Buffalo Stix: A Pemmican Product With A Cranberry Twist

source: Farm and Food Report

Having raised bison in the Livelong area since 1978, Judy and Kevin Wilkinson have always had in the back of their minds to one day start making a pemmican product.

With the drought of recent years and the drop in price for buffalo meat, the need to move forward with this project came earlier than planned.

“We approached a meat product development specialist at the University of Saskatchewan and developed recipes for ground buffalo meat that can be made into a jerky-type paste and mixed with cranberries,”Judy/Kevin Wilkinson said. “Along the way, our value chain started to come together.”

The Wilkinsons took their recipe to Robert Lundquist of Diamond 7 Meats in Lloydminster, a reputed custom processor specializing in game meats. Lundquist seized the opportunity.

“This was right up our alley. We tweaked the recipe, which initially called for the use of blueberries. The main problem with blueberries was that it turned our stainless steel equipment black and it just wasn’t feasible for us to carry on that way. Cranberries, however, were just right.”

The Wilkinsons started to take their animals to Diamond 7 Meats, along with good quality cranberries they buy from Dawn Food Products in Saskatoon, and Lundquist’s team took care of the rest.

“We helped them develop the process. We’ve been with them since the beginning. There is a huge opportunity there for the livestock industry. We need more people like the Wilkinsons.”

Of course, there was also the matter of packaging this product. Judy Wilkinson and her husband soon had it figured out.

“We use CryoVac packages of 23, 45 and 90 grams to sell our Cranberry Craze product under the label Trail’s End Buffalo Stix at service stations and local hockey rinks, where they have proven popular. We also have 250 gram packs that we sell at trade shows and craft fairs, as well as right out of our ranch.”

True to form, Judy Wilkinson speaks eloquently of the work performed by another Saskatchewan-grown solution: Custom Labels out of Saskatoon.

“They have taken our son’s original design and come up with a peel-off label that conveniently wraps around the package and really enhances the product’s look and overall appeal for consumers. People tell us that our Buffalo Stix are more accessible than conventional jerky. The cranberries make it easier to chew. Even consumers who usually stay away from jerkies tell us they like the taste and texture. There is no feeling like the contact with our customers — the instant gratification you get from satisfied clients.”

The Buffalo Stix are about one eighth of an inch thick by an inch wide. It takes about 90 pounds of meat to make 45 pounds of jerky — much of the weight loss is due to moisture evaporated during processing. Ground bison is mixed with the cranberries and spices, then the mixture is smoked.

But the proud parents of the Buffalo Stix are at a bit of a crossroads right now, as the appeal of working with a distributor is being weighed. The Saskatchewan Made stores operated by the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association are making the Buffalo Stix available in Saskatoon. Plans for the chain to expand could mean a larger market for the Wilkinsons and the realization of a long time dream.

“I don’t think it is unrealistic to hope one day to be able to see our bison through life, from birth to the final product, and to have a say in everything about how these beautiful animals we raise are treated.”

May the Buffalo Stix Cranberry Craze prove as satisfying a venture for Judy and Kevin Wilkinson, as the chew itself is.

For more information, contact:

Judy Wilkinson
Trail’s End Buffalo Stix
(306) 845-3056

Seminar Looks at Marketing and Regulatory Environment

source: Farm and Food Report

In light of recent changes in the North American regulatory environment, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization (SAFRR), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) are organizing an all-day U.S.A./Canada Food Product Seminar in Saskatoon on March 8.

This event targets food and beverage processors who are new to marketing outside the province, or who have limited experience of U.S. markets, and are interested in pursuing U.S. and domestic market opportunities.

STEP’s Brad Michnik is Director of Trade Development for North America.

“The seminar will be of interest to anyone who is looking at exporting as a way to tap into new markets. We are bringing in customs brokers and distributors with substantial knowledge of how to address the requirements imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the recent Bio-Terrorism Act. This can be a priceless educational opportunity.”

One of the organizations scheduled to make a presentation is Tree of Life, the United States’ leading distributor of natural, organic, specialty, ethnic, and gourmet food products. Tree of Life has helped thousands of retailers — from the largest supermarket chains to the smallest independent stores — meet the constantly growing demand for organic products.

