http://www.flaman.com/rentals/ Keep up-to-date with the Latest Info on Flaman Agriculture en-us http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=53 The Flaman Grain Cleaning and Handling Division would once again like to welcome you to join us at the Western Canada Farm Progress Show in Regina, Saskatchewan. The show starts June 15th and ends June 17th.  Come out and learn about cutting edge technology, emerging trends, and ever-changing demographics. Learn how to combat the unpredictable weather patterns we have been seeing and maximize efficiency on your farm this year. Swing by our booths and take advantage of the innovative solutions we have to offer you such as colour sorters to remove ergot from wheat or the Will-Rich Vertical Tiller to help keep you stay afloat. Flaman Grain Cleaning and Handling Division will be displaying our newest addition to the vast line of products that we offer, the Light Foot Cleaning Machine. The Light Foot is a simple and compact air/screen grain cleaner, great for “on the farm” use. Come and see us at the show for more details and don’t forget to enter your name into our draw for a 12-piece dockage testing kit. That’s right, we’re giving away a 12-piece hand-tester sieve kit set to your specifications to test your various commodities. See you at the show! Thu, 26 May 2011 15:03:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=53 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=497 Different Needs. Different pressure washers. There are many units to choose from - gas or electric, cold water, with a range of flow rates, PSI ratings, sizes and features. Finding the best one for you comes down to what kind of cleaning you will need to do.  Start with the basics. "First do no harm" applies here as it does in medicine. Too much pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and volume, AKA flow rate or GPM (gallons per minute), can tear through dirt, paint, or stain, then do the same to the fragile wood, plastic, or light metal surface you want to protect.  Too little pressure can make removing serious grime from heavy equipment or concrete floors and walls impossible. Attempting heavy-duty cleaning jobs takes time that busy contractors and farmers can't afford.   The PSI rating alone can give you a good idea of what kind of washer you're looking for: Residential Light - Duty (Electric) 300- 1999 PSI  Residential Medium - Duty (Electric) 2000- 3299 PSI  Industrial Heavy-Duty Cleaning (Gas) 3300 - 4600+ PSI Make an economical choice. Electric-motor models cost less to buy and maintain, and you don't have to add anything but soap. Costlier gas-engine models might need fuel, oil, and parts, but they use metal components that help them last longer than electrics, which rely on many plastic parts that cost more to repair. Where will you be using your pressure washer? Will you be close to the house with access to power and water, or will you be out in the middle of nowhere with neither? Most electric-motor models can't range farther than the reach of their hose or power cord. Heavier gas-powered pressure washers have large built-in water and fuel capacities, allowing them to work in fields or on other remote job sites. Other Advantages of Electric and Gas Washers Ease of use: Electric motors have the advantage of easier startup and a lightweight, compact build that makes them easier to move around and store. With no emissions and quieter operation, they reduce health risks and help you keep the peace with your neighbors. Toughness: In addition to durability and longevity, gas models' heavier construction, including solid steel cages, protects their components from damage. Features like flat-free tires make them easier to handle on uneven terrain. What are you trying to remove? Dirt is one thing; grease is another. So is old paint, along with various other natural or synthetic chemicals you want gone. If you regularly face the challenging buildup of these substances, you have another choice to make: Hot Water Pressure Washers vs. Cold Water Pressure Washers Hot water breaks down or "melts" grease, grime and other chemicals that cold water struggles to budge. It's generally considered the solution for tough cleaning jobs. Cold water removes dirt from more sensitive surfaces that hot water can damage. It also eliminates steam, which can obstruct your view of your work. So, what's the best pressure washer for you? Whatever it is, chances are we have it in our extensive collection of BE Pressure Washers, including gas-engine, electric-motor, hot water, and cold water models. Call or visit your nearest Flaman location, and we'll help you zero in on the ideal unit for your home, farm, or business.   Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:10:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=497 http://www.flaman.com/uploaded_ads/flaman_1435258464.pdf Flyer Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/uploaded_ads/flaman_1435258464.pdf http://www.flaman.com/uploaded_ads/flaman_1458237583.pdf Poster Thu, 17 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/uploaded_ads/flaman_1458237583.pdf http://www.flaman.com/uploaded_ads/flaman_1444416818.pdf Poster Tue, 06 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/uploaded_ads/flaman_1444416818.pdf http://www.flaman.com/uploaded_ads/flaman_1435258540.pdf Flyer Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/uploaded_ads/flaman_1435258540.pdf http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=496 When farmers are in a race to get remaining crops off the field, their go-to solution is grain drying. We offer the highly efficient AGI NECO Grain Dryer, which can be scaled to the size of your operation, Its innovative mixed-flow system sets the pace for quick drying, helping you minimize spoilage and maintain the grade of your grain. However, dryer installs rely on many environmental and logistical factors. These limit the likelihood of having a dryer up and running before the end of a harvest, particularly in a wet year.But farmers are nothing if not resourceful in the face of hardship, and they’ve shared some unconventional “in a pinch” grain drying methods online. Be advised that risks naturally apply when employing improvised ideas, so you’ll need to take some safety precautions if you try them. One unconventional online farm solution inspired the idea of using the Frost Fighter Portable Heater (available only at our Saskatchewan locations) for a new and helpful use. This diesel-powered 350,000 BTU industrial heater is designed to heat remote construction sites and shops. They can be adapted to a bin aeration system and pump heat into two bins simultaneously. Again, this isn’t a perfect solution, nor is it manufacturer-recommended, but for some it has been an effective outside-the-box solution in desperate times. If you find yourself in a wet harvest season and unable to use a grain dryer, this makeshift option could help you salvage a tough harvest.   Interested in learning more about grain drying? Speak with one of our agricultural specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:26:08 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=496 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=495 Combine inspections are important before harvest, but don’t forget about inspecting and test running your grain cart, as well. It could save you an emergency trip to purchase parts – especially in-demand items like PTO shafts, flighting, gearboxes, bearings, bushings.  Don’t forget the reason they’re in demand is because a lot of farmers will need them, so they might be out of stock by the time you get to your parts supplier.  So, it’s best to be proactive and make sure your grain cart is properly maintained, and you’ve identified the parts you might need to replace before the repair rush begins. Ordering them in advance of the busy harvest season can potentially save you time, money, and frustration. Performance Inspection Checklist Checking and testing your equipment during the summer can prevent issues in the field in October. Use this checklist to figure out which grain cart parts to replace or keep on hand before harvesting starts. Pre-Startup Inspection: Grease all grease points and visually inspect while greasing. Look for: Bearing wobble Missing Linkage Unaligned rollers Check your auger tube With the auger folded up in the storage position, check the bottom flighting to make sure it's not too worn out or bent  Check for possible leak spots in your tube. Bushels of grain can be lost through holes worn by the auger.  Check PTO  If you have a new tractor, make sure it still fits. If you’ve upgraded, last year’s 540 RPM shaft could be a small 1000 now.  Check Gearbox Make sure there’s oil in it and it’s turning properly Startup Not everyone is able to do this, but if you can see what needs replacing in the yard, you won’t have to find out what needs replacing in the field. Fire up your grain cart. Do a thorough walk-around and listen carefully for bearings making odd sounds. Tow it around the yard to make sure: Its tracks are turning Nothing's seized Your gearbox isn’t piled up Check your flighting. Make sure it’s spinning properly, and all the linkage is well-attached and free of damage or wear.  You can even check performance under load.  