Canadian Mail Publications Sales Agreement #42518524 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to 90 Woodlawn Rd W, Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 OCTOBER 2024 | V.45 | N.04 | $4.50+GST
Ag Retail Solutions with Farmers Edge With over 200 innovative tools, predictive crop models, and two laboratories (one located in Winnipeg, Man., and the other in Grimes, Iowa), Farmers Edge is focused on what they do best - end-to-end digital agronomic solutions. That’s why Farmers Edge has launched FarmCommand Pro which is tailored to ag retailers and agronomists across North America. FarmCommand Pro is an easy to use, agronomic dashboard which includes intuitive precision agronomy features for zone mapping and soil sample tracking and the ability to make recommendations. This helps to create better and more accurate recommendations. This ready to deploy platform allows retailers who are working with growers and agronomists to input their data quickly, removing costly downtime usually associated with a software change. “We’ve had the farmer version available for almost 20 years and we’re really proud to now offer FarmCommand Pro to retailers and agronomists who want to provide a superior customer experience – so they can focus on what they do best.” - Kris Kinnaird, Farmers Edge Director of Strategic Partnerships who is also a crop farmer in southwest Manitoba. Farmers Edge has been partnering with Canadian retailers like Richardson Pioneer, Parrish & Heimbecker and independent agronomists like Fortified Agronomy for years, and has brought this past experience in working closely with retailers to the FarmCommand Pro platform. Kinnaird mentions, “We’re focused on helping retailers and agronomists implement our Digital Plus solution to enhance product, data, and go-tomarket strategies. We’ve developed a storefront solution for ag retailers to complement their physical stores and our agronomy software and soil labs in Grimes, IA and Winnipeg, MB, offer competitive pricing, fast turnaround and advanced data collection from a single provider.”
These digital agronomic tools are scalable, cost-effective and can be seamlessly integrated into existing business models. Additionally, the company has expanded capacity at their Canadian laboratory in Manitoba to allow ag retailers and growers to access plant tissue and soil testing services, enabling faster results for timely crop management, and avoiding the need to send samples to labs located over the border. The in-house laboratories and agronomic tools allow you to build depth zone maps using satellite imagery, georeferenced soil test results and more, while also aligning with 4R recommendation methodology. Sievers adds, “We have a lot of experience in the technology space, and using our system means there’s no gap between farm technology, end-toend lab testing and agronomy. Our expertise with variable rate and customized nutrient management is second to none.” From new retailer solutions, increased laboratory services across North America, updated pricing and exciting partnerships, Farmers Edge is picking up momentum this year. To learn more about the company visit their website FarmersEdge.ca or contact Partners@FarmersEdge.ca Differentiate Your Ag Retail Business Scouting Soil Sampling Management Rx Generator Zone Map Creation LEARN MORE
4 CAAR COMMUNICATOR LISTENING & LEARNING We want to hear from you Myrna Grahn, Executive Director This season has been a whirlwind for me and CAAR. It has been six months of discovery, learning, relationship building, and just plain getting to the people involved in this ag retail industry. I grew up on the family farm in Manitoba and have worked in agriculture my entire career, but I will be the first to admit that we don’t know what we don’t know! I did not know a lot about you or the day-to-day operation of your business. I have learned that you are dedicated to your growers and customers, working tirelessly to ensure they have what they need for a good growing season and harvest. You are loyal to those who support you, and everything is built on relationships and good communication. You absolutely acknowledge that your staff is everything to your business, and investing in their safety and knowledge and offering them the opportunity to do meaningful work in this amazing world of agriculture is important to you. Meeting members has been truly a rewarding experience for me in these first six months as Executive Director. I have heard and value your feedback about what CAAR needs to do and have enjoyed hearing about your passion and pride in the work of CAAR and the importance it has played in building your businesses for nearly 30 years! The 2024 CAAR Convention is almost here, and you do not want to miss it! Join us at the Delta Regina from November 19–21, 2024, to show your pride in membership and connect with your peers. Our goal for the CAAR Convention this year is to unite our members! Our members come from across Canada, and it is important for us to build a sense of community and belonging for us to have a strong, united voice that can influence the Canadian ag retail landscape. When you attend the 2024 CAAR Connect Convention, you will have countless opportunities to connect with your industry peers, learn about key insights from leaders in ag, and share your successes and frustrations within the industry. There is a strong sense of pride in the work you do and in your organization. Over the years, you have honoured your colleagues through the CAAR’s Choice Awards, and I have seen the awards on your walls and in your offices. Help us continue to recognize excellence in ag retail by submitting a nomination for CAAR’s Choice Awards, to be presented at the CAAR Gala Banquet: • CAAR Agronomist of the Year • CAAR Retailer Hall of Fame Award • CAAR Retailer of the Year Award For more information about the CAAR’s Choice Awards, please turn to page 10. Before you leave the CAAR Convention, please join us for the CAAR Ag Retail Forum and breakfast on Thursday, November 21 to make sure that your voice is heard. CAAR advocates for your interests and requires your input to represent you. Your public pride in CAAR and the 2024 CAAR Convention allows us to empower the industry and move your interests forward. Our industry is strongest when we collaborate, and we look forward to seeing all of our ag retailers at the CAAR Convention! Turn to page 16 for our complete program. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE PUBLISHER 205 - 1 Wesley Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6 TF: 800-463-9323 | T: 204-989-9300 E: info@caar.org | W: caar.