AgNow | Feb 2025

Harry Siemens: A voice for farmers, a legacy of integrity

thecarillon.com

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

FEATURE STORY Harry Siemens: A voice for farmers, a legacy of integrity See story on page 2

n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C2

n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Agriculture Now

SUPPLIED

Group shot at the awards ceremony.

Harry Siemens: A voice for farmers, a legacy of integrity

deliver live agricultural reports. Over the years, he expanded into television, newspaper col- umns, and online journalism, always with a focus on rural life and farming issues. “I worked as hard as I could,” Siemens said. “I remember when I first started at CFAM, and I would get a call from somebody saying, ‘Harry, what’s going on? What are you talking about?’ and I’d say, ‘Keep talking. My recorder’s rolling.’” Communicating with Integrity One of the most important lessons Siemens learned in his career came from his father. His father, who grew up near Altona, often strug- gled with English, which made Siemens re- think his communication style. “My dad would ask me about something I said on the radio, and I realized if he couldn’t understand me, then I was wasting my time,” Siemens said. “So, I learned to communicate in a way that my dad could always under- stand, whether it was writing, broadcasting, or preaching.” This realization shaped Siemens’ approach to journalism. His goal has always been to write and speak in a way that the average farm- er could comprehend. He prides himself on writing for “the common man,” delivering the facts without embellishment or bias. His goal, he says, is “Helping you help your- self.” His motto: “A positive mental attitude, to en- courage, inspire, and serve others, will moti- vate you to do your best. Be heard, understood and believed to make your point! It makes you the hub instead of the spoke.” Expanding his reach Over the years, Siemens branched out into television, fundraising, and farm advocacy. In 1991, he launched the Manitoba Farm Report, a television program that ran until 1998. He also coined the segment Siemens Says, which became a recognizable brand in farm journal- ism. See ‘Staying connected’ on 3C

by LORI PENNER F or more than five decades, veteran broad- caster and agricultural journalist Harry Siemens has been a voice for farmers, en- suring their stories are told with fairness, accu- racy, and integrity. His dedication to journalism and advocacy was recently recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour presented through the office of Senator Don Plett. The award acknowledges Siemens’ lifetime of contributions to agricultural journalism and his tireless efforts to bring news and informa- tion to the farming community. The Winkler based Siemens, who began his broadcasting career in 1971, was both sur- prised and humbled by the recognition. “I got this letter from Senator Don Plett’s office, say- ing I was given this award for my dedication and service.” He received his medal in Winnipeg on Feb. 8, alongside nine other recipients. Despite the honour, Siemens remains focused on the work that has driven him for most of his life: serving the agricultural community through honest and impactful journalism. A lifelong advocate for farmers Siemens’ career has always been defined by his unwavering support for farmers. “Num- ber one, I’ve always been an advocate for the farmer,” he explained. “That’s always been my priority.” Growing up on a family farm, Siemens de- veloped a deep respect for the hard work and resilience required in agriculture. That respect shaped his career as he transitioned into farm broadcasting. His reporting has always aimed to provide farmers with clear, accurate infor- mation, delivered in a way that they can un- derstand and apply to their own operations. “To be an accurate journalist, you have to be fair and objective,” Siemens emphasized. His meticulous approach to journalism, including recording every interview to ensure accuracy, has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in farm media. From farming to broadcasting Siemens never set out to be a journalist. In fact, his original plan was to keep farming the 1,200 acres he shared with his father. However, his career took an unexpected turn when his father noticed a newspaper advertisement for a farm broadcaster position at Radio Southern Manitoba. “My dad saw an advertisement looking for a farm broadcaster at Radio Southern Manitoba, and he urged me to go for it,” Siemens recalled. “I had never even considered doing something like that. But I applied, and a month later, Jim McSweeney called me and said, ‘You got the job.’” That moment launched Siemens into a ca- reer that would span decades. He spent his early years at CFAM, waking up at 3:30 a.m. to

SUPPLIED Veteran broadcaster and agricultural journalist Harry Siemens recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The award, presented through the office of Senator Don Plett, acknowledges Siemens’ contributions to journalism and advocacy, particularly in the agricultural sector.

LORI PENNER THE CARILLON Relaxing after leading the invocation at Farm Days in St. Jean.

SUPPLIED

Harry Siemens addressing the U.S. Grains Council AGM.

STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n C3

www.thecarillon.com n

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Agriculture Now

Sundown farmer wins watershed district award for rotational grazing, cover crops

by SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC S undown area farmers Randy and Joyska Tkachyk have been practicing regenera- tive agriculture sporadically for 15 years and intensively for the past four years. Be- cause of their passion for responsible farming and eagerness to protect the environment, they have won the Manitoba Watershed Asso- ciation’s Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District Award for regenerative agricultural practices on their beef farm. “(They’re) really big into regenerative agri- culture and Randy is also open and willing to have people come to his farm to see what he is doing and showing them exactly what it looks like and what you can do in your (farm),” said SRRWD district manager Joey Pankiw. Tkachyk has a YouTube channel called Life on a Manitoba Farm where he shares his farm- ing experiences. Tkachyk said he was honoured by the award and that it is only a recognition, but that it’s more rewarding to see the results on the farm and what the outcomes are for the future. “We’re not depilating our soil and our soil is not being blown away into ditches or being put into rivers or lakes. We’re keeping everything here. Our soil is like a little factory for us,” he said. The Tkachyk ranch is a third-generation farm that was established in 1907 when Tk- achyk’s grandparents from Austria and the Ukraine came and established their roots in Manitoba. The farm boasts about 1,200 acres with 80 rotational grazing paddocks ranging in size from two acres to 25 acres used to raise cows and calves. Cattle are placed on fresh grass every three to five days during the summer months and during the winter they eat from bales which allows them to fertilize a patch of SUBMITTED BY RANDY TKACHYK The farm boasts about 1,200 acres with 80 rotational grazing paddocks ranging in size from two acres to 25 acres used to raise cows and calves. Cattle are placed on fresh grass every three to five days during the summer months and during the winter they eat from bales which allows them to fertilize a patch of land and minimize tractor use. They return to the original paddock every 45 to 65 days.

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON Randy and Joyska Tkachyk hold their award for the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District Award from the Manitoba Association of Watersheds. The Tkachyks grow grass and ground cover for their cattle and practice rotational grazing in paddocks on their farm.

He has 15 different species of cover crops on his farm that the cattle graze on. The diversity improves soil health by reseeding, keeping the soil moist, and limiting erosion. “There’s some cereal in there. We’ve got some oats, barley, turnips, radishes, sunflow- ers, there’s a whole diversity in there. There’s not monocrops…,” he said. Financially, he used the example of paying $90 an acre to fertilize and seed but with re- generative agriculture that amount can drop to $75 an acre because the fertilizing and some seeding is done by the cows. “What is happening is I’m increasing my soil biology in the ground too, which is benefiting this year and the future years as well.” For farmers thinking of implementing re- generative agriculture, Tkachyk encourages them to try it and there are grants available for farmers who are considering the practice. “Just try a small scale. Try a few acres and see what it does but be prepared to fail and don’t say that this is going to be your last try. Try it about two, three times and you could see some results out of it.”

land and minimize tractor use. They return to the original paddock every 45 to 65 days. “Rotational grazing helps soil health, im- proves soil biology, organic matter, and se- questration carbon,” said Randy Tkachyk. “(It) helps the soil retain moisture and resist erosion, reduces runoff and improves water quality.” Tkachyk, who calls himself a grass farmer, said his method of farming leads to fewer herd health problems, reduces machinery costs, supplemental feeding, and cattle can graze late into the season. “He’s a really good example for other people who are trying to get into regenerative agri- culture that you can be doing good things for the environment, but still be a profitable busi- ness and make it a longer lasting enterprise for him and his family. It’s a really good example of people making that transition and showing how to do it and why it works,” said Pankiw. Tkachyk’s journey into regenerative agri- culture began for financial reasons. He found that with a cover crop and rotational grazing he doesn’t have to seed as much or fertilize.

SUBMITTED BY RANDY TKACHYK Randy Tkachyk and his dog after inspecting his cattle.

Staying connected and informed Continued from page 2C

Prairie Hog Country , and The Agri- Post , a publication he co-founded in 2021. He also hosts a Sunday morn- ing farm report on CJOB, ensuring that farmers remain informed about the latest developments in the in- dustry. A life’s work rooted in faith Throughout his career, Siemens has credited the love and support of his family, and his lifelong faith as the foundation of his work. “My ser- vice is to the Lord Almighty,” he said. “I dedicate everything to Him, and

He keeps giving me life.” Many Sundays will find him be- hind the pulpit at his local church. Despite the accolades, Siemens re- mains humble. “I’ve never been one to seek recognition,” he said. “I just let it happen and keep doing what I love to do.” For Siemens, the greatest reward has always been sharing the stories of farmers and making sure their voices are heard. “I love to tell the story,” he said. “I like to tell the story about farming, one farmer at a time.”

His involvement in agricultural media extended beyond Canada. He became a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters in the United States, where he built relationships with industry leaders. “There were three or four guys that I’m still in contact with. They were broadcasters at WGN in Chicago. They were my mentors and helped me become a real broadcaster,” he said. During a trip to Kansas City for an industry event, Siemens encoun- tered a group of farm broadcasters who would change the trajectory of his career. “There was an issue at the border having to do with hog pro- ducers, and I was asked to speak at

got smaller, I’d buy another one,” he said. Today, he remains highly en- gaged on social media, using plat- forms like Twitter and LinkedIn to connect with farmers and industry experts. “I have 8,800 followers on Twitter, and I have almost 19,000 on Linke- dIn,” he said. “I do regular surveys, ask questions, and I’m always read- ing. If I can’t be informed, then I don’t want to do this.” Even now, Siemens continues to write for The Ontario Farmer , The

a business meeting about it. When I came out of there, there were 10-12 TV cameras waiting for me,” he re- called. “They were all farm broad- casters, and I talked to as many as I could. That taught me how to work both sides of the media.” Siemens later became president of the Manitoba Farm Writers and Broadcasters Association and the Canadian Farm Writers Association. In both roles, he championed pro- fessional development for agricul- tural journalists. Staying informed and connected Siemens has always stayed ahead of the curve by embracing technol- ogy. “I bought my first computer in 1982, and every time the recorders