Move a little bit of product through, whether you just rotate some grain out of a bin into the same bin or into another bin. When should you inspect? Between seeding and in-crop? Between in-crop and harvest? The best answer is the sooner the better – especially if you want to get ahead of parts demand and get in on shipping without freight charges.  Call or visit your nearest Flaman location to learn more about ensuring you’ll have the right harvest parts when you need them. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:18:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=495 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=494 J&M's inline tandem dual-axle grain cart demonstrates how tires can work on larger grain carts that usually run on tracks.   If you’re dealing with wet field conditions or have serious compaction issues, tracks are the answer. However, not every farm needs to go to the extra expense. That’s why J&M designed a model that offers the mobility and maneuverability of tires plus better floatation than single-wheel carts can deliver – at a lower price tag than you’d pay for tracks. But that’s not all.    Steer in Reverse Unique Tandem Dual-Axle Benefits Steer in Reverse! The tandem in-line design includes one steering axle. This in-line dual gives the grain cart much greater maneuverability, including the ability to steer while backing up. That’s a big help in fields shaped by surrounding brush and trees or in tight spots around the bin yard. It also helps you make sharper turns and eliminates tire drag when you do – increasing the lifespan of your tires and hubs.    Safe Road Travel. The above benefit also makes the tandem-axle cart even quicker and easier to control on roads between your fields – an advantage that grain carts with tires already held over track models. “Last year, J&M brought us a prototype to test,” says Darrell Knash of Flaman Ag Sales. “I took it out to one of my customers so he could try it out. He really liked the turning axle because it made it easier to get around in the field.” Wider tires on a tandem axle also improve floatation and comfort. Working Benefits Increased Stability. The wide wheelbase provides greater stability on uneven or rough terrain, reducing the risk of rollovers. That’s whether it’s empty or completely full, so farmers can have more confidence hauling maximum loads.   Hydraulic Suspension. The J&M tandem travels smoothly over changing ground contours thanks to 16” of consistent vertical movement. This system automatically adjusts to compensate for gradual hydraulic oil leakage, so you won’t need to constantly check fluids or measure cylinder movement with a measuring tape.   Wider tires on a tandem axle also improve floatation and comfort. Two tires instead of one gives the cart a wider footprint and a nicer ride across the field. Lower Price. More Mobility. Less Maintenance. Interested in an economical alternative to tracks? Call or visit your nearest Flaman location to learn more about J&M’s Tandem axle features, available on 1732, 2032, and 2332 models. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right model for your farming operation. Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:52:22 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=494 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=493 If your property is in a potential wildfire path, we can help you create a firefighting suppression system with these five essential items. Tanks It’s helpful to have a nearby body of water to draw from, but if you don’t, we have storage tanks in several styles and sizes. Turtle Tanks, Low-Profile Tanks, 1250-gallon tanks. Mounted on your truck or trailer, they offer the benefit of mobility. Just check your payload capacity to make sure whatever you mount it on can handle the weight of the water you carry.   Stationary Tanks. If you’re drawing water from a lake, dugout, or other body of water, the closer, the better. A pump’s lift (water pressure) weakens after travelling a limited number of feet. Mitch profiles turtle, low-profile, and 1250-gallon tanks. Hoses A Suction Hose draws water from one of the sources described above. It attaches to the inlet on the side of the pump. An Outlet Hose attaches to the outlet on top of the pump and expels water, either as a spray hose for dousing flames or a transfer hose for moving water. Lay-flat hoses are always outlet hoses.   High-volume suction hoses and powerful pumps Filter Floats These are used when you’re drawing water from a body of water, as opposed to a clean water tank. Filtering prevents rocks, mud, sand, weeds, and other obstructions from being drawn into your line and plugging or damaging your pump. The filter screens out everything but water.   The float keeps the filters from sinking into the mud.   The backcheck valve allows outward flow while preventing water from coming back in. It also keeps your hose full of water so your pump stays primed.  Mitch discusses filter functions and features for water pumps. Pumps We offer two types of pumps, both of which are essential to firefighting. High-pressure pumps are used for firefighting, having two advantages that enable them to spray further and allow you to fight flames from a safe distance:   They're more effective than low-pressure pumps using the same-size hoses and outlets.  They yield higher PSI at lower flow rates (like 126 GPM), thanks to 197’ of total lift.  Low-pressure pumps, also known as water transfer pumps, are designed to move larger volumes of water at higher flow rates, like 260 GPM. However, with a lower total lift, like 185’, they're more suited to running sprinklers than spraying flames. They are also significantly less expensive.   Firefighting pumps available from Flaman Fittings and Valves Fittings and Valves give you control over your chosen firefighting technique, whether you’re using a spray hose or sprinklers.  Valves attach to your pump or tank bulkhead, provided they match your diameter. They open, shut off, or regulate water flow.  Fittings can be used to neck down output diameters and use narrower hoses (even your garden hose). This also increases your pressure PSI, which can enable you to spray water from a low-pressure pump. Mitch talks fittings, cam locks, inlets, and outlets. Learn More About Creating your Own Fire Suppression Kit Call or stop by your nearest Flaman location. Our friendly staff will be happy to talk with you about your requirements and help you find your best fire suppression solution. Looking for an all-in-one solution? Ask about our Fire Suppression Skids – easily mounted on a truck or trailer for quick response in remote communities or on farms. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:51:56 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=493 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=492 Automation Bin Yard When customers identify new issues, we pursue innovative solutions. It's how our Grain Systems team tackled mechanical problems like overloaded grain dryer motors or grain handling systems plugging. Inspired adaptation also helps customers resolve shortages of skilled help and scale bin yard operations with less trouble and expense. Installing new technology has presented a unique challenge. When farm wiring was more straightforward, a local electrician could handle it while our team installed bins, ladders, dryers, and other equipment. But new complexities can cause errors, downtime, and hours of troubleshooting busy farmers can ill afford. "We started thinking about solutions," says Grain Systems' Jeff Morrison. "How do we prevent this from happening again? Can we make it simple and repeatable for someone else?" That type of problem-solving inspired our service to make bin yard automation easy, dependable, and accessible to any farm operation. Automation Bin Yard - Dryer Transport Control Cabinet We developed a pre-built cabinet with all the controls in one place. While this ready-to-go option made wiring safer and simpler, it also reduced installation from two weeks to two days. Customer concerns also inspired automated bin yard solutions like three-phase variable frequency drive (VFD) motors, a complete sensor kit, our new surge bin automator, and easy scalability to facilitate expansion. Automation Walinga System Control Cabinet They all work together in one semi-autonomous system to save you downtime, repair costs, and the hiring of extra help for constant monitoring. And what are farmers saying? "The funny and beautiful thing about the automation side is if it's working perfectly, you don't hear anything," Jeff says. So, our in-house automation department will keep providing more for them to not talk about. "We'll take a look at any project. We'll do custom automation. We'll do anything we can to increase the efficiency on your farm to make your life a little easier." Would you like to know more about what automation can do for your grain operation? Contact your nearest Flaman location and talk to an automation expert today. Tue, 06 May 2025 17:19:39 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=492 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=491 Drones find and check livestock faster, with less animal stress.  Drones have a lot to offer cattle and sheep operations.  Here are three ways aerial observation, quick access to remote areas, multi-level zoom cameras, and thermal imaging can make livestock management much easier.   Keeping Tabs on Your Livestock On a cold, snowy day, how would you prefer to check your cows? Bundling up for a long ground search that ends with you startling your herd and having to search for them again.   