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Myrna Grahn MEMBER RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Maikka Manacsa Distribution: Farms.com PUBLISHING PARTNER 90 Woodlawn Road W Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 T: 888-248-4893 E: CAAR@Farms.com W: www.Farms.com CONTRIBUTORS Kathryn Doan, AgCareers.com Denise Faguy, Associate Editor Andrew Joseph, Editor COVER hstiver/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo DESIGN & LAYOUT Tanya Myers ADVERTISING SALES Andrew Bawden Director of Business Development and Digital Media 877-438-5729 X 5030 E: Andrew.Bawden@Farms.com W: www.Farms.com NEXT AD BOOKING DEADLINE December 13, 2024 ANNUAL PUBLICATION SCHEDULE February, April, August, October, December © 2024 The Canadian Association of AgriRetailers. CAAR makes no expressed or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise, concerning the use of any product or fertilizer and assumes no liability for any injury or damage, direct or consequential, which may be incurred from the use of such products or services therein. Federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations supersede the information contained herein. Canadian Mail Publications Sales Agreement #42518524 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to 90 Woodlawn Rd W, Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 Printed in Canada. Please recycle where facilities exist. FOLLOW US ON CONNECT WITH US! linkedin.com/company/cdnagretail @CdnAgRetail @CdnAgRetail
OCTOBER 2024 5 RAIL TRANSPORTATION MENTAL HEALTH & YOU Mental health impacts everyone, from those who feel its effects on a daily basis, to those around them. Learn more about how Do More Ag can help those within the ag community work towards having good mental health. 4 CAAR Leadership News 6 You Gotta Meet Here! 8 Custom Applicators Seeing Strong Demand in 2025 9 CAAR Awards 11 All Together Now 15 CAAR Connect 20 Not all Beers Are Created Equal 22 FIFO Best Practices for Pesticide Label Compliance 23 It’s All About the Experience 25 Nurse Tank Safety Training & CAAR 29 Team Effort to Tackle Trail Date 31 It’s the Right Time for a New CAAR 21 4-H Canada www.4-h-canada.ca 14 BASF www.basf.com 13 Do More Agriculture Foundation www.domore.ag 2 Farmers Edge Inc www.farmersedge.ca 10 Hi Tech Installations Ltd. www.hitechinstallations.info 26 Marcus Construction www.marcusconstruction.com 32 Meridian Manufacturing Inc. www.meridianmfg.com IT’S TIME TO EMPOWER AN INDUSTRY CAAR is holding its annual convention in Regina, Saskatchewan, November 19-21, to connect members and to plan how to better empower an industry. WORKING TO KEEP YOU SAFE A frank discussion on employing a nurse tank on your retail property, and how a CAAR safety course can teach your employees how to safely maintain, test, inspect, and repair these containment tanks. Naya Na - stock.adobe.com CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 6 25 11 JJ Gouin -stock.adobe.com shotbydave/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo
6 CAAR COMMUNICATOR CAAR ATTENDANCE TO CONVENTION CAAR is holding its 2024 annual convention, known this year as “CAAR Connect: Empowering an Industry,” from November 19 to 21 at the Delta Regina in Regina. Make sure you head over to Page 21 of the Communicator magazine (Not all beers are created equal) to learn a bit of history regarding the naming of this Saskatchewan city. If you haven’t already registered, it’s not too late to make plans to attend the event. So why should you attend? We asked some of the attendees about their reasons for participating. But before we get to their viewpoints, here’s what will be happening at the event. On Tuesday, November 19, the first-ever CAAR Science of the Six Pack Mixer will happen, kicking off the convention where you can learn about Saskatchewan’s malting barley industry—which means beer tasting! Attendees will be able to sample and then vote on their favourite local brews handpicked from across Saskatchewan. This fun event will also provide ample opportunity to catch up with peers and build connections with ag retailers. On Wednesday, November 20, the program includes a day of sessions to discuss key issues and topics affecting the agriculture industry in Canada and what that means for ag retailers. CAAR has lined up some very interesting and informative speakers to discuss the Canadian—and global— agricultural scene. Our speakers include: • Cornine Thiessen, General Man- ager of ADAMA Canada. ADAMA is a global leader in crop protec- tion, providing solutions to com- bat weeds, insects, and diseases. • Alanna Koch, Chair of the Global Institute for Food Security. It works with partners to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food. • Catherine King, Vice President, Public Affairs & Member Services, Fertilizer Canada, an industry as- sociation representing Canadian producers, manufacturers, whole- salers, and retail distributors of ni- trogen, phosphate, and potash fertilizer used in the production of crops. • Crystal Mackay is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Loft32, which works to elevate people, businesses, and the con- versations on agriculture and food. Mackay is a recognized leader in communications and collaboration in food and farming. • Jennifer Wright, Executive Director of the Canadian Agri- culture Human Resource Council (CAHRC), a national, non-profit organization that addresses human resource issues faced by agricultural businesses from all across Canada. YOU GOTTA MEET HERE! CAAR’s annual convention takes place in Regina this November to connect members and empower an industry. Andrew Joseph, Editor benkrut/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo
OCTOBER 2024 7 CAAR ATTENDANCE TO CONVENTION • Chris Beaudry, a fourth-genera- tion farmer and former assistant coach of the 2017/18 Humboldt Broncos, who were tragically involved in the bus crash that killed 16 of its players and staff. Beaudry is now a trained mental health advocate. • Clinton Monchuk, a Saskatche- wan farmer and Executive Direc- tor of Farm & Food Care Sas- katchewan, a coalition made up of farm families, agribusinesses, food processors, restaurants, retailers, food companies, and much more. • Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel is a Saskatch- ewan farmer and industry advo- cate. She’s a dynamic public spea- ker who enjoys sharing mostly humorous stories from a modern- day farm. • Leanne Koroscil is the Innova- tion Farms Manager for EMILI. She oversees the projects and activi- ties taking place on Innovation Farms, a 5,500+ acre commer- cial seed farm located near Grosse Isle, Manitoba—to test, validate, and demonstrate the vast poten- tial and capabilities of digital agri- culture technologies. Following a full day of sessions, the CAAR Gala Banquet takes place on Wednesday evening. During this event, CAAR will honour some of the industry’s best during our annual CAAR Choice Awards and encourage everyone to join in on the action with an exciting live auction. And because we know you like to be entertained, Saskatchewan comedy legend Quick Dick McDick will share his homegrown humour. The next day, Thursday, November 21, join the CAAR board and staff at the CAAR Ag Retail Forum for breakfast and feedback. First, FCC’s Todd