Tree of Life recently opened for business in Canada. During their 30 years of operation, the organization has acquired invaluable experience and knowledge, which it will share with participants at the seminar.

“Topics will include insight on critical aspects like labelling and nutritional information requirements, which vary significantly between Canada and the United States,” according to SAFRR International Business Development Specialist Renata Bereziuk. “Errors on the nutrition facts panels of a product destined for the U.S. market can be extremely costly for processors. The more they know about market requirements, the more effectively they will be able to take advantage of emerging opportunities.”

And there should soon be more of those, as Canada significantly beefed up its market presence in the United States since September 2003, with the U.S. Enhanced Representation Initiative (ERI). ERI is a partnership of federal departments and agencies, aiming to strategically advance Canada-U.S. relations in order to better promote and defend Canadian political and trade interests in our largest trade market. The result is a strengthened presence, particularly in new centres of growing geographic, political and economic importance in the United States.

On a different note, the day’s program also includes keynote speaker Kevin Coupe, a writer specializing in creating unique portraits of "Main Street"-type businesses in the U.S. and around the world, focusing on the unique dynamic that exists between retailers, manufacturers and consumers.

Working in print, video and online, Coupe captures the special relationship between shopkeeper and shopper, especially in a technological society in which the rules and roles are constantly changing. And, as a speaker on the subject, Kevin has enlightened and entertained audiences around the globe.

Currently, he is the founder and "Content Guy" of MorningNewsBeat.com, a daily news and information site for retailers and manufacturers that features "Retail News with a Point of View," reaching thousands of people and businesses each day.

Coupe is a frequent guest lecturer at colleges that include Michigan State University, St. Joseph's University, Cornell University, and Portland State University.

The U.S.A./Canada Food Product Seminar takes place on March 8 in the Atrium Building at Innovation Place in Saskatoon from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact Brad Michnik at (306) 933-6551.

For more information, contact:
Brad Michnik
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
(306) 933-6551

Michele Kuxhaus
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(306) 975-4094

Renata Bereziuk
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-8541

Flax Update A Step Toward Meeting Increased Demand

source: Farm and Food Report

It is no secret that flax has been enjoying a kind of renaissance in recent years, which bodes well for the crop and will require a significant increase in production in order to meet the forecasted demand.

One of the first steps in this process is to ensure that agronomists and producers have the information they need to grow successful flax crops.

The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission and the Flax Council of Canada, in conjunction with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, are sponsoring two agronomy updates in Saskatchewan this month.

Bill Greuel is the Oilseeds and Transgenic Crops Provincial Specialist with SAFRR.

“Numerous research reports outline the benefits of flax in human and animal health, while flax and flax fibre seem destined to play significant roles in the new bioeconomy,” Greuel says. “These Update events will bring together researchers and extension specialists to share their knowledge with the industry on topics that cover everything from stand establishment and fertility to pest control and straw management.”

This is a timely initiative, since the flax industry has embarked on a plan to increase flax production throughout Western Canada with a view to the future. A consortium of industry partners recently launched Flax Canada 2015 and invested $1.25 million into projects that include the development of a strategic plan to increase the value of flax at the farmgate over the next 10 years.

“If the increased demand manifests itself and new markets for Western Canadian flax open up, we need to be ready,” says Greuel. “For instance, if we look at flax straw, the current practice is simply to throw a match to it, because the straw that comes out of the combine is basically destroyed. What if we developed ways to improve the quality of the straw by managing it and the crop differently?”

Current straw production averages 0.5 ton per acre. Theoretically, it could be possible to increase the seeding rate in order to increase the yield to one ton per acre, and then the flax straw might become a resource, according to Greuel.

“The program is designed to give agronomists and interested producers the basics of flax production from seeding to harvest. If the experience this year is conclusive, we will offer this on an annual basis by choosing one or two topics and exploring them in depth. For instance, stand establishment is a major issue for flax producers. It affects all aspect of production, from weed control to the timing of the harvest — the challenge being getting an even stand.”