Watching a broad aerial search on your remote control, easily finding your herd with thermal imagery, then zooming in on them from on high while they look up, showing you their clearly visible ear tags.  If you picked 2, you can also progressively lower your drone until your herd get used to posing for 4K video and photos. Accustomed animals are often more comfortable near drones than they are near humans. For this reason, drones are ideal for pen checks. For another reason, you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on fuel each week.   Zoom and thermal cameras for less invasive cow-calf observation.  Closer observation is a big help for cow-calf operators. You can use thermal imaging to sort your bred cows from those still in heat. You’ll be able to spot the signs that a cow or heifer is about to calve and observe behavior that tells you others may have trouble birthing. The ability to get close, zoom in, and view high-resolution images gives you an informative window on a cow-calf pair’s progress, with little distress to either animal.    Drones make it easy to check your herd three times a day, so you can catch problems as soon as possible. That’s even more important - and convenient - during winter. Remote Infrared and zoom imaging reveal health issues early. Monitoring Herd Health This precise, non-invasive approach also provides a clearer view of wounds, weight loss, hair loss, labored breathing, sweating, drooling, discharge, or other signs of illness or injury. Your drone can take high-resolution photos you can send directly to your vet.  Infrared cameras can show hidden problems like a sore mouth, heat stress, or developing lameness; bright red heat signatures will indicate the warmth of increased blood flow to affected areas. Observing animal behaviour can explain problems like poor health, weight loss, and straying. Animals typically bump, butt, or hook to establish a pecking order. Overly aggressive animals can cause injuries or force some animals outside the herd. Grazing alone could also indicate a health problem like mouth soreness and lead to weight loss. Animal behaviour also speaks to your pasture conditions. You might see animals crowding one grazing spot, which could signal the rest of your pasture needs more seeding, weeding, or fertilization help.   Livestock may also prefer an area closer to a water source, so you can use fencing or mineral and salt distribution to get them chewing elsewhere. Speaking of water sources, drones can be used to read the level of ponds and check for leaking tanks or non-functional pumps and hoses.  Drones don’t just find cattle in dense brush. They also help bring them home. Herding  A drone’s “eye in the sky” ability to scan broad areas takes the time and guesswork out of locating stray cows or sheep. Thermal imaging can quickly spot animals even in dense brush where human searchers would have great difficulty. Sorting livestock from wildlife is a matter of zooming in or swooping down to check.   You can use a drone to help move them home or to a new pasture, and you don’t have to scare the valuable cow-drone trust out of them doing it. Just swing the drone back and forth behind the herd to “harass,” not frighten, your animals along.  Drones also work well alongside herding dogs. How Flaman Can Help You Add Drones to Your Livestock Operation Our aerial farming experts can show and tell you more about our available DJI agricultural drones. They can also help you find training and licensing options to pilot your drone safely and confidently.  Call or visit your nearest Flaman location to learn more. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:49:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=491 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=490 Schulte’s inescapable 1935 is like RoboCop for rocks. A single rock picker/rock rower unit sounds great, but can it pay for itself? Here’s how the Schulte RW-1935 Spartan Rock Picker Windrower answers that question.   Consider rising repair costs.  “Equipment likes to run, and rocks like to break down equipment. That’s nothing new,” says Kevin Kulak, Flaman’s Territory Manager for Alberta’s Peace Country. “Fifteen to 20 years ago, a rock getting into a combine might cause a few hundred to maybe a couple thousand damage. You mainly lost time. “But today’s equipment is intricately designed to run quicker with more efficient intake. If the header picks up a rock that goes through the combine, repairs could cost tens of thousands of dollars. They could even reach six figures.”  Doing two jobs at once saves you the extra pass. More Speed for More Acres  Kevin sees some truth in the idea that bigger, faster, more sophisticated machinery is a response to bigger farms.  “Following seeding and harvesting equipment, rock pickers are getting bigger, wider, and faster. Farmers are looking for more of a quick, blanket approach to more efficient rock picking.”   That’s why Flaman locations, including Kevin’s store in Fairview, offer the Spartan. Its central rock picker is fed by two adjustable side rowers that can widen to 19 feet for quick field coverage. Or they can “wing in” to 16’ to corral heavier rock and net finer rock. You can also adjust a single rock rower for certain field conditions. Working depth settings down to 4.25” can dislodge partially exposed stones.  Bigger high-dump bucket means less rock pile runs.  “A rock rake and rock picker in one that can cover 16 to 19 feet in one pass is easily more efficient than the old way of raking and then going with the rock pickers,” Kevin says. “The other benefit of this rock picker is the size of the bucket- 3 ½ cubic yards, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time going back and forth, dumping. That also appeals to farmers who are picking smaller rocks, just to clear the path for harvesting or baling.”  Appreciable as these time savings are, Kevin still believes the 1935’s marquee feature is protecting your valuable harvesting and baling equipment from damage. It’s built to protect itself, too.   Damage resistance for years of service Durability and Longevity  Rocks keep coming back every season. So will the Spartan. Schulte’s durable mowers and cutters have won praise from commercial users across North America, and this rock picker/windrower is built to do the same. Damage-resistant features like hard-surfaced teeth and batt reels safely pick up rocks up to 27” in diameter. A T-iron gate and spring-loaded batts prevent rock jamming, while a hydraulic relief valve system bypasses clots of rocks and dirt until you remove them. It even features a military-grade oil cooler used in Iraq. Schulte’s designers also addressed hillier terrain, like that found in the Peace country, with a tandem-axle walking wheel system for superior ground following and flotation. “The settings on this Spartan unit can be set to handle hillsides,” Kevin says. “Not extreme hillsides, but it can handle the majority of land contours we find in Western Canada.”  Where to Find Long-Lasting, Time Saving Protection for Your Valuable Equipment Call or visit your nearest Flaman location and ask our rock removal experts about the features that make Schulte’s innovative 1935 Spartan a great long-term investment. Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:54:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=490 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=489 Hitting Northern Wildfires with 300 gallons of water and foam. A lightning strike. A crown fire that jumps from treetop to treetop. Dropping embers fall to the ground and smoulder in a quick-drying peat layer up to five feet deep. They wait all winter to flare up through the forest floor or burn through tree roots and inside trunks. In the northern woods, fire is a different animal. Tree stands are much sparser on the southern prairies. More people can spot and report blazes, and emergency response is less obstructed. Up north, fires are isolated – usually spotted first by provincial observation systems. Wildland Fire Service responds immediately by air, but high winds can push fires toward remote communities before that help arrives. Volunteer firefighters leave their full-time jobs to form the first line of defense for homes, businesses, infrastructure, and lives. We have a ready-made solution for these dedicated firefighters and the communities they serve.  QR300 Fire Suppression Skid with cage and without The Flaman QR300 Fire Suppresion Skid Our QR300 Fire Skid began as a larger version of the customer-inspired, Flaman built QR150 unit designed for fighting combine fires. Mounted on a flatbed truck or a trailer, the QR300 includes a 300-gallon water tank, a powerful pump and Honda engine, a reel with 100 feet of hose that can spray 35 feet, and a solid Class A Scotty Firefighter Foam-Fast optional cartridge kit that can make water up to 10 times as effective extinguishing flames.  