the Canadian
sunflower
Grower
Winter 2010/2011
The official publication of the
National Sunflower Association of Canada, Inc.
NSAC:
The Eyes, Ears and Wheels
of a Blooming Industry
Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661
12
c ntents
17
21
Winter 2011
Published For:
The National Sunflower Association
of Canada
Box 1269
Carman, MB R0G 0J0
Tel: (204) 745-6776
Email: [email protected]
Published By:
Matrix Group Publishing Inc.
Return all undeliverable addresses to:
52 Donald Street, Suite 300
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1L6
Toll Free: (866) 999-1299
Toll Free Fax: (866) 244-2544
www.matrixgroupinc.net
Publications Agreement Number 40609661
President & CEO
Jack Andress
MESSAGE:
05 Message from the Executive Director, Darcelle Graham
FEATURES:
07 2010 MB Sunflower Post-Registration Trial Data
10 Sunflower Market Outlook
13 The Manitoba Sunflower Surveillance Survey 2010
Senior Publisher
Maurice P. LaBorde
Publisher
Peter Schulz
Jessica Potter
Trish Bird
Editor-in-Chief
Shannon Savory
[email protected]
FOCUS ON RESEARCH:
17 Tough to Manage Weeds in Sunflower
19 Plant Spacing Accuracy in Manitoba Confection Sunflower Fields
21 MASC and NSAC Join Forces in The Battle of The Birds
Editor:
Karen Kornelsen
[email protected]
Finance/Administration
Shoshana Weinberg, Nathan Redekop,
Pat Andress
[email protected]
Director of Marketing & Circulation
Shoshana Weinberg
Sales Manager
Neil Gottfred
Sales Team Leader
Albert Brydges
Matrix Group Publishing Inc.
Account Executives
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Chantal Duchaine, Catherine Lemyre, Declan
O’Donovan, Jeff Cash, Marco Chiocchio,
Simara Mundo, Terry Emerson, Colleen Bell,
Wayne Earl
NSAC IN-DEPTH:
23 The 2011 Manitoba Special Crops Symposium
24 NSAC Board Meetings - Summary of Minutes
25 PROPOSED Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws
27 The Sunflower Cash Advance Program
26 Buyer’s Guide
Advertising Design
James Robinson
Layout & Design
Travis Bevan
©2011 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights
reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any
means, in whole or in part, without the prior written
permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed
in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix
Group Publishing Inc. Printed in Canada.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
3
www.canadasunflower.com
Canadian Sunflower Grower
4
www.canadasunflower.com
Message from the NSAC Executive Director, Darcelle Graham
The 2010 growing season was
another challenging one for Manitoba
farmers with unpredictable growing
conditions that, in the end, resulted in
average to below average yields. Sunflower acres in 2010 came in just below
135,000 acres across Manitoba with a
considerable decline in oilseed acres.
Even so, the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) is optimistic
for the future of the sunflower industry
as we continue to provide sunflower
growers with support on growing a
successful sunflower crop, accessing
suitable varieties and products, and lobbying for blackbird damage coverage
through Manitoba Agricultural Services
Corporation (MASC).
As winter is upon us, it provides the
NSAC time to meet with our industry
representatives and members to reflect
on the past growing season and start
planning for the years ahead. In late
November, the Board of Directors
held its annual planning session with
a slightly different focus than in years
past. This planning session allowed the
group to review the current challenges
and opportunities within the industry
and develop our plan to address each
issue. The NSAC has set forward our
goals for the next five years and these
revolve around meeting our mission, “to
ensure the profitability and long-term
growth of the sunflower crop through
industry wide leadership”. The key
focus to meeting this mission is to build
relationships with all key stakeholders
within the sunflower industry and this
starts January 3rd, 2011. While achieving our mission, the NSAC will continue to address issues of genetics, crop
protection products and building the
Canadian sunflower brand.
As a start towards our goals,
the Board of Directors is pleased to
announce the hiring of Ed Stroeder
as the Sunflower Agronomist for the
NSAC. Ed comes to the association
with a vast amount of political and
public relation experience from his time
as Reeve for the RM of Westbourne,
agronomy and scouting experience with
Clean Air Ag as well as presentation
skills from his recent graduation in 2009 from Assiniboine Community College.
Through his role as Sunflower
Agronomist, Ed will assume the
research portfolio including the
Manitoba Sunflower Surveillance Survey, post-registration
trials, as well as any funded
research.
On the side of crop protection, I am excited to announce
that on December 3, 2010,
FMC received correspondence
from the Pest Management
Regulatory Agency (PMRA)
stating the amended Authority label will include uses for
sunflowers, chickpeas, field pea and flax
in the Prairie Provinces. The final step
in the approval process will be PMRA’s
issuance of the amended conditional
Registration Certificate and approval
of the final amended label. FMC will
be working with PMRA to get this final
approval step completed expeditiously
to ensure the new label is available for
the 2011 growing season.
Preparations are once again underway for the 2011 Manitoba Special
Crops Symposium. This year’s symposium will be held February 9th and
10th, 2011 at the Winnipeg Convention
Centre. The symposium committee is
pleased to announce our keynote speakers: Ron Buist and Dr. Tim Ball. Ron
Buist is the former marketing director
for Tim Hortons and is credited as the
creator of Tim Hortons’ “Roll Up the
Rim to Win” contest, and producer
of the company’s “True Stories” television commercials. He will present
Wednesday afternoon. Dr. Tim Ball is
a renowned Canadian environmental
consultant and former climatology professor at the University of Winnipeg.
Dr. Ball disputes that humans have a
significant impact on climate change so
you won’t wan to miss this presentation, Thursday, February 10th.
Also, look forward to numerous
sunflower presentations on the 2010
Manitoba Sunflower Surveillance Survey, Controlling Rust and Head Rot
Canadian Sunflower Grower
5
NSAC hires new Sunflower
Agronomist
Ed graduated
from the Agribusiness Program at
Assiniboine Community College
in 2009. Prior to
returning to college,
Ed operated a cattle
and grain operation
near Gladstone, Manitoba. For the
past three years he has worked with
Kelvin Jarvis, an independent agrologist based in Neepawa, Manitoba.
While actively farming, Ed spent
eight years serving as the Reeve of
the RM of Westbourne and under
his direction with council, succeeded in creating a Planning District, a Regional Water Distribution
system, a new paramedic station
and a study commissioned by the
Provincial government to consider
an alternative water route from the
Big Grass Marsh to Lake Manitoba
to alleviate flooding concerns in the
municipality.
Ed’s contact information:
Ed Stroeder, Sunflower Agronomist
Phone: (204) 745-6776
Cell: (204) 750-2555
[email protected]
www.canadasunflower.com
with Fungicides, a world outlook on
sunflowers, and much more. For more
information on the symposium and to
view the full agenda, visit the website at
www.manitobaspecialcrops.ca.
Once again the NSAC will be holding its Annual General Meeting during
the Symposium on February 10th,
2011. This meeting will provide sunflower growers with a review of 2010
activities as well as the budget and
plans for 2011 and beyond. This is the
time that the board of directors looks
to hear from membership and provide
us direction for the future. Another way
for members to have their voice heard
is to run for a director position with the
NSAC. Every year, director positions
come up for re-election and this is
your opportunity to make your voice
hear and represent sunflower growers in your area. For more information
on becoming a director or to put your
name forward for nomination, contact
the office or any current board member.
As I wrap this winter edition of our
magazine, I encourage all sunflower
growers to actively participate in the
association through our Manitoba Sunflower Surveillance Survey, attendance
at our grower days, signing up for email
updates and becoming a part of the
board as a director. We look forward
to seeing you in February at the 2011
Manitoba Special Crops Symposium.
Cheers!
●
Canadian Sunflower Grower
6
www.canadasunflower.com
Feature
2010 MB Sunflower Post-Registration Trial Data
The Manitoba Sunflower Post-Registration variety
testing is organized and conducted by the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) in co-ordination with
the Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. The
Sunflower Post-Registration Trials serve as a tool to provide
sunflower growers with regional third-party performance
data of varieties that are registered or have interim registration status in Canada OR have been recommended for registration by the Manitoba Sunflower Committee. The varieties
that appear in these trials are varieties that Sunflower companies are actively pursuing or marketing in Manitoba.