BUSINESS HIGH INTEREST SAVINGS ACCOUNT STARTING AT 1.90% *

At this rate, you’ll get there.

*Rate subject to change. Tiered pricing available.

SUPPLIED

Harry Siemens and Lynn Ketelson.

n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C4

n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Agriculture Now

LORI PENNER THE CARILLON

Farm Days gave producers and ag specialists a chance to share information about everything from equipment and chemicals, to seed and crop insurance.

Annual ag show draws hundreds to St. Jean by LORI PENNER F or nearly four decades, the community grain tub, filled it with snow, and people loved it. Now we do it every year,” Sabourin shared. Despite the additions, the cost remains afford- able. “It’s still just $10 for breakfast, lunch, and all this learning. We kept it low-cost for all our exhibitors and guests.”

“We’ve had some of the same guys coming year after year, traveling from Portage la Prai- rie and Miami. They come for the speakers and the meals. And the timing is perfect. It’s the first show of the year; by the end of Febru- ary, people are ‘meetinged’ out. It’s a familiar, low-key event. Pretty much business as usual,” Sabourin said. Over the years, new features have been add- ed to keep the event fresh and engaging. For instance, the farmers’ bar was introduced a few years ago. “We have the beer, and one year the cooler stopped working. I got a big round

terms of market, weather, and insects, along with other things like the resistant weeds that we have coming up from the States. We bring all these experts here where people can get all the information they need and talk to local people about local issues. They get answers, right down to how to survive the current mar- ket. It’s really a great event.” Reflecting on the event’s longevity, Sabourin said, “I never thought it would go on this long. If you looked within a 15-mile radius in 1986, how many farmers were there? And you look at 2025, and there are a lot fewer farmers. It’s a whole new generation of producers. Back then, I could have named every farmer in the room, and now I know maybe 10 percent of them.” Despite the changes over the years, the es- sence of St Jean Farm Days remains the same.

of St Jean-Baptiste has been the place for “Canada’s Biggest Little Farm Show.” Now in its 38th year, St Jean Farm Days is still going strong. The annual event drew hundreds of local producers and exhibitors to the Centenni- al Hall on Jan. 8 and 9, to connect with other farmers, ag specialists, and dealers from across the region. Once again, visitors enjoyed the same great food that Farm Days is known for, including a continental breakfast and homemade cuisine featuring the region’s signature pea soup and open-faced sandwiches. This year, however, marked a significant change as the Knights of Columbus, who have prepared and served the food at Farm Days for 37 years, stepped down. Gilbert Sabourin, who heads up the or- ganizing committee along with Brunel Sab- ourin, Jennifer Sabourin, and Wayne Klassen, explained the transition. “Our parents were a part of the original Farm Days, and we’ve stepped up over the last few years. The average age of the Knights was getting up there. A lot of them moved away from town, so they dis- banded the group last summer. This was their main fundraiser all those years. Anything they made went right back into the community, so it’s kind of the end of an era.” St Jean-Baptiste has proudly held the title of “Soup Pea Capital of Canada” for decades. Although that market has since shifted to Sas- katchewan, the region is still famous for its traditional soup. “Morris Bigway had a meet- ing with my dad, recipes for the traditional pea soup and the ham sandwiches were shared, and they did a fabulous job. They duplicated everything. Why fix something if it’s not bro- ken?” Sabourin noted. He says the frosty weather on both days of the event played a role in boosting atten- dance. “Most of the time, it’s correlated to the temperature. The colder it is, the more people attend. If it’s minus 35, not too many people want to start their grain augers and their grain trucks, so they come here,” Sabourin said. However, he also acknowledged that the de- mand for grain was high. “But now the eleva- tors want grain. They have train cars they want to send down to the States in case there are tariffs coming. Lots of people are hauling grain right now.” Visitors at Farm Days also had the opportu- nity to network with other producers and 51 exhibitors about what’s going to be important to their farm operations this upcoming sea- son. One of the big sellers of the show, Sab- ourin added, is that attendees know they’ll get to talk to familiar faces. “We work hard to get experts who can pres- ent on current topics that are relevant to local producers. The people who can help them are all right here. With some of the larger shows, such as the three-day event in Brandon, it might be harder to connect with your person on the day you’re there. Here, they’ll be there.” The event also featured a full speaker pro- gram with topics relevant to the agricultur- al business. “You always want to hear about things that are current to the day. Something that’s been consistent for 38 years is that we al- ways have a grain marketing speaker each day. We always have a weather-related speaker, and the rest is whatever is relevant to the times,” Sabourin said. “It’s been the same format since we began. People want to know about the forecast in

The purpose of the event has always been to connect local producers with each other and experts in the industry. “We wanted to provide a place where they didn’t have to travel very far to get the advice and the products they need- ed. It’s really a great event,” Sabourin conclud- ed.