Cage protects tank and provides a rack for tools. Equipped for Northern Firefighting  Our team modified the QR300 for remote communities, parks, and recreation areas. They added a cage to carry essentials like sprinklers, nozzles, extra hose, a toolbox, and hand tools. The unit has an extra discharge for a 1.5” fire line to boost your wildland grass firefighting and help protect exterior buildings. The QR300 and its replacement parts are always handy. More Benefits The Canadian-made QR300 is designed so most needed parts can easily be retrofitted from materials available at nearby hardware and plumbing stores, saving the usual 6 to 8-week wait for parts from the U.S. or back east. Ready for new challenges in even more communities Preparing for the Future Increasing fire risks are a common concern in Northern areas. First Nations and other communities in Western Canada are keen to learn more about training and equipment like our fire skid. Their requests, combined with a few of our own ideas, are spurring new innovations. Following the Q150’s effective example, we’re developing a 225-gallon fire skid option for fire services.  Considering the changing needs of fire departments, farmers, and other users has helped us make the QR300 more compact, comprehensive, effective, and easy to use. Learn more about the QR300 and other customer-inspired, Flaman-built firefighting options, available exclusively from Flaman. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:01:28 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=489 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=488 It’s a scene that’s played out on farm after farm across Canada. Flaman Sales Specialist James Vanbeselaere positions your input and output augers, sets four levelling jacks, flips a switch on the central electric panel, and another farmer is in business.  If you’ve read our other Bench Custom Grain Cleaners Blog, you know that the business of on-farm grain cleaning makes good long-term economic sense. That blog discussed the savings you could bank, potentially over decades. With James’s help, this one details the ease, versatility, and benefits of operating your own personally customized cleaner.  Easy Start Up “They usually reach us somewhat assembled, so we can pull it out to the customers already set up to go,” James explains. Very little time elapses between when it arrives in your yard and when it starts running - just enough to complete the wiring and the steps outlined above.    Ease of Use The first goal of customizing a Bench cleaner is customer convenience. The central electric panel gives users quick, easy-to-reach, and unobstructed access to the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) controls that govern their intake and output auger speeds.  Customers are also likely to admire the convenient method Bench devised for changing screens. “The A1door latch system is unlike some cleaners that have grader shells you have to unbolt to take off,” James explains. “You wouldn’t have to do that with an Airens screen.” The Bench method is an easy slide-out, slide-back-in process, as James demonstrates in this video. Dockage doesn’t stand a chance. “The Bench 54 by 72-inch portable grain cleaner would probably be our most popular unit,” James says. That unit is equipped with components from another manufacturer, Premier Grain Cleaner of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota. Like other Bench models, it does just about everything you could ask to winnow out everything but the top-quality grain you want. Lighter material is immediately vacuumed away by the Cyclo air system pre-aspirator. Vibrating shaker shoes vibrate the scalp deck, grade deck, and sift deck. Each shoe sits above bouncing balls that help move materials to screens where they either fall through to the next layer or are taken off as dockage. That and a final round of Cyclo aspiration effectively removes everything from straw and rocks to fine chaff.  A Team of Machines  There’s even more you can do to deliver pristine commodities, thanks to Bench’s modular extensions. If you’re cleaning barley, you may want to start with a Bench de-bearder to improve your commodity’s flow-ability going into the grain cleaner - and its test weight afterward.   Once you’ve filtered the impurities out of your grain, you can take out the broken kernels using an indent screen. This screen is wrapped around a rotating drum, using centrifugal force to hold kernels of a desired length in the screen’s pockets while smaller kernels fall off the drum and are taken off as dockage. It’s a popular item, for good reason, as James explains. “There were some grain cleaners we sold in La Crête, Alberta that had just Airens screens with indents because he’s mainly cleaning wheat. They grow a lot of wheat and canola up there.” Indent screens are ideal for longer-grain crops like wheat, which has been the commodity that creates the most demand for grain cleaning, James says. Portable Possibilities Wheat may be the crop most customers want to clean, but Bench provides options for a wide spectrum of cereal, oilseed, and pulse crops. Priding itself on versatility as well as portability, Bench offers cleaning equipment designed to handle barley, beans, canola, chickpeas, flax, oats, soybeans and sunflowers. Flaman also has its own screen distribution facility in Saskatoon. Like Bench, we offer an inventory that’s carefully selected to take excellent care of the crops you put in your bins. Kind to Your Commodities. Easy on Electricity. “It’s a gentle feed,” James says of Bench cleaners’ easy-going stability. Those carefully set levelling jacks prevent a great deal of commodity damage by offsetting uneven terrain, but Bench took its smooth, crop-friendly operation an extra step.    “There are eccentrics underneath that provide a counterbalance,” James says, adding mention of another important benefit: “Once the shaker’s moving back and forth, little horsepower is required to move the tray, because of the momentum. So, guys don’t have to worry about having a big enough power supply to run these.”  Like to Know More about Operating Your Own Custom Grain Cleaner?  Flaman Grain Systems experts are ready to show you in-stock Bench Grain Cleaners and answer any questions you have. Call or visit your nearest Flaman location to discuss effective, economical solutions to your farm’s specific requirements. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:44:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=488 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=487 "Every farm’s going to be different,” says James Vanbeselaere. “Every area will be different, depending on what they're trying to clean.”  As a Flaman Sales Specialist who’s installed and fired up a lot of customized Bench grain cleaners for enterprising customers, he should know.     What he’s showing farmers is a viable alternative to the transport distances, fuel costs, and unloading cues they can see taking their commodities to seed cleaning plants. Grain Cleaning Comes Home “You're just paying an expense to have the other guy clean it,” James says. “A lot of custom cleaners charge about a dollar a bushel.  We have customers that clean 10 to 20,000 bushels a year.   So, they're spending, you know, upwards of 20 or $30,000 just to have their own grain cleaned. So why not keep that money in your own pocket and put it towards your own system? You'll be building an asset out of it."    That’s why Flaman Grain Systems took the next logical step in the evolution of grain cleaning. It forged a partnership with Great Falls, Montana manufacturer Bench Industries to make on-farm grain cleaning a viable option for more producers.   “That relationship was already formed before I started at Flaman,” James says. “So, I guess I’ve just continued it. They fit our needs. We can sell on-farm units in the right sizes for on-farm use.” Identifying Your Needs. Formulating Your Solutions. Bench builds their quality grain cleaners to customer specifications, often using farmer-supplied commodity samples as a starting point. They offer a variety of mobile and mini grain cleaners, plus accessories like the popular Airens screens. “Bench will do a lot of the customization themselves.” James explains. A customer’s specifically recommended combination could start with a portable or modular air screen machine, mini air screen machine, mid-size grain and seed cleaner, or mobile screen machine and include a vital accessory like a debearder/rethrasher, vibratory conveyor, or separator. Long-Term Reliability  The tens of thousands of dollars farmers can save doing their own grain cleaning every year can multiply over decades. Flaman has a record of choosing grain cleaners based on their potential long-term durability – choices that have often panned out impressively.   “We’ve got a lot of cleaners that have been around for a long time,” James says. “Twenty, thirty, forty years old. They last.” “VFD” spells power savings and convenience. Bench custom grain cleaners feature a frequency drive (VFD) that can reduce power consumption by up to 70%. It’s connected to the electrical panel, a single central point of power connection that gives you speed control over your incoming and outgoing augers. Nationwide Home Grain Cleaning  Wheat farmers are most likely to take up what Flaman and Bench have to offer. There is also demand for cleaning other commodities. Bench equipment can process other cereal crops like oats and barley, as well as oilseed crops like canola, flax, soybeans, and sunflowers, and pulse crops like peas, chickpeas, and beans. With Flaman operating its own screen distribution facility in Saskatoon, the two-company partnership can help diverse farming operations across the Prairies – and beyond. We try to be coast to coast, all across Canada.” Wherever they go, these units carry their value with them.  