In 2010, the NSAC conducted the Manitoba Sunflower
Post-Registration Variety Trials in four locations around the
province. Unfortunately, two trial sites were lost this year
(Beausejour due to the wet spring and Elm Creek lost oilseed
trials due to excess moisture), and Minto, due to a contractor error, was pulled. The remaining trials were located
in Elm Creek, Morden, Deloraine and Rathwell. These trials
and results are made possible with your continued support
through the Sunflower check-off levy.
The NSAC appreciates the hard work of the MAFRI Oilseed Specialist, Anastasia Kubinec, who compiled the data
for the trials. As well as a big thank-you to Keystone Grain
Ltd. for providing seed sizing services and to North Dakota
Grain Inspection Services for analyzing the oil data. In addition, we appreciate the hard work of all contractors who
plant, monitor and harvest the plots throughout the growing
season.
SUNFLOWERS – Non-Oil Type
Comments:
• All sunflower varieties currently available are susceptible to sclerotinia rot. Weather conditions and presence of sclerotinia inoculum play a major role in disease development and severity.
1. Reaction indicated is to Races 2, 3 and 4 under controlled indoor conditions.
2. Reaction indicated is to Race 2.
Variety Descriptions
Company
CROPLAN Genetics
Seeds 2000
Seeds 2000
Seeds 2000
Seeds 2000
Seeds 2000
CHS Sunflower
CHS Sunflower
Overall Average
Site Year
Variety
179
6946
6946 DMR
6950
Jaguar
Panther DMR
RH 3126 RT
RH400 CL
Herb
Type DMR Type
N Round
N Round
Y Round
N Round
CL
N
Long
Y
Long
N
XL
CL
N
XL
Yield Harvest
(lbs/ Moisture Days to Days to
acre)
(%)
Bloom Maturity
2012
12.0
76
121
2486
10.3
72
119
2639
10.2
74
116
2981
11.2
73
118
2659
10.3
74
119
3011
10.5
70
117
2681
14.3
77
125
2343
11.3
74
116
2599
11.3
74
119
4
4
4
4
Disease Resistance to:
% over
Height 20/64 Rust Verticillium Downy2
1
Wilt
Mildew
(inches) inch
80
53
HS
MS
HS
71
65
HS
MR
HS
71
62
HS
MR
R
73
52
HS
MR
HS
70
68
S
MS
HS
72
62
S
MS
R
82
49
R
MR
HS
75
72
HS
MS
S
74
60
4
4
SUNFLOWRS – Oil Type
Variety Descriptions
Company
Variety
Disease Resistance to:
Yield Harvest
Herb
Oil (lbs/ Moisture Days to Days to Height
% Rust Verticillium Downey2
Type DMR Type acre)
(%)
Bloom Maturity (inches) Oil
1
Wilt
Mildew
CROPLAN Genetics
306 DMR NS
-
Y
NS
2508
10.5
74
124
74
40.9
S
MR
R
CROPLAN Genetics
3080 DMR
-
Y
NS
2422
13.7
73
122
74
42.2
HS
MR
R
R
Pioneer Hi-Bred
63M80
-
Y
NS
2609
14.0
78
128
75
44.1
S
R
Pioneer Hi-Bred
63N82
ExSun
Y
NS
2171
15.6
76
122
75
41.9
S
MR
S
CROPLAN Genetics
803 DMR
-
Y
NS
2223
10.1
72
118
68
42.3
MS
MR
R
ExSun
N
NS
2424
12.2
76
118
72
41.6
S
MR
S
-
Y
NS
2611
11.0
73
118
73
38.9
HS
MR
R
Seeds 2000
Cobra
Seeds 2000
Defender Plus DMR
Interstate Seed
IS 29-30 NS/DM
-
Y
NS
2454
11.7
73
121
73
41.2
HS
MR
R
Interstate Seed
IS 3433 NS/DM
-
Y
NS
2305
12.5
76
122
70
41.4
HS
MR
MR
Interstate Seed
IS 3480CL
CL
Y
NS
1973
13.9
79
120
73
40.4
HS
MR
R
Seeds 2000
X 9828
CL
Y
NS
2568
14.8
77
123
73
38.9
S
MR
R
2334
12.7
75.2
121.5
72.9
41.2
3
3
3
3
3
3
Overall Average
Site Years
ELM CREEK – 2010 Confection Sunflowers
Entry
179
6946
6946 DMR
6950
Jaguar
Panther DMR
RH3126 RT
Yield (lbs/
acre)
3108
3354
3444
3436
3311
3871
3178
Harvest
Moisture (%)
8.8
8.7
8.7
9.1
8.2
8.4
8.7
Days to
Bloom
78
74
82
78
74
74
78
Days to
Maturity
116
122
117
120
120
116
124
Height
(inches)
77
65
66
66
66
67
80
22/64
25
43
41
30
60
48
26
Seed Sizing
20/64
36
32
33
32
19
30
34
Medium
34
20
18
28
15
18
35
RH400 CL
Grand Mean
CV%
LSD (lbs/acre)
Sign Diff
3465
3396
13.3
No
8.3
8.6
74
76.4
116
118.9
68
70
54
41
28
31
12
23
Days to
Maturity
121
116
116
116
117
116
121
117
118.8
Height
(inches)
74
66
71
70
61
72
78
72
72
22/64
10
36
40
37
33
27
9
50
27
Seed Sizing
20/64
31
24
24
26
29
36
32
29
33
Medium
49
19
21
23
26
24
40
17
27
Days to
Maturity
116
122
116
120
120
116
124
116
120.9
Height
(inches)
75
70
66
71
71
69
78
72
86
22/64
16
45
19
15
40
18
15
44
17
Seed Sizing
20/64
35
30
40
31
31
40
30
29
35
Medium
34
18
25
38
17
28
38
17
45
Days to
Maturity
131
117
117
117
118
121
130
117
117.3
Height
(inches)
93
81
82
84
82
81
93
89
70
22/64
24
16
19
9
20
16
17
11
30
Seed Sizing
20/64
33
35
33
28
39
32
33
44
29
Medium
43
47
45
54
38
48
43
42
27
MELITA – 2010 Confection Sunflowers
Entry
179
6946
6946 DMR
6950
Jaguar
Panther DMR
RH3126 RT
RH400 CL
Grand Mean
CV%
LSD (lbs/acre)
Sign Diff
Yield
(lbs/acre)
1211
1554
1638
1580
1661
1885
NFM
1506
2198
9.7
314
Yes
Harvest
Moisture (%)
15.0
11.0
10.1
12.0
11.3
11.1
20.0
13.2
9.4
Days to
Bloom
72
70
68
69
67
65
71
69
76.6
RATHWELL – 2010 Confection Sunflowers
Entry
179
6946
6946 DMR
6950
Jaguar
Panther DMR
RH3126 RT
RH400 CL
Grand Mean
CV%
LSD (lbs/acre)
Sign Diff
Yield
(lbs/acre)
1753
2916
3249
4502
3482
3672
3018
2185
1483
9.8
215
Yes
Harvest
Moisture (%)
9.3
9.4
9.1
9.4
9.0
9.0
11.2
9.3
14.0
Days to
Bloom
78
74
74
74
82
71
80
80
73.2
MORDEN – 2010 Confection Sunflowers
Entry
179
6946
6946 DMR
6950
Jaguar
Panther DMR
RH3126 RT
RH400 CL
Grand Mean
CV%
LSD (lbs/acre)
Sign Diff
Yield
(lbs/acre)
1978
2119
2223
2406
2180
2617
1849
2214
3097
14.8
686
Yes
Harvest
Moisture (%)
15.0
12.3
13.0
14.2
12.7
13.4
17.3
14.3
12.9
Days to
Bloom
76
72
72
72
73
71
78
73
68.7
Canadian Sunflower Grower
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MELITA – 2010 Oil Sunflowers
Entry
306 DMR NS
3080 DMR NS
63M80
63N82
803 DMR NS
Cobra
Defender Plus
IS 2930 NS DM
Yield
(lbs/acre)
1301
1280
1765
1753
1833
1780
1382
Harvest
Moisture (%)
12.7
16.3
19.0
16.2
8.1
12.8
10.1
12.3
Days to
Bloom
72
72
73
73
70
74
73
72
Days to
Maturity
118
119
119
118
117
117
117
117
Height
(inches)
68
68
71
71
64
67
66
68
Oil
Content
37.8
37.8
40.0
39.6
40.3
39.9
37.1
39.3
IS 3433 NS/DM
1356
12.8
73
119
66
39.7
IS 3480 NS CL DM
X 9828
Grand Mean
CV%
LSD (lbs/acre)
Sign Diff
1338
1881
1464
15.3
325
Yes
14.6
16.2
13.7
73
73
72.3
118
118
117.9
69
67
67.8
37.5
37.7
38.8
Oil content results from North Dakota Grains Institute from 2010 composite trial samples.