Klink, Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Public Affairs, will share the important leadership lessons he’s learned through his career. At this facilitated session, attendees can share their thoughts on the key issues affecting agri-retailers in Canada and what CAAR could/should be doing to advocate on your behalf. Travis Dreger, Managing Director of AFS Agro—an independent retailer of high-quality farm fertilizers, headquartered in MacNutt, Saskatchewan—has been a member of CAAR for two years under AFS and many more under the previous Andres Farm Services banner. Dreger has taken the time out from his busy schedule over the years to attend his fair share of CAAR conventions, previously travelling to Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, and Edmonton. This year, he’s on the CAAR Convention organizing committee. As a convention committee member, Dreger said to the Communicator, “Our role has been mostly to assist with the planning and utilize our contacts and past experiences to help shape an interesting convention.” As for why he enjoys attending the CAAR Convention itself, Dreger explained that it was important for him that there be a united voice representing our industry at many levels and that it needed to be supported whenever and however he could. “As a small independent business, we need an organization to help us with training and regulations,” he noted. “And, it is nice to network and get to know others in the industry.” Vicki Lawrence, an Account Manager with FMC Canada handling the Regina South territory, is also on the CAAR Convention organizing committee. She is helping to line up speakers and reaching out to people and businesses regarding the sponsorship opportunities available. “This is my first time participating with a CAAR committee, and it is also my first time attending the event, but I wanted to connect with retails on a different level, and this afforded me that opportunity.” She said attending allows “everyone to network and learn about some key topics in the industry.” She volunteered as a means to become more engaged with CAAR and to see all of the benefits they offer. “A large part of my job with FMC Canada is engaging with retails. With the company’s permission to attend, we wanted to be able to be part of giving the retails opportunities in the industry to learn and network amongst each other and an opportunity for myself to network with them as well.” We provided the last word to Tracey Shelton, who has been brought in by CAAR as the convention manager to make this year’s event the success it deserves to be. “Our goal for 2024 is to revitalize the CAAR Convention and make it a must-attend event for everyone in the industry,” noted Shelton. “We have a whole new team at CAAR, including our new Executive Director, Myrna Grahn, who is going to continue growing CAAR’s position as a leading organization for retailers and suppliers in the ag industry. “With the theme of empowering an industry, we have lined up a tremendous list of speakers talking about the key topics and issues that our members have told us they want to hear more about,” she explained. Shelton said that CAAR wants to continue to hear from its members on important issues. That’s the reason for the CAAR Ag Retail Forum & Breakfast, which takes place on Thursday, November 21. “Tell us what issues we should concentrate on moving forward,” summed up Shelton. “It’s important for members to share their thoughts on the key issues affecting ag retailers so that we can help advocate on your behalf.” Travis Dreger Vicki Lawrence
8 CAAR COMMUNICATOR HUMAN RESOURCES Although not often considered when talking about farmers and food processors, the agricultural and food industries do rely heavily on skilled trades such as electricians, mechanics, and welders, with a nationwide demand for these essential roles. Through an analysis of job postings on AgCareers.com, it is possible for one to evaluate roles by career type and then identify those with the highest demand. Currently, truck drivers and custom applicators are experiencing the most significant increases in demand within agricultural skilled trades. Custom Applicators: The demand for custom applicator and pest control positions has nearly doubled in the past year, according to the data from AgCareers.com. Custom applicators are typically required to hold an applicator’s license and are tasked with the proper operation of spray equipment and the application of pesticides or fertilizers in the fields. For the custom applicator, knowledge to operate and maintain all equipment and vehicles, such as sprayers, spreaders, trucks, etc., is key, as is the mixing, loading, and application of these pesticides and fertilizers. AgCareers.com offers the following tips when posting jobs and hiring custom applicators. Pay is Vital Include compensation within the job posting. On AgCareers.com, jobs with a completed salary field receive twice as much traffic as jobs without salary information. Jobs with a specific number in the salary field have higher job views than jobs with just text (such as “competitive”). Specific pay numbers or a salary range in the compensation field create the best timesaving filter for both employers and the candidate. Plus, higher compensation is the top motivator for people to consider a new job opportunity, as revealed in the AgCareers.com Candidate & Employee Benefits Survey. Benefits Matter Beyond pay, additional benefits are a powerful incentive for job seekers. While the AgCareers.com benefits survey found that flexibility was the most important perk, respondents with an apprenticeship certificate or high school diploma placed the highest importance on vehicle benefits compared to other education levels. It’s also important that one doesn’t neglect to include a comprehensive benefits overview within the job posting. Highlight Professional Development & Training For many people seeking employment, growth in their skillset is as important as financial compensation. Will you provide on-the-job training? Will your organization cover the costs of certifications or licensing requirements? If so—highlight it in the job posting. If not, reconsider. According to the AgCareers.com skills survey, over 80 percent of all of the participating employers funded individual employee professional development. By applying the tips noted here, we can forecast agricultural growth in the key trade areas of truck driving, pesticide application, and more, offering promising career paths for individuals through 2025. fotokostic/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo CUSTOM APPLICATORS SEEING STRONG DEMAND IN 2025 Explore future-proof careers in agriculture, focusing on roles like truck drivers and custom applicators poised for growth. AgCareers.com Tractor spraying pesticides over spring crops is a common site on Canadian farms, but there is a shortage of people who know how to properly prep and mix the formulations.