New developments could have a significant impact on the range of potential markets. Non-food uses of flax include linseed oil, which makes up 35 per cent of linoleum flooring. But crushed flax also provides the base for many sealants and coatings, like exterior house paints, alkyd enamels, stains and urethanes. It can also be purchased as "raw" or "boiled" to be used on wood, metal and concrete surfaces. Caulking compounds like window putty may also contain the oil.

Flax is becoming a popular ingredient in personal care and stress relief products like soaps and gels that provide effective hairstyling. There are also shampoo formulations created with flax to make one’s hair feel and look soft and luxuriant.

As the virtues of this valuable crop become better known among consumers and the public in general, what the future has in store may just be a little more flax in our lives and, of course, a decent living for producers and processors.

The Flax Update sessions take place in Saskatoon on March 8 and in Regina on March 10. For more information or to register, please contact Bill Greuel at (306) 787-2756 or wgreuel@agr.gov.sk.ca

For more information on flax and its uses, visit the website of the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission at: http://www.saskflax.com

For more information, contact:
Bill Greuel
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-2756

Farm Accident Survivor Urges Caution When In Isolation

source: Farm and Food Report

Bruce Osiowy has been a man on a mission since he lost his hand on June 5, 2003 near Abernathy when his fingers got caught in a rock picker. He finally freed himself, after 66 hours without food or water, by cutting off his fingers with a pocket knife.

Since then, he spends his time raising awareness about the dangers of working in isolation.

Reached by phone at his farm, as he was still figuring out how to prevent his artificial hand from accidentally cutting off the line, it became obvious how important a role farm safety issues now play in his life — especially this time of the year, as Ag Safety Week (March 9-15) draws near.

“I came back to the farm in 1988, and there have been many times — I realize now — I was risking serious injury when I lay under the cultivator. If the hydraulic rams had started to leak and by some freak accident a shank had come down on my knee, I might not have been hurt that badly, but I could have been stuck under there for quite some time.”

Sixty per cent of Canadian farmers work alone. According to a study by the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program, tractors and other machinery cause three-quarters of farm-related injuries. On average, 115 people are killed and another 1,500 are seriously injured by farm-related accidents in Canada each year.

It is a reality Osiowy knows all too well. “You get used to sometimes not seeing another human being for two or three days at a time, especially if you farm alone. You don’t realize how dangerous your situation actually is when you work with heavy, powerful equipment.

“I will admit that, in the last 10 years, significant progress has been made in terms of posting safety warning labels and incorporating safety shields on equipment.”

But Osiowy feels that it is not enough. This is why he came up with his own personal rescue system: the LifeSaver.

“It basically consists of a small portable satellite dish 10 inches wide, that can be mounted on the agricultural equipment to be used with a three-way electrical plug. It contains one wire being your ground; one wire hooked-up to your 12-volt power source; and another wire going to your horn. The system includes a pendant carried by the operator, which is somewhat like a remote car starter one carries in a pocket. The system functions as a GPS transceiver which sends a signal to a satellite, which in turn communicates via modem with a commercial call centre in Calgary.”

Each pendant has its own identification number with the ability to bring up the user’s profile instantly on a computer screen, with the phone numbers to call in case of an emergency and a sequence of numbers to keep dialing until the call is answered.

“When someone answers, this person is informed that you are in a serious situation. It takes about two minutes before the call centre receives your emergency signal, after the user hits the appropriate button on the remote. But when the signal comes in at the call centre, so does an exact longitudinal and latitudinal fix of your location within four inches: just the type of information rescuers would need to find you.”

The system also comes with a mechanism that automatically honks the horn every two hours and requires the user to hit another button on the pendant to make it stop. In the event the user is unable to stop the horn, a signal is sent out which communicates to the call centre that the user has become unconscious.

“In Australia, the mandatory use of a device like this one is legislated,” says Osiowy. “It is just a matter of time before the same applies here. In the meantime, we need to change attitudes. Agriculture is putting incredible pressures on farmers to maximize profitability by seeding as early as possible and getting the job done in as little time as possible. I am not aware of any other work environment that inflicts so many pressures on people.”