MORDEN – Oil Sunflowers
Entry
306 DMR NS
3080 DMR NS
63M80
63N82
803 DMR NS
Cobra
Defender Plus
Yield
(lbs/acre)
2056
2351
1913
1542
1246
2094
2438
Harvest
Moisture (%)
10.9
17.0
12.8
19.0
15.0
15.9
14.9
Days to
Bloom
75
74
77
74
73
75
74
Days to
Maturity
131
124
144
129
122
122
122
Height
(inches)
78
77
80
82
74
73
80
Oil
Content
42.2
45.5
45.8
42.1
42.0
41.8
40.3
IS 2930 NS DM
1901
15.3
75
124
76
42.3
IS 3433 NS/DM
2395
16.5
81
132
76
42.7
IS 3480 NS CL DM
1954
19.0
82
127
78
40.7
X 9828
Grand Mean
CV%
LSD (lbs/acre)
Sign Diff
2363
2023
10.5
308
Yes
18.5
15.9
77
75.9
126
127.6
79
77.5
40.4
42.3
Oil content results from North Dakota Grains Institute from 2010 composite trial samples.
RATHWELL – Oil Sunflowers
Entry
306 DMR NS
Yield
(lbs/acre)
4167
Harvest
Moisture (%)
7.8
Days to
Bloom
74
Days to
Maturity
122
Height
(inches)
76
Oil
Content
42.7
3080 DMR NS
3634
7.8
74
124
78
43.2
63M80
4151
10.3
84
120
75
46.6
63N82
3217
11.7
80
120
73
43.9
803 DMR NS
3200
7.3
74
116
68
44.5
Cobra
3346
8.0
80
116
74
43.1
Defender Plus
3617
7.8
74
116
72
39.2
IS 2930 NS DM
4079
7.6
74
120
76
42.0
IS 3433 NS/DM
3164
8.1
74
116
69
41.8
IS 3480 NS CL DM
X 9828
Grand Mean
CV%
LSD (lbs/acre)
2628
3460
3515
11.4
580
8.2
9.6
8.5
82
82
77.4
116
124
119.1
73
74
73.3
43.0
38.6
42.6
Yes
Sign Diff
Oil content results from North Dakota Grains Institute from 2010 composite trial samples.
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DISEASE REACTIONS TO THE MANITOBA SUNFLOWER MCVET TRIAL 2010
Hybrids
Oil Type
306 DMR NS
3080 DMR NS
63M80
63N82
803 DMR NS
2930 NS DM
3433 DM
3480 NS CL DM
Cobra
Defender Plus
X 9828
Non-Oil Type
179
6946
6946 DMR
6950
Jaguar
Panther DMR
RH3126 RT
RH400 CL
Mean Rust Indexe
Race 3
Race 336
Score
Class
Score
Class
Verticilliumv
Wilt Index
Nursery
% Survivor
Sclerotinia
With Inoculumh
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
HS
HS
HS
HS
HS
HS
S
MS
HS
HS
HS
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
2.0
3.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
HS
HS
HS
HS
HS
HS
MR
MS
MS
S
HS
2.3
2.8
2.2
2.5
3.0
2.5
2.6
2.5
2.7
3.4
2.8
10
10
34
10
10
38
75
44
52
53
57
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
0.0
5.0
HS
HS
HS
HS
HS
HS
HR-I
HS
5.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
5.0
HS
S
S
S
MS
MS
MR
HS
3.8
2.1
2.6
2.6
3.7
3.5
2.8
3.4
12
43
60
61
52
63
53
24
Head Rot Trial
Disease
Midge
Indext
Indexp
1.3
5.7
2.0
3.2
1.8
3.6
1.2
3.1
2.2
8.3
2.0
6.3
2.0
4.8
2.5
6.9
2.3
5.7
1.9
5.5
3.1
1.4
1.0
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.7
1.3
1.3
1.5
4.3
5.2
5.0
6.9
4.7
4.5
7.0
6.3
e - Reaction to rust races 3 and 336 under growth room controlled conditions.
• Disease index 1-5 based on % leaf area infected; 0-1=highly resistant (0-5%); 2=moderately resistant (5-10%);
• 3=moderately susceptible (10-30%); 4=susceptible (30-50%); and 5=susceptible (>50%);
• MR=Resistant to Race 2, Susceptible to Race 3; S & HS=Susceptible to both races.
v - Field reaction to Verticillium wilt in naturally infested soil. Indices of 1 (healthy), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), 4 (severe), and
5 (dead) were assigned; the mean disease index was obtained by multiplying the number of plants in each class by the corresponding index, and the total divided by the total number of plants.
h - Field reaction to early Sclerotinia infection using artificial inoculum at Morden, as a percent of the control; note that most
hybrids had treated see d.
t - Field reaction to artificial inoculation using sclerotinia infected ground millet twice (August 11, 2010 and August 24,
2010). Disease index scale 1-10 (1=healthy; 10=100% Head Rot).
p - Field reaction to midge located in the head rot inoculation test. Midge index scale 1-10 (1=healthy; 10=100% severely
infected head).
Canadian Sunflower Grower
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Feature
Sunflower Market
Outlook
By David Drozd, Senior Market Analyst, Ag-Chieve Corporation
Canadian sunflower production is on the
decline!
On December 3, 2010, Statistics Canada, in their November estimates of production of principal field crops report,
estimated the 2010-2011 sunflower crop is 33 percent
smaller than last year and 57 percent less than it was five
years ago.
There has been a gradual trend to declining production in
recent years, which is illustrated in the accompanying chart
on page 16.
Back in March 2010, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
were anticipating that as many as 185,250 acres would be
sown to sunflowers in 2010, which would have been a 15
percent increase. In April 2010, Statistics Canada was estimating Canadian farmers would seed 170,000 acres to sunflowers this year. This would have been 10,000 acres more
than were sown in 2009, but this 6 percent increase did not
materialize.
Statistics Canada now estimates that only 135,000 acres
were seeded to sunflowers in 2010 compared to 160,550
acres in 2009, which is a 16 percent reduction. Harvested
area was 127,000 acres and the average yield was 1,173
pounds per acre, resulting in 149 million pounds (67.6
thousand tonnes) of production.
Manitoba produces over 90 percent of the Canadian sunflower crop, of which approximately 70 percent of all sunflowers grown in Canada are of the confectionary type.
Production contracts containing an “act of God” clause
were very popular and filled up quickly when first offered
at 30 cents a pound in January of this year. However, some
sunflower growers in the Red River Valley had a change of
heart, when this spring proved to be wetter than normal.
These farmers clearly remembered how bad the disease pressure was from excess moisture in 2009, which in some cases
drastically reduced yields and deteriorated the quality of this
crop in Eastern Manitoba.
As a result, some traditional sunflower growers turned
to soybeans and/or canola. These crops can be sprayed with
fungicides to ward off disease pressures in wet years.
For the second year in a row, it appears the crops in the
western part of the province may have had fewer problems
with disease. Some of our clients attribute their higher yields
to sticking to a four year rotation on oilseeds.
Some growers tell us they will not be seeding sunflowers
in 2011. It’s simply too wet and until the weather patterns
change, they’re planning on sticking to alternative crops like
canola and especially soybeans.
Manitoba farmers harvested a record 510,000 acres of
soybeans with an average yield of 31.4 bushels an acre
in 2010. This resulted in a record production of 435,400
tonnes, which is 36 percent more than last year’s record
321,100 tonne crop. Informally, our clients tell us this
Ag-Chieve Corporation: Growing To Serve You Better!
Ag-Chieve Corporation is pleased to welcome the following new staff to Western Canada’s leading grain marketing
advisory team, helping hundreds of prairie farmers sell their grain for more every year!
Ed Baldwin – Manager, Grain Marketing Advisory Services
A former elevator manager with Agricore and customer service representative with Viterra and Farm Business
Consultants, Ed brings more than 30 years of agri-business experience to his new role managing Ag-Chieve’s independent,
unbiased, grain marketing advisory services.
Frank Letkeman, Grain Marketing Advisor
Frank brings more than 30 years of grain industry experience to Ag-Chieve. His previous positions include working
as an Elevator Manager and Territory Manager with UGG & Agricore United. His most recent position before joining
Ag-Chieve Corporation was with Horizon Agro Inc., where was Special Crops Manager.