We work hard to get experts who can present on current topics that are relevant to local producers. The people who can help them are all right here.With some of the larger shows, such as the three-day event in Brandon, it might be harder to connect with your person on the day you’re there. Here, they’ll be there. – Gilbert Sabourin

Organizing Committee

LORI PENNER THE CARILLON Staff from Morris Bigway Foods cooked and served the soup this year. Back row, Logan Lapratte, Mary Marion, Melissa Berg and Sam Milne. Front, Sandra Brun and Colette Belisle.

LORI PENNER THE CARILLON After a full round of presentations, the Farmers Bar rounded off the afternoon on day one of Farm Days.

LORI PENNER THE CARILLON Ag specialists Tammy Jones, Kim Brown-Livingston, and Jeanette Gaulthier presented a lively forum about how to deal with resistant weeds.

STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n C5

www.thecarillon.com n

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Agriculture Now

El Niño, La Niña, and the 2025 Forecast: what farmers can expect this season

by LORI PENNER E very farmer wishes they had a crystal ball to predict what Manitoba’s growing season will bring. Will it be another dry year, or will mud-slicked fields make seeding a challenge? While no one can see the future, there is one global weather phenomenon that offers valuable clues for long-range forecasting - and it’s shaping predictions for the 2025 crop season. Scott Kehler, meteorologist, president and chief scientist of Weatherlogics, has spent years analyzing weather patterns and devel- oping forecasting tools to help farmers and industry professionals prepare for whatever Mother Nature has in store. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in me- teorology from the University of Manitoba, Ke- hler specializes in weather research, improv- ing prediction methods, and analyzing past climate events. Despite his focus on research, he remains passionate about day-to-day fore- casting, particularly for high-impact weather events. During his presentation at St Jean Farm Days in January, Kehler shed light on two significant climate patterns - El Niño and La Niña - and how they consistently shape winter weather trends across North America. Understanding El Niño and La Niña “These events are driven by shifts in sea surface temperatures in the central and east- ern Pacific Ocean along the equator,” Ke- hler explained. “El Niño is associated with above-average ocean temperatures, while La Niña brings cooler-than-normal waters. These changes influence global weather patterns, including the likelihood of extreme weather events.”

SUPPLIED

Scott Kehler, meteorologist, president and chief scientist of Weatherlogics.

Preparing for uncertainty Long-range forecasting remains a challenge, but trends in ocean temperatures, atmospher- ic oscillations, and solar cycles offer valuable insights. “Many farmers receive day-to-day forecasts, but long-range forecasts use entirely different methods,” Kehler emphasized. “Wa- ter temperatures change very slowly. It takes a lot of energy to alter ocean temperatures, so we rely on these indicators for longer-term predictions.” While the 2025 growing season remains uncertain, the expected transition from neutral conditions to El Niño suggests a wetter-than-normal summer with cool- er-than-normal temperatures. For farmers, this means careful planning and flexibility will be key. “As always, weather remains one of the most unpredictable factors in agriculture, but by understanding patterns like El Niño and La Niña, farmers can better prepare for what lies ahead.”

However, by May 2025, El Niño is expected to return and strengthen through the fall. “We’re quite uncertain at this point about the weather next winter,” he added. For Manitoba farmers, here’s what to expect in 2025: • Temperature Outlook: Overall, cool- er-than-normal summer conditions, partic- ularly in the spring. “It looks like this winter might be a little slow to leave, and with La Niña in place, there’s a chance we’ll see more snow. The snowpack could keep things a little cool- er into spring.” Summer temperatures will be normal to slightly below normal. • Precipitation Outlook: Wetter-than-normal conditions are expected, with a cooler start to spring followed by normal levels of rain and snow. As summer progresses, precipitation is projected to be above normal. • Thunderstorm Activity: In 2024, Manitoba saw an active thunderstorm season with few severe events. “2025 will likely be similar,” Ke- hler predicted.