OCTOBER 2024 9 CAAR AWARDS The CAAR Awards highlight the achievements and dedication of CAAR members who serve their community and the ag retail industry. Please help CAAR celebrate excellence and champion people and businesses by submitting a nomination for this years CAAR Awards. Awards will be presented at the CAAR Gala Banquet on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Nominations for the awards close on October 31, 2024. Agronomist of the Year Introduced in 2012, the Agronomist of the Year Award recognizes an agronomist from a CAAR member location who consistently exceeds expectations through dedication to their field and their agronomic knowledge. Agronomists are a key touch-point with the grower community that help every farmer grow the best crop that they can with the resources they have. If you know an agronomist who works for a CAAR retailer that demonstrates significant knowledge of agronomic practices applicable to their local region and is dedicated to excellent customer service, be sure to nominate them for the 2024 Agronomist of the Year Award at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CAAR2024AOTY Agronomist of the Year Award Recipients 2011 Wendy Schatz-Leeds Sharpe’s Soil Services 2012 Chris Nordal Paterson Grain 2013 Dan Owen Hudye Soil Services 2014 Duane Briand Parkland Fertilizers 2015 Troy Laforge Rack Petroleum 2016 Laurie Manshreck Paterson Grain 2017 Barry Mankewich GJ Chemical 2018 Taralea Simpson Shur-Gro Farm Services 2019 Greg Hodgins Holmes Agro 2020 Wendy McDonald 360 Ag Consulting 2022 Rahul Patel Pioneer Cooperative Unlimited Retailer of the Year Established in 2008, the Retailer of the Year Award recognizes one CAAR member location that went above and beyond to serve its customers. Despite challenges, some retail locations stand above the crowd and demonstrate excellent customer service and implement innovative business practices, as well as new technology to improve operations. They also demonstrate exceptional leadership in their local community. If you would like to recognize your own retail location or another retail location for the 2024 Retailer of the Year Award, please nominate them at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ CAAR2024ROTY Retailer of the Year Award Recipients 2007 Cavalier Agrow Ltd. 2008 B & B Ag Services 2009 DynAgra Corp. 2010 Sharpe’s Soil Services CAAR AWARDS ATKWORK888 - stock.adobe.com Some of the attendees at last year’s CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet held in Edmonton.
10 CAAR COMMUNICATOR CAAR AWARDS 2011 Hudye Soil Services 2012 Shur-Gro Farm Services 2013 Hetland Seeds 1996 Ltd. 2014 GJ Chemical Co. Ltd. 2015 McEwen’s Fuels and Fertilizers 2016 Top Gro Agro Ltd. 2017 Redfern Farm Services 2018 South Country Co-op 2019 Crop Management Network 2020 Parrish and Heimbecker – Moosomin location 2022 Blair’s Family of Companies Retailer Hall of Fame Established in 2008, the Retailer Hall of Fame award recognizes an individual from one member location who has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication over time. The people in our industry work tirelessly to give growers the best products and services possible. Sometimes, one individual in a retail business stands out among the crowd year after year as going the extra mile, thanks to extraordinary leadership and vision. If you know someone that belongs in CAAR’s Retailer Hall of Fame, please nominate them at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CAAR2024RHOF Retailer Hall of Fame Award Recipients 2007 Ron Helwer Shur-Gro Farm Services Ltd. 2008 Dean Clarke Dean Clarke Agri Services 2009 Ray Redfern Redfern Farm Services 2010 Frank Orchard Orchard Transport 2011 Bob Whitelaw Agrico Canada Ltd. 2012 Ron Blair Blair’s Fertilizer Ltd. 2013 Bruce Schmaltz DynAgro Corp 2014 David Jessiman United Agri Products 2015 David Wendland Wendland Ag 2016 Art Funk Rolla Ag 2017 Pattie Ganske Parkland Fertilizer 2018 Wayne Deschouwer Agrium 2019 Dennis Bulani Rack Petroleum 2020 Jeff Holmes Holmes Agro 2022 Garth McDonald G-Mac AgTeam Please contact CAAR Executive Director Myrna Grahn if you have any questions regarding the awards or the nomination process. 204-989-9303; myrna@caar.org
OCTOBER 2024 11 MENTAL HEALTH Nowadays, it’s difficult to say we don’t know anyone in a family who has not been impacted by mental health issues. Actually, that’s not quite true. Unfortunately, many people are still afraid to admit they have a problem due to social stigma. Then again, such a stigma does still exist, whether we care to admit it or not. Statistics Canada and its 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey have suggested that approximately one in three Canadians aged 15 and up met the diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder in the past year. And then there was COVID-19. It was an illness of the body, but its mere presence has been enough to afflict the fragile eggshell mind of human emotions, impacting our mental health as more and more Canadians continue to report increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. At the 2024 CAAR Convention on Wednesday, November 20, Chris Beaudry, a fourth-generation farmer and former assistant coach of the 2017/18 Humboldt Broncos, will speak about mental health and the challenges he has faced. It was this Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team that was involved in a bus crash that killed 16 players and staff. Chris is now a trained mental health advocate, and he will provide insight into his mental health struggles and how it has led him to help others. Do More Ag Agriculture is a tough industry. There’s the anxiety of the weather, pests, diseases, crop yield, having enough money to look after the family, needing new equipment, fixing the old equipment, animal health, and more—there’s no time to take a break. And what about being in the retail sector? There are sales to be made, high prices to be paid for goods thanks to inflation only partially brought about by COVID-19, global supply chain snarl-ups, port strikes, rail strikes, global politics, and war; it just keeps on piling up. For those who believe that only someone affiliated with the ag industry would be better able to underALL TOGETHER NOW Mental health challenges are non-discriminatory, but help is readily available. Andrew Joseph, Editor Life in the farming business can be tough on the emotional psyche. Just like the vehicles we use, sometimes we can use a bit of maintenance. SolStock/E+ photo
12 CAAR COMMUNICATOR stand the mental health concerns of someone in the industry, there’s the Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag). This national organization is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and support within the Canadian agricultural community. So what does Do More Ag do? Key to its function is to raise awareness, to increase understanding and awareness of mental health issues within the agricultural community, and that it doesn’t hit weak people. In its 2024 campaign, #TalkItOut, Do More Ag encouraged people to have open conversations about mental health while providing a safe and anonymous platform—AgTalk— where individuals were able to connect and support each other. Resources and support are also key, with a range of resources such as crisis lines, wellness tips, and educational materials to help those in the agricultural sector manage their mental health. Do More Agriclture Foundation can help connect individuals with peer support networks and mental health professionals. You can visit their website to learn more about these and other resources at www.domoreag.ag. To show that you are not alone, the Do More Agriculture