Kelly KjaldGaard, Grain Marketing Advisor
Kelly has worked in the grain marketing business previously with Parrish and Heimbecker and was a territory manager
for Enns Brothers John Deere for more than 10 years. He attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with
Diploma in Agriculture.
Please call to say hello to any of our new staff or to arrange a free no-obligation trial of our grain marketing advisory
services. You can reach us at (888) 274-3138, by emailing [email protected] or by visiting www.ag-chieve.ca.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
11
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estimating 2010-2011 U.S. total sunflower production will
be 2.906 billion pounds. This is 4 percent less than in 2009
(3.036 billion pounds). Total U.S. production in 2008 was
3.423 billion pounds; 2007, 2.869 billion pounds; 2006,
2.144 billion pounds and in 2005 it was 4.017 billion pounds.
Approximately 66 percent of all sunflowers grown in
the United States are of the oil variety and North Dakota
produces more sunflowers than any other state. U.S. farmers seeded 1.4 million acres of oils and 458,000 acres to the
non-oil type in 2010.
Strong vegetable oil values from competing oilseeds are
supporting the current price of oil type sunflowers. Bids are
in the neighbourhood of 23 cents, which is approximately 10
cents better than the average price seen over the years. Nonoil types are around 30 cents per pound.
Competition for acres will be strong this spring, as most
crops are in demand. Sunflowers have the potential to provide a profitable rate of return to the farmers who decide to
grow them in 2010.
●
trend of increasing soybean acreage in Southern Manitoba is
expected to continue in 2011.
Sunflower growers will have an opportunity to capitalize
on this trend of declining sunflower acreage. We are already
hearing of new crop contracts becoming available in the low
30 cent area, which are being offered earlier than normal.
Given this scenario, we believe new crop prices may have
the potential to improve.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is
Canadian Sunflower Grower
David Drozd is President and Senior Market Analyst for Winnipeg based Ag-Chieve Corporation, a grain marketing advisory
firm representing hundreds of Western Canadian grain farmers.
The information contained herein is deemed to be from sources
that are reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. For
information about grain marketing courses and other educational
tools call Ag-Chieve at (888) 274-3138 or visit online at www.
ag-chieve.ca.
12
www.canadasunflower.com
Feature
The Manitoba Sunflower
Surveillance Survey 2010
By Kristen Podolsky, Field Technician, NSAC
The 2010 growing season proved
to be a very challenging one for sunflowers and crop production in general
all across the province and prairies. An
early spring had producers feeling optimistic with reports of sunflower planting
occurring as early as April 22 in the Central and Eastern regions. While planting
this early can pose the risk of frost damage, it also can increase yield potential as
a result of increased crop vigour, earlier
maturity and the chance of escaping late
season pests such as Sclerotinia, rust and
blackbird predation.
The mean planting date for Manitoba
sunflower fields was May 14, 10 days
earlier than last year. Planting patterns
varied significantly between regions
reflecting precipitation patterns. Over 30
percent of fields in the Central and Eastern regions of the province were planted
in late April. The effect of early planting
on yield varied drastically and was determined by precipitation patterns and how
long plants were faced with saturated
soil conditions.
A new addition to the Manitoba
Sunflower Surveillance Survey in 2010
was the collection of management data
from participating producers. One of the
questions posed to producers was weed
control methods. More than 70 percent
of sunflower growers reported using a
pre-plant granular/liquid product such
as Edge. Almost 25 percent of growers
reported using a pre-plant trifluralin and
nearly 50 percent of growers reported
applying a pre emergent burnoff.
Pre-plant and pre-emerge weed
control in sunflower is critical, as the
options for in crop herbicides are very
limited and do not provide control of
some important weed species such as
kochia, false ragweed, biennial wormwood and thistle. Furthermore, it is
widely reported that the critical timing
of weed control for sunflower is the first
eight weeks upon emergence. At this
time, the sunflower is least competitive
and most susceptible to weed competition.
Once the crop canopy in sunflower
develops, they can be quite competitive
against newly emerging weeds. However,
as you likely have experienced, well
established weeds not controlled during this time period can have significant
impacts on yield. Twenty-five percent of
sunflower growers reported using in row
cultivation as a weed control technique,
primarily in the Central and Eastern
regions.
Figure 1. Manitoba sunflower survey fields in 2010 and
sunflower acres by R.M. Total Manitoba sunflower acres
in 2010 was 132,000 with 117,000 confection and 15,000
oilseed (MASC).
Canadian Sunflower Grower
Aside from plant stress, the excess
moisture in 2010 provided a favourable
environment for weed establishment
and growth. Furthermore, weed control
efforts in some cases were just not possible. The increased weed pressure was
evident in this year’s survey results in
comparison to 2009. As mentioned earlier, the most critical time for weed control in sunflower is the first eight weeks,
therefore Figures 2 and 3 display weed
pressure as a function of early and mid
season assessments in both the Western
and Central/Eastern regions.
There are several observations which
can be taken from these figures. Firstly,
it is good news that the majority of fields
have light weed pressure during the
critical early season in both regions. In
the Eastern/Central region, more adequate
early season weed control is being
achieved and maintained throughout the
growing season. In the Western region,
however, only 50 percent of fields start
off the growing season with good weed
control leaving the other 50 percent with
moderate/heavy weed pressure, which is
only shown to become worse as the season progresses. By mid season, more than
25 percent of sunflower fields are facing
heavy weed pressure and the majority of
Figure 2. Sunflower weed pressure in Central/Eastern regions
of Manitoba.
13
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nearly 75 percent face moderate/heavy
weed pressure. While it has been known
for a long time that weed control is a
major limiting factor in sunflower production, it is unknown just how crop yield
and quality is being impacted by particular weed densities and species. We are
expecting new results in 2011 from a current University of Manitoba research project looking at yield loss relationships in
sunflower caused by kochia and biennial
wormwood.
The level of sunflower insect pests
was also heightened in 2010. More specifically, seed damaging insects including banded sunflower moth, lygus bug
as well as the presence of the red sunflower seed weevil in parts of the Southwest. All these insects have the potential
to damage seed and reduce quality of
confection sunflowers, therefore careful
monitoring and scouting was required
to determine if insecticide applications
were necessary.
Another addition to the support provided to growers through the work of
the survey, were Sunflower Crop Tours
that were held in Morden, Rathwell and
Deloraine, Manitoba in early August.
These crop tours were held at three of
the five Crop Variety Evaluation Trial
sites across the province and were conducted to allow growers to evaluate variety performance and learn about current
agronomic issues.
At the time, the majority of sunflower fields were at the flowering stage,
reports and observations of head insects
were high and the decision to apply an
insecticide was imminent. Therefore,
the main topic for the tour was how to
properly identify and scout for banded
sunflower moth and lygus bug. Samples
of insects, weeds and diseases were on
hand for producers to become informed
on sunflower agronomy.
Lygus bug was found in 45 percent
of sunflower fields throughout July
and August, compared to 26 percent in
2009. Similarly, it was not unusual to
observe and receive reports of levels at
or well above threshold. Subsequently,
insecticide applications were widespread
and in some cases, second applications
were required for adequate control
during the flowering period. Over 75
percent of growers reported applying an
insecticide in 2010 with the most common product being Matador.
With continuous precipitation and
saturated soil conditions throughout
July and August, the risk of Sclerotinia
outbreak was very high. Symptoms of
Sclerotinia wilt, mid stalk rot and head
rot began to show up on July 14, 23 and
August 10 respectively. By the end of
August, which was the end of the surveying season, Sclerotinia wilt was found
in 79 percent of fields with levels from
trace to 20 percent.
Sclerotinia wilt or basal stalk rot is a
soil borne infection which can be managed well with crop rotation. Mid Stalk
infection was found in 87 percent of
fields with levels from trace to 40 percent. Mid Stalk infection is caused by
wind borne spores which land on the
succulent stem tissue of the stalk and
initiate infection. While the seed is not
directly affected by sclerotia bodies, stem
breakage and lodging can significantly
impact yield. Head rot infection was
found in 47 percent of fields at levels
from trace to 40 percent affected.
Figure 3. Sunflower weed pressure in Western region of
Manitoba.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
Reports of high head rot levels were
received from all areas of the province in
2010 and it was the number one limiting factor across all growing regions in
2010. One of the contributing factors
to increasing Sclerotinia levels in sunflowers is increased acres of canola and
soybean, which are also hosts for Sclerotinia. It cannot be emphasized enough
that rotation is currently the best tool
for control of Sclerotinia in sunflower.