temperatures affect global weather patterns. They influence the jet stream due to the dif- ference in temperature between areas to our south and areas to our north.” The jet stream is a key driver of North Amer- ican weather. During El Niño, temperature dif- ferences tend to be less pronounced, weaken- ing the jet stream and making it more difficult for cold air masses to move south. Conversely, La Niña strengthens the jet stream, increasing temperature differences and allowing Arctic air to push further south, often resulting in colder and snowier conditions. “Although these patterns don’t guarantee ex- treme weather, they increase the probability of certain conditions developing,” Kehler said. “If you look at the past decade, the warmest and coolest years have almost always coincided “The stronger the El Niño or La Niña, the greater its impact on our weather,” Kehler not- ed. “So far, we’ve been kind of in the middle, so we don’t really see any weather extremes over long periods of time. We’ll see a lot of ups and downs throughout the winter.” 2024 weather trends: a year of extremes Last year, precipitation was highly variable across the Prairies. Manitoba saw the wettest areas along the escarpment due to heavy late May rains, but conditions turned drier than average in July and August. By November, un- usual rainfall in the Red River Valley resulted in the rainiest November on record for Winnipeg. According to a fall 2024 survey, soil moisture was variable across the region. “There was a lot of concern for how dry it was, especially in South Central and Southwestern Manito- ba. But we actually recovered fairly well in the spring, which got the season off to a much bet- ter start,” Kehler said. What’s in Store for 2025? As of December 2024, the Pacific Ocean re- mained in neutral conditions, meaning nei- ther El Niño nor La Niña was in effect. “This means the forecast is far more uncertain than usual,” Kehler admitted. “When we don’t have a strong El Niño or La Niña, that takes away one of the factors we can point to when mak- ing our long-range forecast.” with an El Niño or La Niña event.” But there is a third option: neutral.

El Niño is associated with above average ocean temperatures, while La Niña brings cooler-than- normal waters.

- Scott Kehler Meterologist, President and Chief Scientist, Weatherlogics

El Niño and La Niña have been occurring for at least 10,000 years. Some historians suggest that El Niño may have even contributed to poor crop yields in Europe between 1789 and 1793, potentially fueling the French Revolu- tion. These events occur on an irregular cycle, typically every two to seven years, and can last anywhere from nine to 12 months, sometimes longer. Since 1900, there have been about 30 El Niño events, with the most recent in 2023-24 and the strongest recorded in 2015-16. Likewise, there have been about 30 La Niña events since 1900, with the most recent occurring from 2020-23 and the strongest on record in 1973-74. Why do we care about Pacific Ocean temperatures? “The Pacific Ocean makes up such a massive part of the Earth’s surface - about five times the area of Canada,” Kehler explained. “These

CARILLON ARCHIVES

Weather remains one of the most unpredictable factors in agriculture.

Anytime. Anywhere.

Serving southeastern Manitoba for over 40 years. Your local family run agricultural business.

www.marchutletseeds.ca High quality seed, High quality results.

thecarillon.com For news that matters to people in southeastern Manitoba

n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C6

n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Agriculture Now

JOHN GAVLOSKI

Aphids pictured on peas near Carman.

Soybean aphids pictured on soybeans near Altona.

Battling the bugs: Manitoba’s top 10 insect concerns of 2024

4. Lygus bugs: A stealthy pest Lygus bugs, which puncture plants with their needle-like beaks and suck out the juices, were a problem in some canola fields. “In a dry year, they can be eco- nomically damaging because plants can’t compensate for the loss,” Gav- loski explained. “The tricky part is they move fast. If you’re not using a sweep net, you might not even know they’re there.” Threshold recommendations have changed. “We used to say 15 to 20 per sweep warranted spraying,” Gavlos- ki said. “Now, it’s closer to 30. In dry years, 20 might be enough. Below 17, they might even be beneficial, stim- ulating more pod production.” 5. Diamondback moths: A false alarm in 2024 Diamondback moths are tracked annually using monitoring traps. “We had some high counts in June, especially in the Eastern and Inter- lake regions,” Gavloski said. “But nothing significant happened. Rain- fall likely reduced their success.” 6. Cabbage Seedpod weevil: Expanding its range Cabbage seedpod weevils aren’t yet an economic concern, but their range is expanding. “We first detect- ed them in Manitoba in 2017,” Gav- loski said. “This year, we found them just west of Morris, which is the fur- thest east we’ve seen them. However, their populations remain well below economic thresholds.” 7. Sunflower pests: midge and moth Sunflower midge continued to cause edge damage in some fields, especially in the Eastern and Cen- tral regions. “There’s no spray for them, and they can create some nas- ty-looking heads,” Gavloski noted. Sunflower moth larvae, which tun- nel inside plants, also remained visi- ble. “You can see their frass, those lit- tle piles of ground feces. But there’s no registered insecticide for them yet.” 8. Armyworms: A migration-dependent threat Unlike many other pests, army- worms don’t overwinter in Manitoba. “They migrate intentionally, arriving in June and looking for dense grass- es,” Gavloski said. “We had some in- festations in the Central region and monitored them with traps.” 9. Aphids in small grains: Unpredictable but impactful Aphids don’t overwinter in Mani- toba either, making them difficult to

be complacent.” 2. Cutworms: A cyclical challenge Cutworms follow population cy- cles, peaking every few years before declining. “If you recall, 2019 and 2020 were bad cutworm years,” Gav- loski said. “Since then, populations have been declining, but there were still cases of spraying in almost every agricultural region last year.” Different cutworm species cause varying damage. “Dingy cutworms are tricky because they climb and feed at night,” Gavloski explained. “You’ll see defoliation, but no in- sects, because they burrow under- ground by day.” In contrast, redback cutworms sever plants at the base, leaving obvious damage. Seed treatments can offer protec- tion, but wet conditions can reduce their effectiveness. “These treat- ments are water-soluble, so if there’s heavy rain, they won’t last as long,” he warned.