Cost Savings, Care, and Convenience “We’re pretty competitive in the price range,” James says. But he adds the real economic benefit is the money and time farmers can save. “They’re cleaning their own grain, so they’re not paying for it.” That’s before a slew of design benefits that make grain cleaning a more pleasant process from the moment your unit arrives on your farm. You can read about them here. James answers two final questions you might already be asking. What kind of customer does Flaman believe is a good fit for a Bench custom grain cleaner? With the variety of options Bench offers and the spectrum of commodities and working conditions they can handle, there’s only one answer:  “We’re open to everyone.”  So, how do you find out if a Bench custom grain cleaner is right for you? “Contact your local farm and sales Rep.” You can do so by calling or visiting your nearest Flaman location. Our grain cleaning experts will be happy to introduce you to the convenience, benefits, and economy of owning your own Bench custom grain cleaning system. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:29:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=487 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=486 When you’ve been around for 11 decades-plus, you must be doing something right. That’s especially true when your manufacturing company started in Englefeld, Saskatchewan and has now won over customers from way down the southern states, who are saying things like this: “After our company switched to Schulte, our revenue per cutter went up 33%... We think the Schulte cuts better, period. It’s unbelievable the quality of cut that we can get at what we would call a high rate of mowing speed. We get paid by the acre, so productivity is a big deal for us, ground speed is a big deal for us”  - Roman Albert, Owner of Lot Maintenance of Oklahoma Inc., Tulsa, OK “I cut water levies around the Everglades in Florida and have put this Schulte mower through its paces. It has never let me down and outperforms any cutter I have ever used before. The quality and strength of this cutter is second to none.”  – John Pellicone, Mower Operator, West Palm Beach, FL There’s only one way to keep your customer base growing and enthused for over a century – continual improvement. It’s something Schulte’s laser-focused on. Evolving Strength and Features “The rental department's been working with Schulte mowers, rock pickers and rock rakes since the mid-1990s,” says Ken Barlott, who heads up the Flaman Rentals Department in Nisku, Alberta.   “We've seen the evolution of five different series of mowers and the constant ease-of-use and durability improvements over the years.” He points to Schulte's Series 5 mowers, including the XH1500 “batwing shredder” model, beefed up by the overall weight of the machine with reinforced strength in all the right places.  “The PTO drive line design, including the clutch system, has evolved over the years into a simpler, easier system to work with and maintain onsite,” Ken says. Being in rentals, he’s also duly impressed with the larger rim and higher tire spec, which make transport smoother.  More than Mowers Flaman also rents and sells Schulte’s likewise durable and efficient rock removal equipment. Meanwhile, an old favourite has been reintroduced to the lineup. Like the manufacturer’s mowers and rock pickers, it’s coming back stronger than ever.    “Schulte was in the tillage business back in the 80s,” Ken says. “Within the last few years, they've gotten back into tillage with their DHX line of disk harrows and a couple other products. The DHX disc harrows have been successful for both our Sales and Rentals departments.  “It's another product they've Built really tough and strong with a lot of steel to be a long-lasting, durable product that that does a good job at the same time.  “It's a pretty crowded market, with a lot of the high-speed tillage tools out there. But. Schulte’s come to offer a somewhat unique disc harrow design that's heavier than most, does a good job and holds up very well.” Where to Find Schulte Equipment Looking to buy or rent a mower, rock picker, or disk harrow that’s winning admirers across North America? Our Schulte experts can walk you through the features and durability of the outstanding line of farm equipment. Call or visit your nearest Flaman location to learn more. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:45:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=486 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=485 Schulte "Batwing" Cutters Provide an Innovatively Narrow Transport Profile. The equipment that gets the job done. It’s what customers from Florida to Northern Alberta have had to say about Schulte’s line of durable, dependable farm implements. That isn’t by accident, as Ken Barlott can tell you. As Department Head of Flaman Rentals in Nisku Alberta, he has a unique vantage point between Schulte’s product development process and a large chunk of its customer base. Here are four benefits Ken sees contributing to Schulte’s well-earned international reputation.  1. Built in Canada - and Built Heavy Schulte industries began in Englefeld, Saskatchewan in the homesteading days of 1912. So, matching the toughness of the ground you're opening is second nature to the company. Schulte Walking Axles Provide More Stability on Uneven Terrain. "Just being Canadian-made, the mowers are made for our climate. They're built for our condition," Ken observes. "The thickness of the deck. The transport undercarriage has been modified and beefed up over the years. The hitch continues to be strong and they're definitely not cutting weight in any critical spots like some manufacturers may do to save costs. Schulte is definitely not afraid to keep steel in in their product. "We work in a pretty tight timeline. When our customers are renting, they want to be working. We want to save them as much downtime as possible to make sure they’re getting their jobs done. So, we need to make sure that we're offering product that'll last.  Mowers live a pretty hard life, regardless of what they're doing."   2. Constantly Evolving Product Based on End-User Suggestions.   “I've seen nothing but improvements along the way” Ken says of Flaman’s 30-year relationship with Schulte. “Any issues that have happened along the way have been addressed and improved upon. It's good to deal with the manufacturer that stands behind its product and strives to make them better.” According to Ken, those changes come from the ground up. “Over the years, a lot of Schulte representatives have come out with us into the field.” Those reps have also worked directly with end users, demonstrating demo units – sometimes working side-by-side with competitor products – and troubleshooting problems. Issues are identified and questions answered while the equipment is operating in the field. It’s a direct line to end user and distributor observations and suggestions for improvement. “Complaints are addressed, and the changes are made that will make sense when the equipment is operating in the field,” Ken says. “They're not just a change on paper a CAD design. Customers understand that and like the results that that offers.” Those results are solid, tangible changes to the equipment’s design and how it operates. Ken cites the change in tire options as a good example: Schulte Offers Tire Options for Varying Jobs and Field Conditions. “It may seem like a small issue for some, but a flat tire means downtime or trouble on the side of the road or even in the field.” Schulte responded to customer and distributor feedback by expanding available options. “Previous mowers had two options,” Ken explains. “An aircraft tire or a laminated tire. Laminated was great in the field, but not so great on the road at speed. Aircraft tires were good on the road and okay in the field.” Schulte expanded its options to include severe duty and forklift style tires, along with a range of transport speeds, price points, and in-field durability flotation levels to cover a wider array of transport distances, uses, terrain, and working conditions. The company also offered configuration options like walking axles with two extra tires per mower.  Customers have liked the changes, and so have rental dealers.  “A change like that is important for us,” Ken says. “It makes doing business easier and more efficient.” 3. Strong Manufacturer Support, Knowledge, and Training Having Schulte reps out for demos isn’t just market research.  “They’re making sure the end user has a level of comfort with the proper use of the item and that it’s doing the job they want done,” Ken says. They’re also helping customers, dealers, and service departments make sure the warranty process is conducted fairly. “We’ve always felt that they do a good job of that.” Schulte Field Demos Inform Customers While Providing Valuable Feedback. To make sure every member of these sectors can stay informed, Schulte’s website offers easy-to-find resources for dealers and the general public alike. These include not only manuals, warranties, and parts, safety, and financing information, but also service videos and docs for mowers, tillage, and rock and snow removal. “We've had staff watch their training seminars,” Ken says. “And customers, whether they’re custom cutters or MDs and counties, are involved in not just watching those videos, but making them. And they put on sessions on how to maintain their product and really do a strong job of supporting that and making sure that the end user knows how to properly use equipment, fix it, and keep it in good working order. They definitely offer a great level of support.” 