFoGhTfit

¢rmafrpe *

lifauqhcaeruoyltlitosrofsrewocsesnisub”2x”4aecalpu

ilfilli

reworGehTfonoitcse yo

v054$A

ruyodanayltcirtssisiTh lim

1- 686 - 889 - x88 84

enilnoeerfaeviecerlliwuo

lynorofeluav m/971$

ihtnomtrsifrfoginistrevdaeimtdeitm

limaero8 12x gnisitrevad

.gro.reworGehTnoade

htnom **

si .EEFR.yadotllcaosreff

gro.reworgeht@g

sesserdd.tnemeerg

worGhe*ThTgniviecre

nas reworgsehcaernoitalucricrewr.ewroGeh fninoitalucriceromrFo

dnahtnomIrofosnurdaenilOneSe ww

nond - edlohekatsyrtsudnirewogrB**.reworGehTtcatnocnoitamrofoetarlatigidlamrontaelbawenersid

gnisitrevda/reworgehtw.w rfo tde

dallaotsrefeer’smrafa‘mretehT.sre21anodesaB - gnisitrevdahtnmo ag

.se .daezisrennabdradnaSt.sliat


One gets his experience indiverse ways. Students are oftencaught between needing to takea well-paying position that provides little experience intheir chosen field, or one thatgives great experience but littleremuneration.

I had the chance to do boththings at the same time in successive summers. Even closeto 50 years later, those experiences still provide mewith perspective that I can useon the job. Not all that I learnedwas in a positive way -- manythings taught me NOT to do asI saw but to do the opposite forsuccess.

I was already bored to distraction one early June daywith classes finished and noexams to write, and no meaningful job awaiting meeither. My mother, who was nodoubt motivated to get me outof the house, picked up the oldyellow pages, made a call andgot me a job interview with afarm dealership. That was awatershed moment for me as itopened doors to an agricultureexperience that was just endingan era and starting to usher innew ways to do things.

Anyone who ever met ‘Dixie’Don Pallett never forgot him.He was an imposing figure sitting at his desk piled highwith papers, invoices, bits ofmachinery and multiple phones.His Rotary Membership plaquewas prominent, although I neverrealized the impact that wouldhave later in my life. That interview was brisk, the questions eclectic, and the joboffer came quickly.

I had truthfully said that Ihad my driver’s license with the‘chauffeur’ designation thatallowed me to drive large ‘farm’trucks. What I neglected to saywas that I had it for less thantwo weeks and had never drivenanything bigger than the familystation wagon! No matter: thenext day when I went to work Iwas expected to drive whatseemed to be a monstrous 10-ton truck to make a delivery.On the job training started rightthen!

Many other tasks came myway that first summer includingsales of everything from hardware, produce containers,pesticides both commercial anddomestic, feed and grain, firewood (which we also had tosplit), fencing, and a millionother items. Finding things wasalways a challenge but Dixknew where everything was allthe time! I learned that organization is NOT just a neatand ordered facility. In fact it isa great memory honed as youdug through piles of ‘stuff’ tofind what you rememberedfrom the last time you lookedfor something! A good memorybeats a good filing system mostof the time. (And that explainsthe state of my desk today.)

We did a lot of farm worktoo, including hoeing, planting,pruning and harvesting. Lateron I got to plow, cultivate, andthen spray crops. We weretaught to read the label, and hadcopies of the ODAF guidessuch as Publication 360 on handto help us, but little actual guidance on how to operateequipment. That became partof the basis of my involvementlater on with the GrowerPesticide Course. All the badpractices needed to be changed.Common sense and good luckprevented me from having any‘incidents,’ but not everyonecan be so lucky!

I had other experiences too.One day I noticed a police carhad driven up the lane into theorchard, and that there was alsoanother car there. I drove upand the police officer asked if Iowned the orchard as he hadseen these people ‘helping

themselves.’ After some discus-sion where they admitted theyhad no permission to pick, thepolice offered that if they paidme for what was taken, hewould let it go. I asked for fivedollars, and they scratched ittogether with coins and a fewcrinkled up dollar bills. After all,it was early August and theapples were small and green- useless to eat and alreadyturning brown. (I still felt bad attaking what looked like all theirmoney.)

Then came the really badpart as I got ready to go: theircar was old, it had NL plates,and the cop asked for ownershipand insurance, and they hadneither. I felt really sorry forthem, even though they hadbeen stealing fruit. Learning todeal with cheats and thieves isimportant to anyone’s experience but the conse-quences may be well beyondexpectation. Compassion isneeded to temper the impact.

While all this good experi-ence on the farm and in thedealership was good, I knew itwouldn’t pay the tuition for uni-versity. I managed to bluff myway into a job application thenext year at the CNR (whichlater became CN). My job,when it came, was to work inthe dining cars on various trains.What an eye-opener that was!