by LORI PENNER I nsects troubling to farmers ha- ven’t changed much since 2024, but at St Jean Farm Days, Mani- toba Agriculture entomologist John Gavloski shared which critters to watch for, which have made it back on the annual top 10 list and which one is no longer considered a top threat. As someone who has monitored agricultural pests for decades, Gav- loski provides invaluable insights to farmers, agronomists, and those working in agriculture. “It’s a similar list to last year’s,” Gavloski noted. “The main differ- ence is that Bertha armyworm made it back on the list, replacing dia- mondback moths, which weren’t as much of an issue this year.” While some insect populations have declined, others have surged, demanding vigilance from Manito- ba’s producers. Here’s a breakdown of the most concerning pests of 2024. 1. Grasshoppers: Persistent but manageable Grasshoppers thrive in hot, dry conditions. While their numbers were lower in 2024 compared to 2023, some areas still required man- agement. “They overwinter as eggs and need some moisture to hatch,” Gavlos- ki explained. “But they have to eat immediately to build up their fat re- serves to become a nymph. If they don’t, they either starve or become more vulnerable to disease.” Two-striped grasshoppers were the dominant species in last year’s surveys. “They’re general feeders, so keep an eye on them,” Gavloski ad- vised. “Our August surveys showed good egg-laying conditions, so don’t

LORI PENNER THE CARILLON John Gavloski, an entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, recently shared his annual list of the top 10 insect concerns affecting Manitoba’s crops in 2024.

predict. “They get blown in, so their impact varies each year,” Gavloski explained. In 2024, English grain aphids were first spotted in late May, and oat-bird cherry aphids appeared in June. Some areas experienced high populations, prompting insecticide applications, particularly in oats and wheat in the Northwest and Eastern regions. 10. Bertha armyworm: Making a comeback Bertha armyworm replaced dia- mondback moths on this year’s top 10 list. “It wasn’t an issue last year, but we saw more cases this year, par- ticularly in canola,” Gavloski said. Monitoring and management Gavloski’s message to producers is clear: scouting remains the best de- fense against insect pests. “Some of these insects come in cycles, some arrive unpredictably, and others are always around in low

numbers,” he said. “Knowing what’s in your field, when they appear, and what their thresholds are can save you a lot of trouble - and money.” Manitoba Agriculture’s monitor- ing programs, weekly pest updates, and ongoing research provide essen- tial support to those on the front- lines of crop production. By staying informed and vigilant, farmers can minimize losses and ensure a suc- cessful growing season in the face of these persistent insect threats.

JOHN GAVLOSKI Flea beetles pictured on canola near Carman.

3. Flea beetles: A chronic issue Flea beetles continue to plague canola growers across Manitoba. “Almost every region saw spraying, and some fields had to be reseeded,” Gavloski said. “The issue last year was that cool temperatures slowed plant growth, prolonging the vulner- able seedling stage.” He emphasized that if canola reaches the three- or four-leaf stage within three to four weeks, seed treatments usually provide adequate protection. “But if it takes longer, those treatments wear off, leaving plants exposed.”

JOHN GAVLOSKI Grasshoppers pictured on corn near Carman.

JOHN GAVLOSKI\ Redback cutworms pictured near Elm Creek.

Subscribers can access previous e-editions of both The Carillon and Agriculture Now up to 30 days.

Missed Your Newspaper?

If you haven’t registered for your all digital access please go to https://thecarillon-can.newsmemory.com Thank you for your continued support.