Osiowy advises agricultural producers to take frequent breaks while at work, even if it means just getting out from behind the wheel and walking around the tractor every now and again. Most accidents are preventable, “and taking the time to familiarize yourself before using your equipment every spring is time well spent.”

For more information on Bruce Osiowy’s LifeSaver personal rescue system, visit: http://www.lifesavergps.com

For more information, contact:

Bruce Osiowy
LifeSaver GPS Systems Inc.
1-877-806-8482
http://www.lifesavergps.com

An Agriculture Forum Where You Will Receive and Give

source: Farm and Food Report

It sounds like the kind of event that is all too rare these days — a simple forum aiming to identify some of the solutions that could make all the difference in the way agricultural producers operate on the farm.

The Partnerships in Agriculture Workshop on March 12 in Regina certainly seems like a very enticing proposal.

Doug Wagner is an electrical engineer and Senior Engineer-in-Residence at the University of Regina.

“We are inviting Saskatchewan producers — whether they are dryland farmers, livestock producers, feedlot operators or anybody involved in the industry — to come spend the day with us to help us gather information on some of the major challenges that need to be addressed in their workplace.”

Exploring these issues with a view to the future, especially in light of emerging factors like climate change, transportation needs and input management, will be front and centre, according to Wagner.

“In essence, we will ask these folks what problem they see on their farm today that could be solved through any kind of a device or mechanism. It could have something to do with the preservation of water resources, or even be something that automatically informs ranchers that one of their cows is going into labour.”

The idea is to compile an inventory of ideas that could be suitable as university research projects students could engage in.

“Fuel efficiency in farm machinery is an increasing concern. Producers can buy new tractors that are more fuel efficient, but what if we could come up with a way to make old tractors more fuel efficient?”

Wagner explains how educational institutions like universities have a real responsibility to work on concrete issues. “Nobody is in a better position to guide us in doing this than the main beneficiaries of the research we conduct.”

The workshop will split participants into small groups. By listening to and understanding the issues — current and projected — that are faced by the agricultural community, the Faculty of Engineering hopes to identify key areas where it can assist agribusiness activities in the province.

“By donating time to the workshop, agricultural producers have the opportunity to guide future initiatives in graduate, undergraduate and faculty work. We are hoping to work collaboratively with other institutions. At the University of Regina, we specialize in systems engineering around electronics, environmental, industrial, software and petroleum systems. We hope to draw into all our partners’ areas of interest through this exercise.”

The proceedings of the workshop are public. Participation is free. To register, contact the U. of R. Faculty of Engineering at (306) 585-4666 or send an email to: agshop@uregina.ca

For more information, contact:
Doug Wagner
University of Regina
(306) 585-4666

Quarter Horse Association Targets More Youth Involvement

source: Farm and Food Report

As a special tribute to Saskatchewan’s 100th birthday, the Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Association (SQHA) is devoting extra resources to encouraging youth who are 19 and younger to get involved in showing horses this year.

The SQHA’s one-of-a-kind Grass Roots program encourages these youth, who own a horse of any breed and who have not yet earned points at a breed show, to participate in either the April or May SQHA shows in Moose Jaw.

“The Grass Roots program has been in operation since 2000,” says SQHA volunteer Adele Buettner, “but we wanted to give it extra scope this year in honour of the Centennial. We managed to access funding from the North American Equine Ranching Information Council (NAERIC). Getting support from a prestigious organization in the equine industry like that is quite the recognition for us.”

Lori Cates speaks for the Grass Roots Showcase. “In recent years, the SQHA could only offer a few classes to participating youth. This year, thanks to the additional resources, we are bringing in a professional horseman who will help kids hone their skills through clinics. This is usually something that costs between $300 and $400 per participant, but we’ll be able to offer this for free as a result of the additional funds.”

The three show circuits where this will be offered are the Easter Classic (April 1-3); the Band City Quarter Horse Show (May 21-23); and the Harvest Gold Show and Futurity (September 3-5), all being held at the Golden Mile Arena in Moose Jaw. As an added benefit, the SQHA will offer a free clinic on Saturday evening, May 21st for all Grass Roots participants and youth competitors. This clinic will focus on trail and showmanship, which are two of the most popular Grass Roots classes.