With no prior jobs in foodpreparation, waiting tables, or(most importantly) washingmasses of dishes, I was sent onmy first trip from Toronto toWinnipeg (and back) with NOinstructions and no idea whatthe job would entail. I had tolearn fast! The motion of thetrain and resulting nausea hadto be endured as the dishes,glasses and silverware pilesmounted. We only had enoughfor one service, so they neededto be cleaned for immediate re-use. Each meal service sat 48passengers and lasted 50 minutes, and we had five sittings per meal, and four mealsper trip each way. The timebetween was to clean up, re-settables, and to grab a bite to eator drink.

Our ‘official’ meals came

after each mealtime was overand usually just prior to thenext one. We also had to sleepon the trains as it was a 30-hourtrip each way. The student gotthe top bunk over the wheels!Eight dirty, sweaty, and‘unique’ individuals slept in theoften hot crew car. The odoursare still ‘memorable.’ The oth-ers smoked and drank (and notwater either!) till late mostnights. I learned how to sleep inthose conditions -- a great benefit for all my later hotelnights at various conferences!

The hotel in Winnipeg (TheEmpire) where we stayedovernight was so run-down thatthey later tore it down and even40 years later it is still only aparking lot! We had three orfour of us to a (huge) room, withonly a basin on the wall.‘Facilities’ were down the halland the only shower in the hotelwas two floors up! This wasquite a learning process for an18-year-old!

That first night the crew metdownstairs in the bar (The BrassRail if anyone from Winnipeg isreading this) and someoneordered two glasses of draft forall present. (The drinking agewas still 21 back then.) As luckwould have it, I had no soonertaken a swig than in came a copin uniform, who sat down at thenext table. I tried to surreptitiously push my beerglasses to others and to fake‘just being there.’ He finally leftafter chatting to our secondcook. I walked over and gavehim (Cliff by name as I remember) my un-sampled beerand thanked him for getting ridof the cop. He laughed uproariously and said the ‘cop’was a railway cop he knew, whowas just there for a beer. He

had no authority over me, butcould have lost his job for drinking on duty!

Another lesson learned wasto never take a ‘uniform’ at facevalue, and to do my underagedrinking away from prying eyes!

That first summer becametwo, but as we worked four dayson and four days off, I kept myfarm job for the other four days‘off.’ Between the two jobs Icould afford the universitytuition fee. The money was oneform of payment, but the experiences were the unpaidvalue that sticks today. Alas,neither of those opportunitiesexist today, as dining cars arenow serviced like airplanes, andPleasant View Farms and Dixare gone now.

When my first-year marksarrived in the mail my motherphoned my Dad who found meon the train in the Toronto station in late afternoon, waitingto depart. He passed me a paperwith the marks and left. Duringthat trip every single crewmember took me aside andasked me how I had done, andthen quietly told me to keepworking hard at school so I didn’t HAVE to do this job forthe rest of my life like they hadto. What an impression thatmade -- one I have never forgot-ten. They had so little hope ofgetting ahead, but were proudthat at least I had that chance.Humility doesn’t come close todescribing that feeling.

I owe a lot to both job opportunities. They are whatyou make of them, or so I havebeen told. I owe a lot to thepeople I worked with whotaught me a lot along the way.Hopefully, generations of students today will get the sameopportunities as I did.

CRAIG HUNTEROFVGA

MINOR USE

CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Experience is what you make of it

MICHAEL CELETTI

The stem and bulb nematode is a pest that cancause significant damage to garlic crops. The cool wetweather experienced last fallafter planting and again in theearly part of this spring 2016 hasresulted in the spread of thispest within fields if infestedgarlic seed was planted last fall.

The stem and bulb nematodes can survive in garliccloves used for seed as well asin the soil. In fact they are oftenintroduced into a field of garlicby planting infested cloves. Onestage (4th juvenile) of thenematode is particularly adapted to resist desiccationand freezing and can persist formany years under dry or coldconditions. A single female canlay up to 500 eggs within herlife span and several genera-tions can be produced withinone growing season. It onlytakes 19 days for these nematodes to develop intomature adults when tempera-tures average around 15°C.They can live for 45 to 75 daysdepending upon the conditions.The short period of timebetween egg hatch and maturitytogether with the frequency ofreproduction often results in anexplosion of this pest popula-tion under cool wet conditions.

Stem and bulb nematodes

feed on cells near the basal rootplate of the garlic plant. As theyfeed they inject enzymes intothe cells which break down cellwalls resulting in a rottingaround the root plate. Duringwet weather some nematodesleave the infested garlic andswim to neighbouring healthygarlic plants. They enter theneighbouring garlic by gettingin between the scales of the garlic bulb near the soil line.Under wet conditions, thenematodes can swim a short distance up leaves of smallemerging plants in the springand then move down betweenthe leaves in films of water leftfrom rain or dew. Later in theseason, the nematodes caninfect garlic plants throughscales of the bulbs. If infectionis closer to harvest, the nema-todes may not cause noticeabledamage to the mature bulbs.Growers may unknowinglyselect these infested bulbs andcloves to plant in the fall.