4. Quick Access to Parts for All Models “Parts availability is probably one of the biggest advantages Schulte has over competitors,” Ken says. “At Flaman, we stock a lot of parts ourselves. With Schulte being a Canadian company based out of Saskatchewan, and not far from our Saskatoon location, it's quick to get parts.  There's good knowledge in their parts departments with all series going right back to the 90s. So, we can supply parts, support, and service for older mowers, too. Need Parts? Schulte and Flaman Can Get Them to You, Typically Within Two Days. “If we don't have something, Schulte has it and they can get a part to us basically within a day or two.  A lot of our outlying stores, like up in the Peace Country, can usually source parts through our store here in Nisku. But even if it has to come from Englefeld, it's often a two-day turnaround, maximum.  So, it's quite fast to get parts. That’s something I think few other manufacturers and networks can offer.”    Schulte Philosophy in One Word “If I had to sum it up in one word,” Ken says of Schulte’s relationship with its customers and distributors, “I would say, ‘responsive.’”  I've always felt that they listen to their dealer network, they listen to end users.  And then they take back that feedback, be it good or bad, and develop their product further. “I think that’s what separates them from many manufacturers - their process for improving product, training the dealer network and training customers and making sure that everyone's happy with the job and what their units are doing out in the field.” Where to Find Schulte Equipment Interested in learning more about Schulte mowers like the “batwing shredder” XH1500, Rock removal implements like the Giant 2500 Rock Picker, or tillage equipment like the Schulte Soilstar DHX Disc Harrow? Our expert staff will be pleased to provide details about this internationally respected line of farm and maintenance equipment. Call your nearest Flaman location to get the conversation started.  Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:04:19 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=485 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=484 When you’re trying to take off a crop in a limited amount of time, there are some things you just don’t want in your bin or your transport truck. Dockage and small seeds from weeds like Kochia or volunteer canola can compromise the condition of your harvest while costing you extra time and money. But there’s something you can do about it. Removing small seeds will increase airflow, which will speed up your drying time and reduce your risk of heating. Taking out chaff, thin kernels, and other forms of dockage will increase your bushel weight and quality, lowering your transport costs.  Kwik Kleen's high-capacity five-auger 572 and seven-auger 772 grain separators handle these tasks quickly and efficiently. They also help with farming techniques that maximize your land’s productivity.  They remove what you don’t want. The Kwik Kleen system is ideal for separating large and small materials, earning it a reputation for superior dockage removal. It’s designed to separate light product with advanced features for tasks like sizing barley and taking thins out of cereals.  This will increase your bushel weight, and lower transport costs, because you’re carrying only the grain you want to ship and nothing else. They’re made for intercropping. Planting two compatible crops in the same ground at the same time can yield several nutritional benefits. When the time comes to separate them, a Kwik Kleen is well suited to separating large and small commodities like barley and canola, chickpeas and flax, and peas and canola. They’re also helpful if you’re sorting out biproducts for other uses, like dockage for livestock feed.  Cost-effective, high-capacity, and efficient Kwik Kleen grain cleaners excel at dockage separation but can be easily adjusted to perform multiple grain separating tasks. There’s much more to the Kwik Kleen. Mitch from Flaman walks you through the electrical or hydraulic drive option, available auger sizes, and the variety of screen options available. For more information, call or visit your nearest Flaman location.   Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:56:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=484 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=483 When land sits idle for years, it can become fierce to contend with – a tangle of grass, brush and weeds that defies you to make it fertile and productive again. Fortunately, Schulte’s XH1500 rotary mower has stepped up to ably meet the challenge. Now, its latest version makes a seemingly impossible task even quicker and easier.   Schulte features that farmers have come to depend on. The XH1500 was Canadian-made to put the hurt on overgrowth without hurting itself. It’s 3-rotor design conquers tenacious brush with a 7-gauge steel deck, high-torque, self-adjusting clutches, ¼" stump jumper plates, a floating hitch, walking tandem axles, heavy-duty tires, High HP gearboxes, center suspension, and a mower flex arm for steep ditches. Quite an arsenal, but Schulte always aims to do better.   The new Series 5 takes it up a notch. Schulte engineers used airflow testing to identify ways to increase cutting chamber depth and blade tip speed, so farmers could pick up ground speed and get more done. Meanwhile, double chains and half belting over better protection from thrown objects. Series 5 models are also lower maintenance, thanks to thicker, longer lasting nickel-plated pins and fibre-wound interior bushings that don’t require greasing.    No matter how daunting your overgrowth might seem, the Schulte XH1500 gives you the confidence to tackle it.   Let Wayne from Schulte walk you through the Series 5’s innovative new efficiency, safety, convenience, and durability features, including super-suction updraft blades, swing-out hose holder, wing lift cylinder, main section support tower, updated safety lights, scrub-resistant turf shoe design, and various configurations of six or eight 27” skid steer tires.  Visit your nearest Flaman location or shop all Schulte rotary cutters  - now at special prices.    Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:43:32 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=483 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=482 The more acres you have to till, seed, and harvest, the less time you’ll want to spend refueling. The Magnum Tandem Fuel Trailer and Tridem Fuel Cannon Gooseneck allow you to bring 660 or 1,000 imperial gallons of fuel with you, so you can concentrate on getting the job done. That’s one reason to add a fuel trailer to your farm fleet. Here are three more from our team: Field Ready. Built to Last. Our Transport Canada-approved trailers feature durable tanks, solid construction, two-part coating, and 7,000 lb. Torflex axles. They’re more than ready for repeated field use. Fuel trailers never see good roads. The quality of the Magnum build is impressive. These fuel trailers are rugged and built to last.” Zane (Swift Current) Organize Your Tools and Store Essential Equipment. Our Fuel trailers carry more than fuel. Kevin Heaney of Flaman Southey says you can also find room for other necessities that keep your equipment moving in the field.     “Built to get fuel to the field, they are a well-made self-contained fuel solution that also has great storage options. The cabinet and toolbox options mean you can organize your tools the way you want, keep a needed compressor or generator close at hand, or store parts for your equipment.” Kevin (Southey)   Size and Budget Options    With its 1,000-gallon capacity, our Magnum Tridem Gooseneck Fuel Trailer can keep three combines and one tractor working. If you don’t need to go big, our mid-size 660-gallon unit is an economical solution. “The 660-gallon mid-size is a rugged, well-built option that is well-sized for the field. Simple to use, it is a good mid-price option.” Kevin (Moosomin) Learn More About Magnum Fuel Trailers Call or visit your nearest Flaman location and ask our trailer experts to tell you more about the benefits of a Magnum Fuel Trailer. They’ll be happy to discuss available options to create the field-ready trailer you need.  Tue, 14 May 2024 14:44:45 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=482 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=481 If you’ve heard good things about RiteWay tine harrows, and you’re thinking of buying one, you might be wondering if the HH8200 5-bar or MH7200 7-bar model is right for you.  Both are designed to best serve the needs of customers but in different ways to suit different purposes. Let’s start by looking at the most important working feature of both harrows. Tines The five-bar harrows are equipped with 25 28” tines –longer than the 26” tines you usually see in competitor models. The HH8200 offers two tine thickness options – the standard 9/16” or the stouter-than-usual 5/8”. Whichever thickness you choose, you can upgrade your tines with Riteway’s “Max-Life” high-wear edge.  