No fungicides are registered for control
of Sclerotinia and the results on efficacy
and economic value of fungicides is not
clear.
The crop rotation reported by growers raises concerns when it comes to
Sclerotinia management in Sunflower.
Figure 3 displays the number of years
between sunflower and sunflower-canola/soybean currently practiced by growers. A crop rotation of one year between
sclerotinia susceptible crops is not sufficient to reduce inoculum levels, yet
this is the most common practice among
sunflower growers. While a good crop
rotation will not eliminate Sclerotinia, it
will reduce it.
Unique observations observed in
2010 included potential group 2 herbicide carryover injury, widespread hail
damage and ground lodging. A report
was received in June regarding stunted
sunflower seedlings (Figure 2). Additional observations were made in five
other fields with the same symptoms.
After eliminating the potential of insect
damage or a plant pathogen, the herbicide history started to show a pattern
of group 2 use in 2009. Similarly, the
symptoms observed followed injury
patterns that would result from group
Figure 4. Reported crop rotation between Sclerotinia
susceptible crops.
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2 carryover; inhibition of the growing
point, reddening of stem tissue and slow
death.
It has been suggested that the
unusually wet soil conditions may have
affected the breakdown of the chemical
in the soil. The level of infected plants
were trace (<1 percent) within the fields
and appeared to predominate in the
headlands which may follow the potential of herbicide overlap. At this point,
we cannot confirm that group 2 carryover was responsible for the observed
injury but in the report and observations, it has been documented for future
reference. Keep an eye out for this type
of damage in 2011 or if you had similar
case in 2010, please contact the office.
Manitoba crop ratings were reported
in 2010 for the first time. These ratings
were based on a visual observation of
overall crop vigour, presence of crop
limiting factors and yield potential. The
crop ratings for August show that 25
percent of sunflower fields in the survey
were excellent, 47 percent good, 16 percent fair and 11 percent poor. Although
no historical data is available to compare, it would be fair to say that the
Manitoba sunflower crop in 2010 faced
many challenges primarily from excess
moisture, weed pressure, hail, lodging
and Sclerotinia which impacted fields
in all regions. Harvest reports indicated
that the average yield for the 2010 Manitoba crop was below provincial average.
That being said, a low supply of quality
confection sunflowers has been driving
increased prices and market demand.
The final report on the Manitoba Sunflower Surveillance Survey 2010 will be
presented at the Manitoba Special Crops
Symposium in Winnipeg on February 9
and 10th as well as at the Manitoba Special Crops Production Day in Brandon
on March 3rd. The Manitoba Sunflower
Surveillance Survey is open to all members of the NSAC. To sign up for this
year’s survey, please contact the office at
(204) 745-6776 or [email protected].
We gratefully acknowledge the support received from the Governments of
Manitoba and Canada through the Canada-Manitoba Agri-Food Research and
Development Initiative (ARDI) in order
to conduct this project. ●
Figure 5. Potential group 2 residual injury symptoms on sunflower seedlings.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
15
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Canadian Sunflower Grower
16
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Focus on Research
Tough to Manage Weeds in Sunflower
By Kristen Podolsky, Field Technician, NSAC
Biennial Wormwood
Biennial wormwood is an aggressive, late emerging weed that prefers
cool, moist conditions. It produces
many small seeds and survives well
in most soil types and tillage systems.
The 2010 growing season proved
to be very favourable for the weed,
which was present in 46 percent of
Manitoba sunflower fields compared
to 25 percent in 2009.
Mis-identification of biennial
wormwood for common ragweed,
which is less common in sunflower
(and subsequent use of ineffective
herbicides), has also contributed to
increased occurrence (Figure 1). Additionally, due to its late, season-long
emergence pattern, biennial wormwood often escapes pre-emerge and
many in crop herbicide applications.
It is important to note that this species
also has a natural tolerance to many
herbicides including Trifluralin and
Solo.
Control Methods
Chemical: None registered for crop
use in sunflower. Pre-emerge glyphosate but may not be effective as weed
emergence generally occurs after sunflower.
Cultural: Tillage.
False Ragweed
False ragweed (Figure 2), also
known as Marshelder in the United
States, is also an aggressive, robust
weed in sunflower fields that can
reach over eight feet in height. Steady
levels were found in Manitoba sunflower fields in 2010 (11 percent of
fields surveyed) compared to 2009
(15 percent) but remains destructive
to yield and difficult to control. The
weed is particularly prevalent along
headlands where old yard sites with
stockpiled manure may be responsible for a large soil seed bank. Unlike
biennial wormwood, false ragweed
generally emerges before sunflowers
offering more opportunity for control.
Control Methods
Chemical: Pre emerge glyphosate.
Cultural: Tillage, mow or harvest heavily infested areas of field separately to
prevent spread of seeds.
Thistle
Canada thistle and Sow thistle
continue to be two of the most common weeds found in sunflower fields
across the province. Canada thistle has
ranked number one for two consecutive years while Sow thistle has ranked
number three. Canada thistle is a
creeping perennial with an extensive,
deep rooting system. Long distance
dispersal occurs through seed production but vegetative reproduction from
its root system explains its patchy
distribution. New shoots can develop
off virtually any part of an established
root system and separating these fragments through tillage can stimulate
spread and new growth. Vegetative
propagation requires significant energy expenditure by the plant and the
roots are a rich source of stored nutrients. Continually stressing the plant
and depleting these reserves offers the
best opportunity for management.
Control Methods
Table 1: Top 10 Most Common Weeds in Manitoba Sunflower Fields 2009-2010
Rank
Weed
% of fields
Canada Thistle
54%
1
Sow Thistle
46%
2
Volunteer Canola
40%
3
Volunteer Cereals
39%
4
Wild Buckwheat
38%
5
Biennial Wormwood
36%
6
Annual Smartweed
32%
7
Wild Mustard
31%
8
Lambsquarters
27%
9
Green Foxtail
24%
10
Canadian Sunflower Grower
17
Chemical: None registered for use in
sunflower. Pre harvest glyphosate in
year prior to sunflower production
(late summer or fall). Fall herbicide
application is most effective in rosette
stage when rapid translocation to root
reserves is occurring.
Cultural: Strategies aimed at depleting root reserves are effective such as
mowing or rotation with perennial
crops such as alfalfa which provides
continuous competition and crop
removal depletes root reserves.
Kochia
Kochia is a vigorous, warm season
weed that tolerates drought and saline
soil conditions which are otherwise
unfavourable for crop production. An
early emerger and fierce competitor
for resources, kochia can have a major
impact on yields in cool season annual
crops and other non competitive crops
including sunflower. Preliminary
research results from 2009 indicate
that early emerging kochia decreased
Figure 1. Common Ragweed (left) and
Biennial Wormwood (right) juvenile
plants. Common ragweed leaves are
hairy and coarsely divided while
biennial wormwood leaves are hairless
and more finely divided.
Figure 2. False ragweed (right)
outcompeting sunflower crop.
www.canadasunflower.com
height, head diameter, yield and
delayed flowering in sunflower. Less
impact as observed from late emerging
kochia.
The 2010 growing season, with
levels of high precipitation throughout the province, deemed a challenge
for kochia establishment. Kochia was
found in 6 percent of sunflower fields
in 2010 compared to 15 percent in
2009, primarily in the southwest
region where drier conditions and
no till management are favourable.
Kochia has been shown to be twice as
abundant in no till systems. Furthermore, it is estimated that over 90
percent of kochia populations across
Western Canada are group 2 resistant.
Control Methods
Chemical: Authority (product label not
available at time of publication), Edge
(fall or spring), and/or pre emerge glyphosate.
Cultural: Delayed seeding to allow
pre-seed tillage or rotation with winter
cereals which offers excellent early
season competition. Kochia seed
is short lived therefore preventing
spread of seed through chaff collection
can reduce soil seedbank. Tillage—
kochia germination declines with
increased burial depth.