“We want young riders to feel they have as many opportunities as possible to experience our events. We are actually developing a mentor program where new kids who want to experience the sport will be paired with other kids who are already enrolled in the program. They’ll be able to help with grooming and preparation. They will get an insider’s look — they will see for themselves what the world of show riding is like.”

Brenda Clemens is a certified riding instructor and coach in Lumsden.

“Sometimes young riders may feel that all that is involved in being a show rider is quite daunting. But there is actually a pretty good structure in place to make it easy to access the knowledge and training. Young riders start at the 4-H level; then they participate in local fairs; they move on to the Grass Roots program, which is a real stepping stone to serious competition. Many of our Grass Roots participants have earned international distinctions at our equine world equivalent of the Olympics, as far away as Australia.”

Riding skills have played an integral part in the evolution of transportation industries in the province. Although equestrian arts are no longer a necessity, they still represent a significant part of Saskatchewan’s heritage.

As Lori Cates puts it, “the Saskatchewan Centennial Grass Roots Showcase is our opportunity to keep a very dear tradition alive, by ensuring younger generations are more aware of the rich heritage we have here. Our relationship with horses in Saskatchewan contributes to our identity as a province of communities, in which horse transportation has played more than a fleeting role. Our collective identity has been shaped in no small measure by our association with these beautiful animals.”

For more information, contact:

Lori Cates
Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Association
http://www.sqha.org
(306) 657-2901

Brenda Clemens
Beaver Creek Ranch and Horse Centre
(306) 731-2943
http://www.beavercreekranch.ca

Adele M. Buettner
(306) 249-4641

New Markets Focus of Upcoming Lentil Industry Meeting

source: Farm and Food Report

Billed as a day to learn what it would take to make Saskatchewan the world’s leading exporter of red lentils, the March 2 Red Lentil Industry Development Meeting in Regina is all about making the most of our production potential.

Elaine Moats is a Crop Development Specialist with SAFRR.

“We have the ability to grow red lentils for export and domestic markets as both whole and split lentils, but much of the world red lentil market exists as splits,” says Moats. “If we produce and sell split lentils, there’s quite a range of possibilities - not only food for human consumption, but the by-products, including chipped lentils, pieces and skins, can all be used for livestock. And the more processing we can do before the product is exported, the more jobs and increased value we retain right here.”

Moats says there is a very large market worldwide for split lentils. In the Mediterranean and south Asian regions, people buy split lentils in bags for cooking. Wherever there are large population densities in the world that traditionally consume red lentils, this product can find buyers — and we can process the red lentils right here.

“At the moment, we sell mostly whole red lentils. We need to evolve toward plumper lentils, more suitable for splitting, which we can achieve through variety selection, disease and fertility management strategies,” says Moats.

“The meeting will address that through a range of presenters, including Dr. Bert Vandenberg of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan, who will discuss advancements in red lentil plant breeding.”

Participants will hear Murad Al-Katib of Saskcan Pulse Trading Inc. share red lentil’s potential from his perspective. Scott Cunningham, also of Saskcan Pulse Trading, will talk about what the market needs.

SAFRR’s Ray McVicar, Provincial Specialist for Special Crops, will present some of the latest agronomy research results on red lentil development. He will also address fertilility, inoculants and harvesting techniques.

Barry Rapp of Heartland Agro Services Ltd. will give a summary of producers’ red lentil experience so far, while Dr. Sabine Banniza of the CDC will discuss potential plant disease considerations. Allison Krahn of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers will discuss their Variety Release Program.

One of the highlights of the day — besides the delightful lentil lunch — will surely be the Saskatchewan Pulse Trading red lentil splitting factory tour, according to Moats.

“We are fortunate to have the splitting plant just outside of Regina, where we have been invited to tour. What better way to share with participants the full range of opportunities that are available than to investigate the red lentil industry from research to secondary processing to markets?”

The Red Lentil Industry Development Meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Queensbury Centre, Regina Exhibition Park. For more information or to pre-register, contact Valerie Leier or Elke Halbgewachs at SAFRR’s Regina Agriculture Business Centre at (306) 787-9773.

For more information, contact:

Elaine Moats
Crop Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 848-2856