The MH7200’s carbide-tipped tines are smaller than the 5-bar at 24” long and ½" thick, but with two more rows, there are 49 of them – almost twice as many as the HH8200’s 25. They’re also closer together, with only 1.43” of space between them, as opposed to the 5-bars 2.64”. Last but not least, they come standard with the high-wear edge.  Which is better for you? The answer depends on what you need to do with your harrows. Two Harrows. Two Purposes The 5-bar model is a heavy harrow, designed to endure tough going. If you stand the harrows straight up, those thicker, more durable tines can dig in like a chisel plow. They can also help remove certain weed seedlings and enhance your herbicide penetration. You can also fill in ruts and level your field, but you may lose moisture doing it.    The 5-bar's main feature is its aggressive approach to crop residue management. It shatters heavy straw for more even re-integration back into your soil. The RiteWay HH8200 excels at raking and disturbing the soil, blackening your field, and leaving a firmer soil pack.   If you’re mission is better trash management, the 7-bar is your ultimate seed bed prep tool. Its more-numerous ½" tines produce more whipping action than the rigid 9/16” or 5/8” of the five-bar, doing a better job of breaking up of your soil’s top crust. You’ll free up more soil absorption, clear the path for plant emergence, and create a more uniform dispersal of crop residue, seed, and chemicals.  More tines, more flexibility, and shallower harrow depth also mean less “down pressure.” Because its down force is more spread out, the Riteway MH7200 leaves the soil less compacted and easier to penetrate. Some users prefer that feature because it allows them to reduce the pressure setting on their seed drills.   Once you’ve decided what kind of field work you need to do, RiteWay offers the harrow to get it done.  Flaman is the right place to find your Riteway Harrow You’ve just read a few of the features and benefits of the RiteWay MH7200 and HH8200 harrows. There are many more you can discover by calling or visiting your nearest Flaman location. Our tillage experts will be glad to tell you about RiteWay’s heavy-duty construction advantages, its downforce-enhancing parallel linkage system, and more. Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:36:51 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=481 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=480 The Flaman Custom-Build team has finished work on our first Hatz Diesel powered Meridian 12 x 39 Auger. We’re excited to say that the test results have been impressive. Everything ran smooth as silk – operating quietly, while delivering loads of power. So, this Spring, we’ll build more diesel ready Meridian augers and conveyors for our customers.    You’ll soon be able to see them at select stores. For now, we wanted to share our excitement with a sneak peek, along with some of our team's favourite features.   In the words of Curtis Trumier from the production team, ” Every time the conversation comes up with customers about cold starts, the answer is always, ‘We should have bought a diesel engine.’ Well, now they can!”  Cold Weather Start Engine intake pre-heater and circulating block heater. "A diesel engine has twice the torque as a gas engine. That’s a huge plus, and the inline-block heater will be excellent for cold-weather starts. Customers tell me their diesel engine will, on average, outlast three-grain augers. Sheldon Sleeva (Yorkton)   Real Power 24.7 HP Hatz diesel with 90ft/lbs of torque delivers over twice as much torque as a 40 HP gas option.  "My customers have been asking for a diesel option for forever. Gas engines don't like to start in the winter, they blow seals, and bigger augers are underpowered with gas. A diesel option just has more power. This is a unique option at a great price point."  Phil Flaman (Southey)     Robust Auger Frame A reinforced auger frame designed to handle the weight of a powerful diesel engine. "For years, my customers have asked for an affordable load-out auger option with a diesel engine. It’s great knowing we can offer this option to customers frustrated with their gas engines. I know a diesel engine will outlast the auger, and I appreciate our build team reinforcing the auger frame for added stability. Darrell Knash (Yorkton)    No Fail Hand Clutch Soft start hand clutch for years of bulletproof operation. No expensive electric clutch to fail. I always get phone calls about the electric clutches quitting. Whether it’s due to the clutch or the soft start module failing, replacing these parts is very expensive. Having the manual hand clutch eliminates all electrical problems and will save money down the road. Curtis Trumier (Prince Albert) Our production team in Prince Albert has done an incredible job with our first diesel-powered auger and will begin building more for sale at select stores. Interested in seeing one in action? Contact your local Flaman representative.   Thu, 14 Mar 2024 12:56:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=480 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=479 Quick Response Fire Suppression Skid Combine fires can start in a fraction of a second and burn for up to 30 minutes before they’re noticed, damaging farm livelihoods, and economies. “It seems like every trade show I'm at, every customer I talk to knows somebody who’s had a fire on a combine,” says Ryan Flaman, at Flaman Group of Companies. “All it takes is one bearing to heat up, and those bearings are usually covered in dust or have dust all around.” Combines are often destroyed before a fire truck can arrive, adding callout costs of up to $10K. Inspiration Ryan focused on two words, “quick response.”  He sought to improve on the idea of mounting a quick response unit on the combine’s mobile shadow, the grain cart. Flaman already sold tanks, pumps, hoses, and other components they would need. Early in December, 2022, Ryan started envisioning fire protection that was more effective, comprehensive, affordable and accessible than what farmers could rig for themselves. Their input would prove invaluable.  Built-in fork pockets allow you to move the 48” wide skid to your half-ton truck or grain cart easily. Finding the Right Components Ryan studied available options and reviewed them in meetings with the Parts and Hardware department throughout the winter. There were units powered by rechargeable 12-volt batteries. Other small electric units offered a 35-gallon tank. Gas-powered kits offered 60 US gallon tanks and either mounted on grain carts or sat in the back of an RV or pickup truck. But many farmers were asking for more spray volume.  A 150-gallon tank that fits neatly out of the way on a grain cart. Unfortunately, 250-gallon tanks took up too much space and weighed up to 3000 pounds with the necessary mounting hardware. The customers he talked to had their own number in mind – 150 Imperial gallons or 180 US gallons. The closest Ryan could source were 125 gallon tanks.  That tank was part of a prototype Ryan showed to his uncle Don Flaman. Don was excited, but Parts and Hardware thought they could come closer to the volume customers had asked for. So, they had a tank molded that could hold 150 gallons and fit neatly out of the way on a grain cart. It’s a uniquely Flaman component, unavailable any place else. The skid plate was a slightly different story. Ryan had envisioned a hanger system to hold the unit from the top, but he needed a strong plate underneath that could support everything and be compact enough to fit in a tight space. This would also make it easy to transport and store. He scribbled the dimensions on a napkin diagram, scanned it, and sent it off to an engineer. That began a process of back-and-forth tweaks, honing a skid plate that met all the necessary criteria.  3/16” powder-coated steel skid. Ruggedly built to handle heavy use. The final skid plate uses 3/16” thick metal, protected by Powdercoat. Similar products settled for a 1/16” thickness can be squished even flatter when the bolts are tightened. The Flaman skid also features fork pockets, so it can be easily moved to your grain cart, the back of a pickup truck, or any storage space when not in use.  Cost-effective, reliable, and user friendly cartridge based foam delivery system. Fire Suppression Next, Ryan and the team looked at fire-suppression foam. Direct-injection liquid foam systems seemed promising. Their foam mixing system was ideal for several home applications, but was it right for Flaman’s new firefighting unit?  Liquid foam has a limited shelf life, and it requires agitation once a month. With harvest coming once in a busy farm year, it was easy to forget the monthly maintenance. Ryan didn’t want his customers depending on something that had any chance of failing them at the exact wrong moment.  So, he opted for a solid foam cartridge system that restricts water flow. This creates more back pressure, so the stream can spray farther and hit flames harder. The cartridges don’t require shaking or have a predetermined expiry date. You can keep them in your pickup’s glove box until you need one.  100 feet of 3/4 inch 150 PSI hose on an industrial cox reel Reliable Hose Access Other firefighting units Ryan has seen have opted for clear air seeder (PVC) hose looped around two small hooks, which looked likely to tangle up at the worst possible moment. The Flaman Firefighter uses a black rubber hose rated at 150 PSI and spooled around a trusty Cox hose reel. Ryan chose it because it was compact, well-built and able to hold 100 feet of hose – putting plenty of reach in a small space.  