●
Authority® herbicide received
approval for an amended conditional
label to include the use on sunflower in
the Prairie Provinces. FMC will be submitting labels as the final step towards
full registration in time for the 2011
growing season. Please refer to product
label for details on rates and application
information.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
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Focus on Research
Plant Spacing Accuracy in
Manitoba Confection Sunflower
Fields
By Kristen Podolsky, Field Technician, NSAC, with comments on results from John A. Smith,
Professor and Agricultural Engineer, University of Nebraska
Plant spacing accuracy is
critical for optimum yield and quality in confection sunflowers. Accurate
plant spacing is necessary to achieve
your target plant population and yield
as well as uniform seed size and quality. For example, narrow spacing results
in small, variable seed size while wide
spacing results in large seed size and
reduced yield. There are several agronomic factors which contribute to
variable spacing (i.e. moisture, seed
bed, seeding depth, etc.) which are less
controllable but a large part of spacing
accuracy is determined by the ability of
the planter to provide accurate, consistent spacing between seeds within the
row.
Poor plant spacing accuracy has
ranked among the top two yield limiting factors in North Dakota and Minnesota for several years, as observed in
their annual crop survey. However, little
has been known on the how well plant
spacing accuracy is being achieved in
Manitoba confection sunflower fields.
Therefore, a preliminary investigation
into plant spacing in Manitoba fields was
incorporated as part of the 2010 Manitoba Sunflower Surveillance Survey.
To carry out this investigation, six
growers with different types of planters were selected for the survey. At
three out of four quadrants within each
grower’s field, a site was selected at random for spacing measurements. At each
of the 3 sites (per field), the location of
each plant for a length of 30 meters on
2 adjacent rows was recorded. The location of each plant was recorded to the
nearest ¼ inch. A total of 180 meters of
row length were measured for plant spacing, which represents approximately
1/100th of an acre. The total number of
plant spacings measured for each field
ranged from 118 to 169.
Data from growers’ fields on accuracy
of spacing between individual sunflower
plants have not been previously collected or at least publicly presented. We
Parameter
Field No.
Field Information and Plant Spacing Data Collected
1
2
3
4
5
6
Average
Modified
JD 1760 JD 1770 JD 7200
White 6100
Case 1200
----Planter
JD finger
Vacuum Vacuum
Finger
Jaguar
Seed/Variety
6946
6946 DMR
6946
6946 6946 DMR ----Row Spacing (in.)
30
30
22
30
30
30
----Plant Population
16,900
14,600
16,400
15,300 15,600
14,200
15,500
(plants/A)
Mode Spacing
11 ½
10 ½
15 ½
10 ¾
12 ½
11 ¼
12
(most frequent
spacing, in.)
Wide Spacing (%
24%
29%
21%
21%
18%
30%
24%
of spacings greater
than 1.5x mode)
Narrow Spacing
23%
8%
9%
7%
11%
3%
10%
(% of spacings less
than 0.5x mode)
Accurate Spacing
(% of spacings
19%
32%
32%
34%
32%
25%
29%
within +/- 1.0 in.
of mode)
Canadian Sunflower Grower
19
do not have data from other fields or
other growing areas to compare to the
results from this survey. Although this
survey includes only six fields, it gives
us good initial information about how
individual plants are spaced in Manitoba
confection sunflower fields.
Plant population for these 6 fields
ranged from 14,200 to16,900 plants/
acre. The general recommendation
for an established plant population of
confection sunflowers in Manitoba is
16,000 to18,000 plants/acre. This data
suggests we could target a higher seed
population to end up within the recommended plant population.
There are several concerns raised
by the data for accuracy of spacings
between individual plants. The most
important concern is the high value of
“Narrow Spacings”. We would like to
see “Narrow Spacings” as low as possible, preferably below 5 percent. Narrow spacings between confection sunflower plants cause small heads and, in
turn, small seeds, which are not wanted
by the confection sunflower buyers
and processors. “Narrow Spacings” are
caused by the planter or planting operation. They are not caused by soil moisture, insects or diseases. These “Narrow
Spacings” are probably the result of two
or more seeds from one cell of the vacuum plate or one finger of the planter
finger mechanism, or just inaccurate
seed spacing by the planter.
We would realistically prefer to see
less than 20 percent “Wide Spacings”
but we have less control over this problem. “Wide spacings”, if enough, will
reduce seed yield at harvest but will
not cause small seeds. “Wide spacings”
might be caused by the planter or planting operation (skips) but are also caused
www.canadasunflower.com
by environmental or field issues such as
low soil moisture, seed depth, seed germination, disease, insects, rodents, etc.
“Wide Spacings” will be proportional to
seedling emergence, plus the percentage of skips caused by the planter. If we
assume emergence will be 85 percent at
best, then we can expect to have at least
Additional Resources
For specific questions or inquiries,
John Smith can be reached through
email: [email protected]
15 percent “Wide Spacings”. Values of
“Wide Spacings” above 25 percent probably begin to significantly reduce seed
yield.
Practically speaking, an “Accurate
Spacings” value greater than 30 percent
would be considered good for sunflower
plants in the field. A value of 40 percent
would be very good. Values below about
25 percent suggest that the planter
or planter operation needs attention
(field speed too high, seed tube needs
replaced, etc.).
Narrow and wide spacings have the
largest negative impact on yield and
seed size. Thus, if 5 and 20 percent are
acceptable for narrow and wide spacings
respectively, then we should add together the actual percent narrow and wide
spacings (mean 34 percent) and subtract
25 percent (34 – 25 = 9 percent). This
value of 9 percent provides us with the
percent of plants which could use the
most improvement in order to provide
growers with additional yield in the case
of wide spacings, or improved yield and
seed size in the case of narrow spacings.
This limited data does not represent
enough fields, planters, or seed types
to make conclusions on how these
individual factors influence plant spacing accuracy in Manitoba confection
sunflower fields. We also cannot make
comparisons on performance between
planter types. But it does clearly indicate that seed quality and yield could
be improved with improved planter
performance. More attention to issues of
planter selection, planter adjustments,
seed selection, field speed and planter
testing will improve seed spacing accuracy, particularly “Narrow Spacings” and
“Accurate Spacings” in your confection
sunflower fields.
As mentioned, the value of this
data indicates that there is room for
improvement when it comes to plant
spacing accuracy in confection sunflowers. Improving plant spacing could
potentially result in improved yields,
quality and profitability for growers.
To improve planter performance, we
recommend growers have their planter
row units and seed tubes evaluated on
a good planter test stand with the same
seed they are going to plant.
For more information on how you
can improve your planter performance
and plant spacing; please visit the following website where online videos are
available for your viewing; www.sunflowernsa.com/growers/video-clips/ ●
How well does your field measure
up? If you would like to investigate
plant spacing in your sunflower field
this summer, contact the office for
information on survey procedures;
email: research@canadasunflower.
com or call (204) 745-6776.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
20
www.canadasunflower.com
Focus on Research
MASC and NSAC Join Forces in
The Battle of The Birds
By Doug Wilcox
An unfortunately common autumn scene in Manitoba
is a black cloud of marauding blackbirds rising and falling over
sunflower fields. For many sunflower growers, blackbirds are
an ongoing production problem that doesn’t appear to be “flying south” any time soon. Sunflower producers annually rank
blackbirds as one of their most frustrating production problems.
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) is investigating whether it can help these growers with managing this
risk.
MASC’s AgriInsurance program will compensate for blackbird losses in sunflowers but only if the losses are significant
enough to drop the entire crop’s yield below coverage—a rare
occurrence. Yield losses by blackbirds are typically on the order
of one to four percent, not the 20 percent or more needed for
an AgriInsurance claim. Unfortunately for some growers, losses
in individual fields can be significant. Some growers have even
abandoned sunflowers as a cropping option because they farm
near marshes or under blackbird migratory flight routes and
experience significant annual losses.
In May 2010, MASC agreed to work with the National
Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) on a joint project to
investigate normal blackbird damage patterns and yield losses
in sunflowers grown in Manitoba. The project began with producers surveying their own fields and providing MASC with
information on damage patterns and losses from blackbirds. Ten
producers cooperated with this survey, which they completed
at the end of September. Subsequently, during the last half of
October, MASC sent adjustors out to do intense sampling on ten
fields. The initial results are enlightening, though MASC is still
in the very early stages of the analysis and the final results are
not available to report.
From a potential insurance program standpoint, MASC needs
to know what normal blackbird losses are in order to determine
an actuarially sound insurance rate and deductible. There would
also be a need for an easy and accurate adjusting procedure. The
2010 survey results clearly show there can be significant losses
due to blackbirds, however, additional research is required
before a blackbird loss program for sunflowers could be considered.