Foundation performs community building, creating a supportive community where individuals feel encouraged and empowered to take care of their mental well-being. They collaborate with industry partners, government, and other organizations to address mental health challenges in agriculture. There are also special global initiatives, such as Walk With Me, that seek to increase awareness about mental health while also honouring those affected by mental illnesses in the agriculture community. The foundation also provides workshops and training sessions on mental health awareness, stress management, and resilience building. There are also opportunities for anyone to easily access educational resources such as articles, guides, and toolkits on mental health topics relevant to agriculture. Contact Information To contact the Do More Agriculture Foundation for yourself, a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, visit the website at https://www.domore.ag or call +1 (306) 741-9559. MENTAL HEALTH Sometimes just having a support system in place can help one deal with mental health issues. The bravest thing a person can do is to make that initial effort to ask for help with their mental health. SolStock/E+ photo SolStock/E+ photo
OCTOBER 2024 13 That happy smile may not show all that’s going on under the surface. To really be there for one another, we need to dig deeper. Turn thoughts into conversations and talk about the tough stuff. Together, we can champion the mental well being of our agriculture community. The Do More Agriculture Foundation is here to help. Check out our website for agriculture-specific mental health support and resources. Visit domore.ag today! #talkitout BREAKING DOWN If only they knew how close I am to I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY I know they’re struggling, but BETTER WITHOUT ME Maybe the farm would do
You have the backs of Canadian farmers. We have yours. Solutions-driven retailers like you are always getting premium products into the hands of farmers. That’s why we are committed to delivering innovation to your retail with our high-quality crop protection products and our 2025 InVigor® hybrid canola lineup – all with patented Pod Shatter Reduction technology. Find out how we’re moving the industry forward at agsolutions.ca. Always read and follow label directions. AgSolutions and INVIGOR are registered trademarks of BASF, used under license by BASF Canada Inc. © 2024 BASF Canada Inc.
OCTOBER 2024 15 CAAR CONNECT: EMPOWERING AN INDUSTRY Join us at the Delta Regina from November 19 – 21 to stay on top of industry trends, learn about the key issues affecting our industry and network with your peers. REGISTER NOW! www.caar.org/agriculture-events-2024-caar-convention/ SPONSORSHIP + EXHIBITS There is still time to sponsor this year’s convention! Become a featured sponsor or book a Cruise & Connect table to showcase your business. Contact Tracey Shelton at tracey@caar.org to learn more.
EMPOWERING AN INDUSTRY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Registration 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Science of the Six Pack Kick Off Reception Kick off the 2024 CAAR Convention learning about Canada’s malting barley industry at our interactive Science of the Six-Pack event. Six local breweries will compete for top honours as you sample and vote on your favourite craft brews handpicked from across Saskatchewan. Spend the evening catching up with peers and building connections with ag retailers. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 7:00 a.m. Registration opens 7:30 - 8:15 a.m. CAAR Connect Breakfast 8:15 – 8:30 a.m. CAAR AGM 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Opening of the 2024 CAAR Convention Stu Rasmussen, Chair Myrna Grahn, Executive Director, CAAR 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. Empowering an Industry: Setting the Stage Cornie Thiessen, General Manager, ADAMA Canada ADAMA Canada’s General Manager Cornie Thiessen will set the stage by sharing his insights on how ADAMA Canada is growing, what’s impacting their business today and in the future and what this means for agri retailers in Canada. 9:15 – 10:30 a.m. The Future of Responsible Agriculture in Canada Alanna Koch, Chair, Global Institute for Food Security Catherine King, Vice President, Public Affairs & Member Services, Fertilizer Canada Leanne Koroscil, Innovation Farms Manager, EMILI Innovation, new technologies and evolving requirements and regulations are quickly changing the way we do things in every facet of our lives. What does the future of agriculture in Canada look like? How are sustainability, AI and machine learning impacting the ag retail sector and what can you do to stay ahead of the curve? 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Networking Break 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Empowering an Industry: The Lay of the Land Cornie Thiessen, General Manager, ADAMA Canada Jennifer Wright, Executive Director, Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) TBD, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) What are the issues facing the Canadian agriculture industry? Geopolitics, economics and current affairs here at home and around the globe can have a big impact.. Hear what’s making news today and what’s on the horizon.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. From Empower to Action: Let’s get Moving! Crystal Mackay, Loft32 Get fueled and fired up with our kickstart keynote. Crystal Mackay has inspired agricultural audiences across North America with her unique insights from farms to forks. She will share her perspective on your role and opportunities for the future as agriretailers. 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Empowering an Industry: Customer & Consumer Insights Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel, Saskatchewan farmer and ag industry advocate Clinton Monchuk, Saskatchewan farmer and Executive Director, Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan Moderator: Crystal Mackay, Founder & CEO, Loft32 What’s impacting your bottom line? Hear from two Saskatchewan farmers and agriculture advocates about what customers and consumers are looking for today. 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Networking Break 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Resiliency and the Road to Recovery Chris Beaudry, mental health advocate and former Humboldt Broncos assistant coach Listen and learn as former Humboldt Broncos assistant coach and mental health advocate Chris Beaudry shares his personal story about resilience and the road to recovery. 3:45 – 4:00 p.m. Closing remarks Myrna Grahn, Executive Director, CAAR 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Cruise & Connect Happy Hour with Exhibitors 6:00 - 10:30 p.m. Gala Banquet Live Auction CAAR's Choice Awards Entertainment: Quick Dick McDick Enjoy an evening of entertainment and networking. We’ll honour some of the industry’s best with the annual CAAR Choice Awards and get everyone in on the action at an exciting live auction. Get ready for some laughs from Saskatchewan comedy legend Quick Dick McDick and his homegrown humour. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. CAAR Ag Retail Forum & Breakfast Join the CAAR board and staff for a breakfast and facilitated feedback session. We’ll start off hearing from Todd Klink, Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Public Affairs, Farm Credit Canada (FCC), who will share the leadership lessons he’s learned over the years. Then share your thoughts on the key issues affecting agri-retailers in Canada and what CAAR should be doing to advocate on your behalf.