NEW ADDRESS - 95 INDUSTRIAL RD., STEINBACH

NEWS THAT MATTERS TO PEOPLE IN SOUTHEASTERN MANITOBA

STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n C7

www.thecarillon.com n

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Agriculture Now

Seminar on regenerative agriculture held for local farmers

ing perspective that’s the biggest challenge.” Darnell Plett only started his mixed farm 14 years ago and he has implemented some re- generative agricultural practices. He practices low tillage on his 700-acre farm between Lor- ette and Grand Pointe. The SRRWD has spon- sored him to buy compost to spread over his fields and he makes a slurry of worm castings and water which he sprays over his seeds as fertilizer and to help the bacteria in the soil flourish. “It’s like taking probiotic pills for your gut,” he said. Plett notes he hasn’t used fungicide or insec- ticide seed treatments on his soybean or wheat seeds for about 10 years. “You put the neonicotinoids on there and stuff and I don’t think you need to, and my yields are very good. It’s a different way of looking at it. Being a beekeeper also makes me more aware of some of these dynamics having healthy insects instead of killing everything.” Plett said one of the problems he has with the seminar is that it largely focuses on regen- erative agriculture for producers of livestock and he mainly produces cash crops. “I glean what I can, but a lot of it hinges on the livestock, so I’m a bit stuck there,” he said. Janzen said the SRRWD is still learning what crop farmers like Plett can do to have a regen- erative agricultural farm as there are major hurdles, such as a short growing season which makes it harder for a shoulder season of cover crops. “So, farmers right now are still experiment- ing on their farms with how they can incor- porate regenerative agriculture practices. So, that might mean that in the future (they’re) intercropping with cash crops or that might mean developing relationship with a livestock producer and incorporating livestock on their farms with that relationship,” she said. While it’s not difficult to implement regen- erative agricultural practices, results are not seen for a few years but the rewards are great, according to those in attendance. So, the ques- tion that comes to mind is why aren’t more farmers doing it? “There’s very little public support for it,” said Gary Martens, a retired farmer who now has 24 acres in Kleefeld where he practices mixed farming. Since companies who make fertilizer, pes- ticides, herbicides, and other farm suppliers

by SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC T he Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District held a regenerative agriculture seminar on Feb. 6 where farmers were informed about the benefits of this form of food produc- tion. “We’re using agriculture practices that are working with nature,” said Virginia Janzen, regenerative agriculture program coordina- tor with the SRRWD. “So, we’ve seen that im- proved soil health: so the structure of the soil, what’s living in the soil, the different cycles of the soil. “As the watershed (district) we’re really in- terested in observing and learning about how regenerative agriculture practices helps with water infiltration. So, keeping the water go- ing down the soil profile rather than running off and then carrying nutrients and soil with it into our streams and rivers.” The keynote speaker was Garry Richards who runs a cattle farm in Bangor, Saskatche- wan. He’s been farming since 2000 and prac- ticing regenerative agriculture since 2003. “Every time we have to fight nature we usu- ally have to work harder, spend more money, and assume more risk,” he said. “The philosophy is to take free inputs – so- lar energy and rain – and convert them into a marketable commodity. So, for us that’s forage and beef.” On his 6,000-acre farm he has planted a mix of native grasses including cover crops of sweet clover, alfalfa, red clover, rye grass, oats, barley, and sunflowers. The land is grazed by 1,000 cows and calves. He increased the organic matter in his soil by one percent over five years and stopped overland flooding through regenerative agri- culture. “The most difficult thing to do is to change the way you think. It’s the mind shift. The most difficult thing is to change the way you see things. Change your perspective. It’s that change thing it’s hard for humans to do,” said Richards. “As far as implementing it, as long as you have the goal and knowledge, there’s lots of us that have done this. They’re sitting right in this room and understanding those principles. It’s not rocket science. So, the biggest thing is to just change the way we think and it’s our think-

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON Garry Richards, from Bangor, Saskatchewan, talks about his regenerative agricultural practices during the third annual ReGen Ag Day hosted by the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District and ALUS Canada at the Friedensfeld Hall on Feb. 6. Richards has been practicing regenerative agriculture for 20 years.

make very little money off of regenerative ag- ricultural farms, they are less likely to support them, according to Martens. “We can’t look to politicians to help us. Be- cause this kind of agriculture is on a fringe and they’re not going to support that. It has to be widely accepted before they will.”

Martens’ advice for farmers who are consid- ering regenerative agriculture is to look at the profits. “I don’t think we have to convince farmers about the principles of this when they see its more profitable than what they’re doing.”

JOIN US EVERY WEEK

Clean up. Cash in. Helping you with your spring clean up. Sell what you don’t need. Get paid fast.

Become a Subscriber! Stay current on all Local News, Sports and Community Events in Southeastern Manitoba!

Browse & bid

Subscriber Benefits:

$ 87 36 One Year Print Subscription including taxes (with access to online version)

• Receive FREE home delivery every Thursday in Steinbach & Mitchell, or get it in your mailbox every Friday • Qualify for “Subscriber Rewards” giveaways throughout the year — like free tickets to sports games, concerts, events, gift cards and more • Yearly subscription includes access to online version, to stay connected anywhere, so you never miss an edition.