The difficulty in determining blackbird damage in sunflowers
is the spotty, relatively random nature of the damage throughout the field, mostly due to the sporadic feeding behaviour and
mobility of the birds. For example, blackbirds often test areas
randomly at the onset of feeding but later continue to damage already damaged portions rather than
move on to new areas. And although there
is a tendency for higher losses at the field
edges facing toward roosting sites, the losses
Canadian Sunflower Grower
are still spotty, with adjacent plants often showing completely
different loss levels.
The apparent randomness of damage occurs because losses
are due to the random movement of flocks and individual birds,
natural changes in local population densities and changes in
nesting and roosting marsh quality and quantity. This means
that current adjusting techniques—useful for loss appraisal of
other perils—may not be applicable to adjusting losses to blackbirds and new techniques for loss appraisal sampling may be
required.
The timing of blackbird damage will also have to be considered in any appraisal procedure. Early feeding losses seem
less important than losses later in the year. Researchers have
determined up to 75 percent of total blackbird damage can
occur in the first 18 days after anthesis, but during this early
growing period sunflower heads can compensate for removal
of up to 15 percent of the seeds. Additionally, the normal seed
loss caused by wind or heads rubbing together is difficult to differentiate from seed loss due to birds. Typical seed loss due to
wind is estimated to be up to two percent, which is similar to
the average yield losses attributed to blackbirds, confounding
loss appraisals.
Unfortunately, the solution to managing the risk of
blackbird losses in sunflowers through insurance is
not going to be simple or rapid, nor will it cover
all the losses. In order to win the battle of the
birds, MASC will need to continue to research
the issue further in cooperation with NSAC
The NSAC will be actively pursing the addition of blackbirds under MASC’s wildlife damage
compensation package, similar to what was received
by Saskatchewan producers this past November. This
would provide Manitoba sunflower producers with
compensation for crop damage caused by blackbirds at
no additional premium to the producer. This avenue was
pursued in 2008 but was denied by MASC and AAFC at that
time. NSAC will raise
this concern at our meeting with Minister Struthers this month and at
our annual meeting with
MASC in February. ●
21
www.canadasunflower.com
Go online to www.canadasunflower.com for all the latest industry and association news!
Learn about the NSAC, research projects, upcoming meetings and events, and how to
become a part of this important association!
Canadian Sunflower Grower
22
www.canadasunflower.com
NSAC In-Depth
The 2011 Manitoba Special
Crops Symposium
February 9th and 10th, 2011
Winnipeg Convention Centre
375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Keynote Speakers
This year, the Manitoba Special Crops Symposium committee is pleased
to be featuring Ron Buist and Tim Ball as our keynote speakers.
Ron Buist is the former marketing director for Tim Hortons, a position he
held for 24 years. Buist helped achieve retail success for this once unknown
donut shop. Among his many inventive marketing tactics, he is credited as
the creator of Tim Hortons’ “Roll Up the Rim to Win” contest, and is the
producer of the company’s “True Stories” television commercials. Buist will
present Wednesday, February 9th.
Thursday will feature Dr. Tim Ball, a renowned Canadian environmental
consultant and former climatology professor at the University of Winnipeg.
Ron Buist
Ball disputes that humans have a significant impact on climate change.
Tim Ball
Sunflower Related Speakers
Jay Schuler is the founder and president of Giant Snacks in Wahpeton, Minnesota. Giant Snacks is a recent success story
in confection sunflower processing—the company boasts 55 percent of the confection sunflower seed snack market share in
Minnesota convenience stores and appears in 96 percent of them. Giant Snacks sells in 38 states and on the internet. Schuler
will discuss the confection world market and the changing market paradigm of the confection industry.
Tom Guyla is the Research Plant Pathologist from USDA-ARS from the Northern Crop Sciences Laboratory. Dr. Gulya
researches various aspects of sunflower disease systems. His greatest interest lies in downy mildew, rust, Phomopsis stem
canker, and Sclerotinia diseases of sunflower. Dr. Gulya will provide members with an update on the National Sclerotinia
Initiative, including his research directed at sunflowers.
The above are just two of the sunflower speakers that we will be featuring at the 2011 Manitoba Special Crops Symposium. For more information about the Symposium, including speakers, tradeshow and the final agenda, visit the Manitoba
Special Crops Symposium website: www.manitobaspecialcrops.ca.
Hotel Information
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice issued December 1, 2010
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the members of the National
Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) will be held February 10,
2011 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba during the Manitoba Special Crops Symposium.
The agenda for the meeting is as follows:
1. To approve the minutes of the 2010 members meeting.
2. To receive the financial statements of NSAC for the current fiscal
year.
3. To appoint the auditor for NSAC.
4. To receive the board and managers report.
5. To approve the amendments to the NSAC Constitution and By-laws.
6. To elect four directors for the NSAC Board.
Nominees must be a producer of sunflowers and are in good standing with NSAC (must not have requested a levy refund but have remitted check-off to the Association in the past two years). Nominations
to serve on the Board of Directors can be made by submitting the candidate’s name to the NSAC office prior to the commencement of the
meeting, or by nominating a candidate during the call for nominations
at the Annual General Meeting.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
23
Delta Winnipeg has been selected as the
hotel for the Manitoba Special Crops Symposium, due to its proximity to the Winnipeg
Convention Centre. Conference rates have
been obtained for February 7 to 9th, 2011 at
a rate of $125.00 for a
Delta Room, including
the daily parking fee.
Upgraded rooms are also
available at a discounted
rate.
Reservations can be
made by contacting the
hotel at (888) 311‐4990.
You must reference the
Manitoba Special Crops
Symposium. Deadline to
receive the conference
rate is January 7th, 2011.
www.canadasunflower.com
NSAC In-Depth
NSAC Board Meetings - Summary of Minutes
Board Meeting – July 21, 2010
2010 MCVET trials – K. Podolsky provided an update on
the conditions of the Sunflower MCVET trials including the
unseeded Beausejour site due to excess moisture. NSAC to
refund the seed companies the fees for the unseeded trial.
Preliminary 2011 Budget – D. Graham reviewed the 2011
budget and the estimations for seeded acres and projected
sales based on unfavourable growing season in 2010. The
board reviewed the preliminary budget for 2011 and agreed
that it’s a safe assumption to base check-off revenues on an
80 percent harvest of the MASC seeded acreage. Total 2010
sunflower acres: 134,228.
Board Meeting – November 23, 2010
2010 Budget – The NSAC Board reviewed the 2011 budget
as presented and agreed to increase the total harvested acres
to 95 percent calculating at an average price of $0.28/lb at an
average yield of 1200 lbs/acre. This budget will be presented
to our membership at our 2011 Annual General Meeting on
February 10, 2011.
Agronomist Position – D. Graham presented the details of
the agronomist position, the budget and job description to
be advertised. The position will be posted the week of October 4th (online) with a closing date of November 12th, 2010.
The details of the hiring process were discussed with a goal
of hiring by early December to have the employee in place by
January 3rd, 2011.
NSAC Constitution – D. Graham discussed the requirement to review NSAC’s Constitution and By-laws to ensure
that it still meets our mandate and goals for the Association.
One area identified for change is to replace the position titled
“Secretary-Treasurer” to “2nd Vice-President” to reflect the
role of this position. The board agreed to bring this change
forward for approval at our 2011 AGM.
MASC Meeting Review – D. Graham presented the proceedings from the Manitoba Agricultural Service Corporation
(MASC) meeting in March, discussing the options for blackbird damage coverage, dark roast protocol and developing
a write-off threshold for sunflowers. The Board agreed that
the NSAC needs to develop a consensus among processors
to develop a protocol for dark roast and a write-off threshold
for sunflowers.
MB Special Crops Symposium – D.Graham reviewed the
list of speakers/topics that have been booked to date for the
2011 symposium. The NSAC Annual General meeting is
scheduled for February 10, 2011 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. As always, we will be sourcing new directors to
sit on the board. K. Podolsky indicated potential growers to
be contacted regarding director positions.
MB Sunflower Surveillance Survey – K. Podolsky provided
an update on the progress of the 2010 Manitoba Sunflower
Surveillance Survey and crop conditions. It was decided that
the three crop tours/informative sessions will be held at three
of the MCVET sites: Morden, Rathwell and Melita.
Manitoba Special Crops Production Day – NSAC and
MPGA have joined forces to hold the Manitoba Special Crops
Production Day, a means of reaching out to our growers in
the southwest part of the province. The day will feature concurrent sessions on sunflowers and pulses, joining together
for a luncheon speaker on GIS. The sunflower portion of the
day will include speakers throughout the morning session
and feature a “planter school” in the afternoon.