MEET OUR SPEAKERS Cornie Thiessen is the General Manager for Adama Canada. In his five years in the role, Cornie has invested in building a great team committed to advancing Canadian agriculture by being a hardworking, high integrity partner to distribution and retail. These investments have driven strong growth and set the stage for an ambitious future. Cornie is also a CropLife Canada board member. Prior to joining Adama, Cornie worked for 20 years at Monsanto and Bayer in a wide variety of sales, marketing and global strategy management roles. Cornie holds an honours degree in political science from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from the University of Guelph. Alanna Koch is a farmer, industry leader, long-time agriculture champion, former senior government executive and experienced corporate director from Edenwold, Saskatchewan. She’s the Board Chair of the Global Institute for Food Security and CN Agricultural Advisory Council, sits on the board of SeedMaster Manufacturing and the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, chairs the Field of STARS Fundraising Committee and is an active member of the Global Farmer Network. She works with farmers and the agriculture industry through her consulting company, KoHert Agri Inc. Before this, she served as Deputy Minister to Premier Brad Wall and Cabinet Secretary and was the Saskatchewan Deputy Minister of Agriculture for nine years. Prior to joining government, she was President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and was Executive Director of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers. Crystal Mackay is recognized as a speaker, trainer and leader in communications and earning public trust in food and farming in Canada. She served as the founding CEO of Farm & Food Care, the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, and now her own company, LOFT32 and UTENSIL.CA. She is a Board member for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, former Chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef communications committee, Board Member of the Poultry Industry Council, the Ontario 4-H Foundation and past president of the OAC Alumni Association at the University of Guelph, where she graduated with her degree in Animal Science. Crystal is a graduate of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program and several other executive business management training programs. Crystal is proud of her farm girl roots in the Ottawa Valley. Jennifer Wright grew up working in her family’s farm equipment dealership and helping on the farm in southwestern Ontario. She has worked in the field of human resource research and development for more than 20 years. Jennifer has worked with several industries, including agriculture, leading initiatives related to inclusion and diversity, attraction and retention, work integrated learning, labour market research, skills development, training and education. In addition to her work experience, she holds a Masters of Business Administration from Royal Roads University. Jennifer worked with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council as a consultant for more than 10 years before joining the staff in 2019 and is currently serving as the Executive Director. Chris Beaudry is a father, farmer, and public speaker who uses his lived experiences as grist for the mill for personal and spiritual growth. Growing up in Northern Saskatchewan, Chris remembers the carefree days of his childhood as much as he remembers the dark moments cast over these memories being raised by an abusive mother who struggled with drug addiction. As a teenager, he turned to alcohol to numb the traumatic experiences of his childhood. Years later, two major life events changed Chris’ life – getting sober and being a coach of the 2017/18 Humboldt Broncos who were involved in a tragic bus accident that killed 16 players and staff and injured 13 others. Through his speaking work, Chris shares stories from his life and wisdom he carries through spiritual practice to help people recognition and embrace the pain that sets them free from suffering. CORNIE THIESSEN ALANNA KOCH CRYSTAL MACKAY JENNIFER WRIGHT CHRIS BEAUDRY
MEET OUR SPEAKERS Catherine King is Vice President of Public Affairs and Membership for Fertilizer Canada where she is responsible for the strategic communications and government relations for the association. She works to ensure the Federal and Provincial governments, stakeholders and media understand the essential role that the fertilizer industry plays in both Canadian and global agriculture. In addition to her public affairs role, Catherine manages the association’s member services department, which is responsible for supporting membership growth, as well as fostering and developing relations with existing Fertilizer Canada members. Clinton Monchuk grew up on a mixed dairy, beef, and grain family farm outside of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. Clinton has enjoyed numerous roles across Canada, the United States and Mexico as a researcher, educator, manager, economist, and director of trade policy. As the Executive Director with Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan he helps to promote farming and ranching to consumers. He also gives back to the agriculture community as a board member, serving on the Agri-Food Council of Saskatchewan and Pound-Maker Agventures Ltd. (a large cattle feedlot and ethanol plant). With his wife and kids, he continues to be active partners on their family grain farm in Saskatchewan and cattle ranch in Oklahoma. Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel along with her husband David and family, are farming in Saskatchewan and are proud parents of 2 young farm girls. As a speaker, moderator, Emcee and as the Host of Farm Show TV, Cherilyn enjoys sharing agriculture related topics to a wide array of audiences. Cherilyn holds her ICD.D designation through the Rotman School of Management and the Institute of Corporate Directors and has served on the board of SaskPower, as President of the Canadian Wheat Growers and as a member of the Canadian National Railway Agriculture Advisory Council. In cooperation with the team at Utensil.ca, Cherilyn launched an online training program titled “So… your client is a farmer?” with the goal to help people build better relationships with farmers and increase the overall level of knowledge about agriculture and food. She represents Canada as an International Director on the board for the Global Farmer Network which seeks to amplify farmers voices on issues related to trade and access to technology. Cherilyn was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Canadian Agriculture. Leanne Koroscil (MSc, P.Ag.) is the Innovation Farms Manager for EMILI. Her grain farming background, coupled with 10 years of academic and industry experience in sectors across the agriculture value chain, brings a well-rounded perspective to how new and innovative technologies are shaping agriculture. Her interest in agriculture began on the family grain farm in Sandy Lake, Manitoba. Early industry experiences with grain elevator operations and small plot trial management led her to obtain BSc (Agronomy) and MSc (Plant Science) degrees from the University of Manitoba before managing field-scale research programs. In her role at EMILI, Leanne oversees the projects and activities taking place on Innovation Farms, a 5,500+ acre commercial seed farm located near Grosse Isle, Manitoba - to test, validate, and demonstrate the vast potential and capabilities of digital agriculture technologies. Leanne is also a provincial councillor for Agrologists Manitoba. He grew up on a community pasture north of Tuffnell, Saskatchewan, and after graduating high school, he headed out to the oil patch in Northern Alberta. After 19 years during a short visit home in 2019 while waiting on a work visa to pursue his oil & gas career into the Australian Moomba Desert, he accidentally created a social media persona named Quick Dick McDick, fell back in love with being home in Saskatchewan and decided to stay. Now when he’s not busy pulling calves, driving truck or planting crop, he spends his time showing us about farming, fossil fuels, how silly our government can be and a whole bunch of other goofy things we do in our every day life, and how it’s perfectly okay that we do them. CATHERINE KING CLINTON MONCHUK CHERILYN JOLLY-NAGEL LEANNE KOROSCIL QUICK DICK MCDICK
20 CAAR COMMUNICATOR The craft beer scene in Saskatchewan is vibrant and diverse, with several breweries making a mark with their unique brews. As of 2024, there are about 20 breweries and distilleries in the province. And because everything truly depends on one’s taste, there’s probably a beer for everyone’s discerning tastebuds. CAAR is shining a spotlight on Saskatchewan’s craft beers with the Science of the Six-Pack opening event at the 2024 CAAR Connect Convention. Six local breweries will compete to be crowned the best-tasting beer by convention attendees, who will learn about the malt barley industry and about each of the breweries selected to compete. (See Page 23 for more on this can’t-miss event.) Presented in no particular order—except the first one because the writer loves his sour beer: Nokomis Craft Ales are renowned for their range of sour beers, including the Liquid Whisper, what the company calls a hopped barrel-aged sour that will be judged at the event. This dry-hopped beer is tart but with refreshing notes of citrus and stone fruit. Like many a craft beer operation, Nokomis started small, as a one-person operation in 2014, in a facility no larger than a single-car garage, which seems small until you consider that the rural farming community of 400 or so people that is Nokomis is only 2.61 km² in size. Its beers are ingrained with a special flavour thanks to the town’s renowned aquifer water and regionally grown barley. Along with its cereal grains, the brewery uses a wide range of the province’s fruit and native plants and brewing traditions. Located in Regina, Pile O’Bones Brewing has a wide range of beers, ciders, and special cocktails and offers its delicious Vienna Lager, an easy-to-drink mild European style that is malt-forward and a bit toasty. The brewery’s name comes from the history of the Regina area. Indigenous hunters in the area would, after taking the flesh and hide of the long bison, stack the animal’s bones into large piles as a means to honour the creature’s spirit. The area was known as the Oskana Kasastcki by the Indigenous peoples, roughly translating to “bone piles.” Later, when European explorers came to the area, they translated it to “Pile of Bones.” The Romanized Oskana became Wascana before it was renamed to the Latin word for “queen”—Regina—in 1882 in honour of Queen Victoria. Black Bridge Brewery will showcase its intriguing Milk Stout, which is black, and creamy thanks to barley that is roasted and unmalted. The brewery’s name is derived from a real, small iron bridge located a few kilometres south of Swift Current. While the local landmark spans a creek below it, when not used as a fishing area or for a graduation or wedding photo locale, it is also supposed to be a haunted area. When married owners Kari and Clayton Stenson were considering a name for the brewery, they wanted something that represented longevity, was a beloved icon for all those family, graduation, and wedding shoots, and was representative of their values: downto-earth, strong, honest, and proud to represent Saskatchewan brewing. Bushwakker Brewing Company offers up its Cyclone Barleywine. Barleywine? Sounds intriguing. It’s a rich, malty ale featuring a nutty, caramel NOT ALL BEERS ARE CREATED EQUAL Keeping it local with an eye on ingredients and historical flair is what keeps the Saskatchewan craft beer scene hopping. Andrew Joseph, Editor BEER COMPANIES The Science of the Six-Pack competition features six Saskatchewan beers (from l): Beer! from Rebellion Brewery; Liquid Whisper from Nokomis Craft Ales; Vienna Lager from Pile O’ Vones Brewing; Cyclone Barleywine from Bushwakker Brewing Company; Bavarian Dark Lager from District Brewing Company; and Milk Stout from Black Bridge Brewing. Photo courtesy of Terry Andryo.