Managing bulb and stemnematode is not easy once it isintroduced and becomes established in a field. Plantingclean nematode-free seed intonon-infested soil is the bestoption to avoid getting this pest.Unfortunately the nematodehas a very extensive host rangewith more than 450 species ofplants that can be infected.However, there are several racesof this nematode, each with aspecific limited host range.Although the entire host rangefor the Ontario race of stem andbulb nematode is not known,recent studies at the University

of Manitoba indicate that theOntario race can also infect andmultiply in yellow pea, as wellas pinto, kidney and navy bean.Once introduced, a four-yearcrop rotation with non-susceptible crops such as a cereal crop, fumigating soil orplanting a nematode suppress-ing cover crop such as orientalmustard in the rotation beforeplanting garlic can help keepthis pest suppressed in soil.

Planting clean nematode-freeseed is the most important practice in managing this pest.If clean, nematode-free seed isnot available, growers can trydipping infested cloves in a hotwater bath at 49°C for 20 minutes; however, this is a verytricky technique and must beperformed carefully to preventdamage to cloves. If the temperature drops below 47°C,the effectiveness of the hotwater to kill nematodes in thecloves is significantly reduced.If the temperature of the hotwater bath increases above50°C, the garlic may be damaged resulting in pooremergence. Other managementoptions are currently beinginvestigated by the OntarioMinistry of Agriculture, Foodand Rural Affairs, theUniversity of Guelph andAgriculture and Agri-FoodCanada.

Michael Celetti is plant pathologist,horticulture crops for the OntarioMinistry of Agriculture, Food andRural Affairs, based in Guelph,Ontario.


CROP PROTECTION

BASF has launched a new AgSolutionsHorticulture website. Created with horticul-ture customers in mind, the site offers easynavigation to help find solutions for specificcrops and specific pests, while maintainingquick links to resources such as labels, SDS

and other product information. The site will also be host to ongoing

BASF news updates, programs and offersrelevant information to Canadian fruit andvegetable farmers.

The new website is now live in both

English and French.www.agsolutions.ca/horticulturewww.agsolutions.ca/horticoles

Source: BASF Canada news release

BASF Canada launches new AgSolutions horticulture website

Stem and bulb nematode management ingarlic

The basal plate (the region of the bulb where the roots attach) ofgarlic bulbs severely infested with the stem and bulb nematodeappear rotted and can be easily separated from the bulbs.

The Muck Crops Research Station, Bradford, Ontario is triallingvarious products to combat stem and bulb nematodes in garlic.

The CHC Crop ProtectionAdvisory Committee submitteda response to the PestManagement RegulatoryAgency (PMRA) Proposed Re-evaluation Decision for Captan(PRVD2016-13) on July 29,2016. This response was basedon the results of grower surveysthat were distributed throughthe provincial CHC memberorganizations. Surveys wereconducted in five crop sectors:pome fruit, tender fruit, berries,grapes and vegetables and potatoes. Information regardingCaptan use including application rates, number ofapplications, timing of applications, post-applicationfield activities and the use ofpersonal protective equipmentwas gathered.

Grower response was excellent with more than 300surveys returned. The summa-rized survey data was providedto the PMRA with the requestthat this information be used torevise their risk assessmentsbased on actual grower use ofCaptan rather than on the unrealistic assumptions PMRAused in the original risk assessments. The use of growersurvey data in the risk assessments should result inmore favourable outcomes andreverse the proposed re-evaluation to discontinue mostuses of Captan in Canada.

The response to the Captanconsultation was the finalresponse to the seven PMRAproposed re-evaluation decisions for multi-site-mode-of-action (Group-M) fungicidespublished over the past threeyears. All proposed decisionseither proposed discontinuationof all uses (mancozeb, metiram,ferbam, ziram, thiram) or thediscontinuation of most usesand significant restriction on thelimited remaining uses(chlorothalonil, captan). Thedevastating outcome of theseproposed decisions, if notamended based on consultation,would be that growers wouldhave no practical options to control resistant pathogen populations where already present or to prevent the development of resistancewhere it does not currentlyexist.

New Brunswick hosts mid-summer apple meeting

The CHC Mid-SummerApple Meeting was held on July26 & 27, 2016 in Moncton, NB.The event was hosted by theApple Growers of NewBrunswick.

The working session included discussions on marketsituations and trends, researchand innovation strategies andpriorities, National ApplePlanting and Replant Program

Opportunity, MinisterialExemptions, and HS Codes forHoneycrisp.

The July 27 orchard tourincluded stops at:• Master Packaging (Dieppe,NB)• Verger Belliveau Orchard(Memramcook, NB)• La Fleur du Pommier(Cocagne Sud, NB)The 2017 Mid-Summer AppleMeeting and tour will be heldin Quebec.

THE GROWER


CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL NEWS

Captan re-evaluation update

Lessons learned on the relationship between water and soil

Documents

Transcript of Lessons learned on the relationship between water and soil