Blackbird Damage Coverage – D. Graham updated the
board on the recent amendment in Saskatchewan where
blackbirds have been included under the Wildlife Damage
Compensation program, allowing growers to collect compensation for blackbird damage without increase premiums.
Immediate action is to be taken in order to request that the
same change take place in Manitoba, particularly since the
appropriate action was taken this fall via blackbird damage
assessment survey.
Saskatchewan Sunflower Committee – E. Moats provided
an update to the board on sunflower activities in Saskatchewan. Five thousand acres were grown in Saskatchewan in
2010 with acres distributed into non traditional areas.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
24
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NSAC In-Depth
PROPOSED Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaw
The Board of Directors of the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) holds a bi-annual review of the
Constitution and Bylaws of the NSAC to ensure that they
represent our mandate and goals for the Association. One
amendment is being proposed for change in 2011 to reflect
the actual role played by the Secretary-Treasurer position
within the association. It is being posed to change the Secretary-Treasurer title to 2nd Vice-President.
This amendment will affect 2 sections of our Constitution
and By-laws as outline below:
Section 11. The office of a Director shall be automatically vacated:
a. if a Director shall resign his/her office by delivering a written
resignation to the 2nd Vice-President of the Corporation.
b. a Director misses three consecutive Directors’ meetings without
reasonable cause;
c. on the death of the Director;
d. if at a general meeting of the members of the Corporation a
resolution is passed by two thirds of the members present and
eligible to vote at the meeting that he is removed from office.
A vacancy occurring in the term of any member of the Board
of directors may be filled until the next annual meeting of the
members of the Corporation by a majority vote of the Board of
Directors present at any meeting thereof. Such election shall be
effective only until the next annual meeting of the members of
the Corporation.
Canadian Sunflower Grower
Section 28. The transaction of business at any annual or special
meeting of members of the Corporation shall require a majority,
50% plus one of the active members present either in person or by
proxy. Any active member may appoint, as his proxy, any other
active member to vote at any annual or special meeting of the
members of the Corporation. In order to be effective, the appointment of proxy shall be in writing, signed by the active member,
and submitted to the 2nd Vice-President prior to the commencement of any annual or special meeting of the members of the Corporation.
For a rendition of the Original and Proposed Constitution
and Bylaws of the National Sunflower Association of Canada
please visit the NSAC website at www.canadasunflower.com.
If there are any questions or concerns regarding the Proposed
changes please contact the NSAC Office at (204) 745-6776 or
by email at [email protected]
The Board of Directors will bring these proposed amendments for a vote, to the Membership at our 2011 Annual
General Meeting to be held February 10, 2011 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. A two-thirds majority of active
members attending the Annual General Meeting is required
for these amendments to take affect. ●
25
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Buyer’s Guide
Ag-Marketing
Ag-Chieve............................................................12
Oil Sunflower and Flax Crushing Plant
Cargill Inc............................................................16
Seed Buyers and Processors
Nestibo Agra Inc..................................................22
Agricultural Products and Services
BASF......................................................................4
Perferated Screens
All Size Perforating..............................................26
Seeds
Seeds 2000........................................................ IFC
Commodities
Red River Commodities.......................................22
Processors
Pembina Seed........................................................6
Grain Buyers / Bird Seed Processors
Sun Country Farms..............................................26
Processors
Prairie Sun Seeds................................................18
Grower and Processor
Remillard Seed Farm............................................25
Seed Buyers
Dahlgren & Company..........................................25
Keystone Grain.....................................................15
Seed Ex Inc..........................................................22
Legumex..............................................................26
Linear Grain.........................................................25
Quarry Grain.................................................... OBC
Vanderveen Commodities....................................16
Leading Exporter of Sunflower Seeds
Globeways Canada Inc.........................................18
Merchandising / Pedigree Seed
Agri-Tel Grain Ltd...................................................6
Canadian Sunflower Grower
26
Special Crop Marketing
Kalshea Commodities..........................................22
Sunflower Harvesting Attachment
Midwestern Machine..............................................4
Sunflower Harvesting Attachment Headers
Intersteel Industries..............................................18
Sheyenne Tooling & Manufacturing.....................20
Sunflower Processor
CHS Inc.................................................................6
www.canadasunflower.com
The Sunflower Cash Advance Program
Manitoba Corn Growers Association, Inc.
Cash Advance Office
Toll Free Phone: (877) 598-5685Fax: (877) 598-5686
Box 188Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.manitobacorn.ca
The Post-Production Prices for the 2010 Cash Advance Program for Special Crops are now available. If you have already
taken the pre-production portion of your advance these are the prices that will now apply to your current advance and to any
additional money you receive on the portion of the crop that you harvest and store. If you have not yet taken an advance on
your 2010 crop there is still lots of time to apply.
The Federal Government has approved the following
post-production advance rates for this year
Confectionery Sunflowers $0.135/pound
Oilseed Sunflowers $0.08/pound
Corn $2.10/bushel
White Beans $0.14/pound
Great Northern Beans $0.14/pound
Kidney Beans $0.15/pound
Cranberry Beans $0.16/pound
Pinto Beans $0.12/pound
Other Coloured Beans $0.13/pound
Peas $2.50/bushel
Soybeans $4.00/bushel
Fababeans $0.05/pound
Desi Chickpeas $0.125/pound
Kabuli Chickpeas $0.13/pound
Lentils $0.13/pound
Alfalfa Seed $0.63/pound
Annual Rye Grass Seed $0.12/pound
Perennial Rye Grass Seed $0.25/pound
Hay for Domestic Sales $45.00/tonne
Honey $0.75/pound
• Applicants must be members in good standing with
the National Sunflower Association of Canada or the
corresponding Associations for the crop on which you
are taking the advance.
• Applicants may not have outstanding balances under any
other APP program, other than what is indicated on the
Application Form and may not be in Default under any
other Cash Advance Programs past or present.
• Each producer, partnership or corporate farm may receive
up to $100,000.00 Interest-Free, and up to $400,000.00
in total. These totals must include any loans received as a
partner or shareholder in any other entity and these totals
must include all Cash Advance Programs (i.e. CWB, Canola, Livestock, etc.) Loans over $100,000.00 will have an
Interest Rate of Prime - ¼ percent applied to them.
• In fall if you are intending to use some of your crop for seeding yourself, EXCLUDE that amount from your application.
• If you sell your crop under a Price Pooling Contract you
may not get an advance on that portion of your crop.
• The Sunflower Cash Advance program is administered by
the Manitoba Corn Growers Association ~ 38 – 4th Ave.,
N.E., Carman, Manitoba.
• Administration fees are $225.00 for all grain advances.
• The federal government guarantees only a portion of each
loan, so to protect your Association a 2 percent deposit
will be deducted. Any extra charges (o/s interest, etc)
that may occur will be deducted from that Deposit before
the balance is refunded.
• Credit checks may be made prior to issuing advances &
Bin checks may be done on your stored grain. If your
grain is in storage, you will need to provide storage tickets
BUT if your crop is in price pooling it is ineligible.
• A Priority Agreement signed by your financial institution
is required. If more than one financial institution is used,
a separate Priority Agreement must be signed by each one.
If any Suppliers hold a lien on the crop, each Supplier
must sign a separate Priority Agreement.
Repayments - Please Read Carefully
• Repayments must be made directly to the MCGA and
must be made as the crop is sold and on first crop sold;
or on any crop that has been adjusted through Crop Insurance & for which you have received a payment; or on any
of the crop which has been disposed of in any other way.
The repayments must be made within 30 days of the crop
being sold. Repayments, with cheques made out to: Manitoba Corn Growers Association, Inc., must be sent to the
address above, along with copies of the sales receipts.
• The Cash Advance must be repaid by the crop year-end:
September 15, 2011. The advance can’t be rolled into
the next year’s program.
VERY IMPORTANT
If the crop is not sold by the program year end or if the
advance is paid off without accompanying sales receipts,
Interest of Prime –1/4 percent must be paid on the outstanding balance, or on the amount not accompanied by receipts,
right back to the day that you were issued your Advance.
The government then treats it as an operating loan and not
an advance loan on your crop.
Late repayments are charged interest at a rate of Prime +3
percent from the date it should have been repaid until the
date payment is received.
• Application forms or more information can be obtained
on our Website or by contacting the MCGA office.
• FINAL DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS: March
15, 2011