OCTOBER 2024 21 BEER COMPANIES flavour with a clean finish. It’s named after one of the most powerful natural disasters in Canadian history, the Regina Cyclone of June 30, 1912, a devastating F4-scale tornado. While no one is paying homage to the tornado that caused so much death and destruction, it is a keen way to remember the devastating effect it had on the community. Aside from the tasty beer, the only other remaining evidence of the event is the different-coloured bricks on the north wall of the Knox-Metropolitan United Church in Regina. BEER!—yes, that’s the name of the beer produced by Rebellion Brewing in Regina—is a traditional Kölsch German beer that is light, crisp, and well balanced. FYI, they also make Key Lime Pie beer! Rebellion Beer is owned by Mark Heise and his wife Joanne. Although Heise has been winning awards for his beers since 2006, he only started up their Rebellion Brewing business in 2014, which features a 20-hectoliter brewhouse capable of producing 6,000 bottles of beer at a time. Along with the tasty Beer!, it produces Amber Ale, Zilla IPA, the Mexican-style Cerveza, and the very popular Lentil Cream Ale. A beer made with pulses?! It receives its King Red Lentil pulses from AGT Food and Ingredients, a Canadian processor of pulses and other food ingredients that is also one of the largest pulse-processing companies in the world. If you are going to try a beer at Rebellion, this seems like a great Canadian place to start. The Lentil Cream Ale is described as having a crisp, lemony taste with a slightly earthy feel. According to Agriculture Canada, in 2023, Canada exported some 3.1 million tonnes of pulses—lentils, peas, chickpeas, etc.—with India, Turkey, and Bangladesh as three big importers of our lentils. From District Brewing Company in Regina, there’s the Bavarian Dark Lager, which sounds chewy and delicious. This dark brown with a garnet tint provides a subtle noble hop bitterness and aroma and features a malt forward with notes of toffee, raisin, and chocolate. More than just famous for its CFL lovin’ Rider Pride, Saskatchewan craft beers are an explosion of flavourful brews made with many local-area ingredients. What ingredients? Well, how about Saskatoon berries? Native to the area, they are often used in ales and sours, providing the brew with a slightly sweet but tart flavour. Local honey is also used by some breweries to add sweetness and complexity. There are grains grown in the Saskatchewan prairies, as well as herbs and spices such as coriander, juniper berries, and spruce tips—which can provide quite interesting flavour profiles. These ingredients not only add unique flavours but also help support local agriculture and give the beers a true taste of Saskatchewan. Contribute today and give the next generation of youth leaders a chance to grow. Tomorrow needs 4-H. Today, 4-H needs you. DONATE NOW tomorrowneeds4h.ca FCC will match the first $50,000 of donations! 14771_FCC_2024_4-H-Fundraising_4-625x7-5_CAAR_v1.indd 1 2024-09-10 3:03 PM
22 CAAR COMMUNICATOR PESTICIDE LABEL COMPLIANCE CropLife Canada is seeking collaboration from CAAR members in displaying these best practices documents in visible places in your warehouses and/or distribution centres. Stewardship is a core value at CropLife Canada, which takes pride in being a world leader in the stewardship of pesticides and plant breeding innovations, from initial research and development to end-of-life disposal. As part of its stewardship efforts, it has created a First In, First Out (FIFO) best practices document to help phase out old labels from the market during the implementation period. Download the FIFO document here: https://croplife.ca/uploads/publications/FIFO-graphic-final_ENG.pdf. Also, distributors and retailers are encouraged to sign up for the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s (PMRA) RSS feed to receive notices of Re-evaluation and Special Review decisions and PMRA’s newsletter, which contains important information for regulated parties. Additionally, Health Canada’s Pesticides compliance and enforcement: Resources website (https://www. canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-products/pesticides-compliance-enforcement/resources.html) is also a great resource for reviewing fact sheets on re-evaluation/special reviews. Health Canada’s PMRA mandates periodic reviews of registered pesticides to ensure ongoing compliance with safety and efficacy standards. These periodic reviews can lead to label changes, requiring retailers and distributors to transition to updated packaging within a specified timeframe. To avoid disposal or re-labelling of products with outdated labels, CropLife Canada recommends implementing the FIFO inventory management method. FIFO prioritizes the sale of older products, minimizing the risk of having outdated labels on the market. Key best practices for adopting FIFO include: • Shelf Placement: Place older products at the front of shelves with newer ones behind them, ensuring labels are clearly visible. • Employee Training: Educate employees about the importance of FIFO and update company poli- cies accordingly. • Clear Signage: Display FIFO best practices prominently in storage areas. To stay informed about label changes, retailers and distributors can: • Communicate with Registrant Partners: Seek information about requirements and timelines. • Contact Pesticide Companies: Reach out to the company listed on the label for updates. • Visit the PMRA Website: Utilize the label search tool to access the latest approved labels. • Subscribe to AWSA E-blasts: Receive notifications about label changes for commercial prod- ucts. By following these guidelines, retailers and distributors can effectively manage their pesticide inventory and ensure their compliance with PMRA regulations. Visit CropLife Canada’s website to download a copy of the FIFO best practices sheet and place it in visible places in your warehouses and/or distribution centres. FIFO BEST PRACTICES FOR PESTICIDE LABEL COMPLIANCE CropLife Canada urges distributors and retailers to adopt FIFO practices to avoid the disposal of outdated pesticides and ensure compliance with PMRA regulations. To ensure compliance with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, the First In First Out (FIFO) best practices should be adopted. Kittisak Kaewchalun/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc0MDI3