The Carillon - 95 Industrial Rd. Steinbach, MB R5G 1X1 204-326-3421 | subscriptions@thecarillon.com

grunthalauctionservice.com

1-204-434-6519

NEWS THAT MATTERS TO PEOPLE IN SOUTHEASTERN MANITOBA

n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C8

n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Agriculture Now

How Manitoba farmers can navigate profit challenges in 2025

He likens the process to navigating a ship. “The earlier you make course corrections, the more options you have,” he explains. “Waiting until the last moment often leaves fewer, less desirable choices.” Managing costs without sacrificing yield One of the most significant oppor- tunities for farmers lies in optimizing their cost structures. However, Bond cautions against cutting corners that could reduce yields. “If you cut $20 worth of costs but lose $40 in yield, that’s not a trade-off you want,” he says. “The goal is to reduce expenses without compromising production.” Fertilizer management is one area where producers can make mean- ingful savings. “Fertilizer is incred- ibly expensive,” Bond notes. “If we can use it more efficiently, such as by applying it closer to the crop’s needs, we might save $10 or $20 per acre. Small adjustments like this can add up.” Bond encourages farmers to re- view all areas of their operation to identify opportunities for efficien- cy. “Every farm is different, which is why understanding your specific cost structure is so important,” he says. “Whether it’s fertilizer, fuel, or equipment costs, knowing where you stand compared to others can reveal areas for improvement.” Learning from the past Cost-price squeezes are not new to agriculture. “Our parents and grand- parents faced similar challenges,” Bond points out. “What’s different today are the sheer scale and cost of farming. Equipment and input costs are so much higher, which increases the risks. A small loss per acre can quickly turn into a significant finan- cial setback.” Despite these challenges, Bond highlights that certain fundamentals of farming remain unchanged. “Too much moisture, too little moisture – these are things farmers have always dealt with,” he says. “Mother Nature hasn’t changed. What’s important is to plan for these variables and stay adaptable.” Leveraging expert advice Bond recommends that farmers seek professional advice to enhance

their decision-making. “No farmer can be an expert in everything,” he says. “Some might excel at machin- ery maintenance but need help with financial management, while others might have strong financial skills but need agronomic advice.” Working with a consultant can pro- vide valuable insights and support. “A good advisor doesn’t just solve problems; they also help farmers build their own skills,” Bond empha- sizes. “By learning alongside your advisor, you’ll be better equipped to ask the right questions and make in- formed decisions in the future.” Bond also stresses the importance of choosing the right consultant. “Ask for a quote and ensure you un- derstand what you’re getting,” he advises. “The relationship should be collaborative, with a focus on devel- oping the farmer’s own management abilities.” Adapting for the future With challenges comes opportu- nities. Bond encourages farmers to stay informed about market trends and explore alternative cropping strategies. “Consider shifting acres to crops that offer higher profitabil- ity with less risk,” he suggests. “What worked last year might not work this year, and being flexible is key.” Winter is an ideal time for plan- ning and evaluation. “Take this time to review your operations, analyze your costs, and make strategic deci- sions for the coming season,” Bond advises. “The earlier you start, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate whatever 2025 brings.” Farming in 2025 requires a bal- ance of tradition and innovation. While economic pressures are unde- niable, careful planning, cost man- agement, and professional support can help Manitoba farmers weather the storm. “Farming is always about manag- ing risks and rewards,” Bond con- cludes. “With the right strategies in place, producers can not only sur- vive but thrive in challenging times. By staying informed, proactive, and adaptable, Manitoba’s farmers can position themselves for long-term success.”

by LORI PENNER A s Manitoba farmers gear up for the 2025 growing season, economic pressures remain a significant concern. Darren Bond, a Farm Management Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, recent- ly shared insights and strategies to help producers manage costs, nav- igate market challenges, and turn a profit despite an ongoing cost-price squeeze. Bond, who specializes in crop pro- duction costs, risk management, and farmland rental, emphasizes that every agronomic decision must also account for economic costs and benefits. “At the end of the day, farming is a business,” he says. “Making in- formed decisions based on accurate cost and revenue projections is cru- cial for success.” The cost-price squeeze in 2025 Bond notes that while the cost of production has eased slightly over the past two years, it remains histor- ically high. “What’s really impacting farms in 2025 is the significant drop in grain prices,” he explains. “This has created a cost-price squeeze where revenue is not keeping up with expenses.” Manitoba Agriculture’s annual guidelines for estimating crop pro- duction ocsts show that many of the province’s top crops are projected to incur losses when factoring in land and equipment costs. “We’re looking at losses of around $30 to $50 per acre for most crops,” Bond states. “Farms with higher eq- uity might still see profits, but those carrying significant debt, particular- ly younger farmers or those who’ve recently expanded, are feeling the pinch.” In a challenging economic climate, careful planning becomes essential. Bond advises farmers to start by cal- culating their costs of production. “The best numbers for producers are their own,” he says. “Take your total costs, divide them by your expected yield, and calculate your cost per bushel. This gives you a clear picture of your breakeven point and helps inform your marketing and cropping decisions.”

LORI PENNER THE CARILLON Farm Management Specialist Darren Bond at the recent Farm Days event in St Jean Baptiste, where he shared tips on how to make informed decisions that will lead to profits on the farm.

GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN

Proud to Support Small Business

Let us help you promote your business Call 204-326-3421 Every week thousands of southeastern Manitobans read The Carillon. That’s a lot of potential customers.

NEWS THAT MATTERS TO PEOPLE IN SOUTHEASTERN MANITOBA

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8