2” Aluminum Pump with Honda GX200 The Pump for the Job  “The only thing that we readily had in stock was the pump,” Ryan says. The popular BE WP-2065HL general purpose water pump was ideally suited to the job. Equipped with a cast-iron impeller, it’s lightweight. Powered by a Honda GX200 Engine, it has the power to go all day every day. But will it work? After a winter of planning and assembling all the components, the team took the prototype out for field testing. To everyone’s gratification, there was no need to adjust its operation. “We took the prototype number one and filled it up with water and throttled it up and water would shoot like 30 feet,” Ryan says. That’s some heavy pressure, but you’ll have a good 20 minutes of continuous flow without draining your tank, thanks to constriction at the nozzle.  The only necessary changes were to the tank's shape and the width of the skid. Those alterations made, the Flaman Firefighter was ready to report for duty – or more correctly, duties. Built-in fork pockets More Uses than One The Firefighter may be designed for combine fires, but its quick response capabilities lend themselves to other emergency applications, like grass and brush fires. Mounted on the back of a pickup truck, it can provide a first line of defense for more remote communities. Value for Money “I looked at what customers could get and what they would have to pay for it,” Ryan says. “I figured we could give them something better at a more affordable price.” That took a lot of planning, shopping around and testing, but the end product delivered the safety and functionality the customers wanted at the right size and price.  “Our customers’ feedback identified the issues we needed to address. They asked us to deliver a bigger tank, a heavier skid, a pump with a bigger motor, and a hose reel that’s compact but still heavy-duty. They answered the question, ‘How can I make something better?’ I think I made more work for myself than I needed to, but I’ve enjoyed this.”  See the Future of Farm Firefighting at Your Nearest Flaman Location The Flaman Quick Response Fire Suppression Skid is one of many farm, home and business safety solutions we offer. Drop by and see this Inhouse-designed unit at any of our seven Flaman Sales locations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  Call or visit your nearest location – Swift Current, Swan River, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Southey, Yorkton, or Moosomin. Our fire suppression experts will be happy to show you the many features that could make all the difference one day. Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:24:39 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=479 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=478 Three-Phrase Grain Handling Power. Doable. Valuable. More acres seeded might mean more bushels brought into your bin yard. But it doesn't have to mean more work and expense. As farming grows, new technologies emerge to boost your grain operation's speed and efficiency. Technology Boosts Productivity. Grain Dryers like our AGI NECO and Oakland models are designed to run continuously and safely. There's no need for you to spend your time or hire a hand to supervise them. And with remote monitoring systems, you can spend more time working in the field. The same goes for the Walinga Blower System. Its airflow can move dried grain to your dry bins at rates of up to 2,000 bushels an hour. Achieving those higher volumes depends on the size of your piping and your motor's horsepower. The latter can be a sticking point for many farmers. Amping Up Your Operation Most farming operations are still wired for single-phase power. The high-volume systems mentioned above require three-phase power, which hits its peak amplitude three times as often as single-phase for three times the power output. It’s the optimum circuit for power generation. Higher-phase systems prove too complicated and expensive to be worth pursuing.  Despite its benefits, Farmers aren't often eager to rewire their farms to facilitate three-phase. Fortunately, they don't have to. How to Convert from Single to Three-Phase Power Safely and Affordably Walinga Blower Systems and AGI NECO and Oakland grain dryers all employ VFD technology. Variable Feed Drives have two outstanding features. First, they allow your motor to slow down and speed up, limiting energy consumption to reduce your power bill. Walinga's Variable Frequency Drive Systems monitor and automatically adjust motor speeds More importantly, they can be set up to draw current from your existing single-phase power source and convert it to three-phase electricity. So, you don't have to change your farm's entire power supply to run one or two bigger machines. It's worth noting that not every variable frequency drive motor can deliver these results, but AGI, Oakland, and Walinga have engineered their motors with the farmer's single-phase/three-phase dilemma in mind. Savings and Convenience to Help You Get Growing There’s a big benefit to this small-scale phase shift. It removes a giant obstacle to building up your bin yard. Instead of waiting until you’ve saved up for a big change, you can increase your grain handling capacity in stages. More high-quality grain in your bin allows you to purchase more components down the road. Ready to Lower Grain Handling Electricity Costs and Boost Production? Get in touch with your local Flaman dealer and ask our bin yard experts how you can convert single-phase to three-phase power, add valuable components, and get your bin yard humming. Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:08:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=478 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=477 In agriculture, nothing is ever absolutely certain. However, farmers who’ve used the Perten AM 5200-Farm Moisture Meter say its instantaneous accuracy comes impressively close. “When you have so many different people around - four different people using it - it was nice not to use the scale,” says Bruce Elke of Jansen, Saskatchewan. “Everybody puts it in and gets the same result.”   Bruce Elke shares the benefits of the Perten 5200-Farm It’s not the first moisture tester to have its accuracy praised, not even the first one Bruce has praised. His previous tester was also bang-on, but the 5200-Farm brings something extra to the table. “I think really it was the ease of use and just taking out the possibilities of error,” he says.   “Customers like that,” observes Shaun Gettis, Vice President of Sales at Flaman. “No need to weigh or take temperature tests.”   A Simple Process For a machine that delivers precise moisture reports for various grains, oilseeds, pulses, beans, lentils, seeds, and more the 5200-Farm is a breeze to operate.   Just select the grain type you’re analyzing from an extensive onscreen menu showing virtually every type available in North America. You can then enter ID info for your sample, saving your bin number, test date, and time for future reference.   Then scoop your sample in until the 5200’s cup is full and click GO. The tester intuitively takes the prescribed weight it needs and removes the excess. After a 25-second analysis, your sample’s moisture, bushel weight, and temperature all show up on the 5200’s colour touch-screen display. Every kernel in the machine drops into a clean-out drawer for easy removal. Need to do another sample? Just hit NEXT.   “There was no chance of finding the wrong page in the book or using the wrong weight and having mistakes made,” says Bruce Elke. “That was one of the things that I really liked.”   Reliable Readings. Customer Confidence. The moisture curve remains accurate throughout a wide range of temperatures. That’s critical for farmers drying grain or harvesting on hot days. Not surprisingly, it’s one of the benefits potential users are most curious about.    Some have seen the Perten 5200-Farm at work in their local elevator. Others have had a Flaman rep bring one out to their farm to demonstrate the tester’s advanced accuracy sampling their own grain, and the response has been positive.   Ask your local Flaman sales rep about an on-farm demo “Farmers like that the test data is logged,” says Shaun Gettis. “The bushel weight gives them more insight into their grain.” That, along with consistent, reliable moisture testing results – even in extreme temperatures – allows producers to make their combining and grain drying decisions with confidence, which is value for money.   Experience Perten AM 5200-Farm Accuracy at Flaman Call or visit your nearest Flaman location to discuss how the 5200 can give you confidence in your crop’s readiness. Talk to a moisture-testing expert at any of our 11 locations across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.  Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:35:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=477 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=476 Wish managing your bin yard was a little less complicated? A tied-in grain-handling system can make that happen. Flaman offers several innovative components that can eliminate the effort, expense, and inconvenience of getting your grain safely in your bins. Bringing them together in one place yields a bumper crop of benefits. 1. Reduce Manpower and Save on Labour Costs Consider all the moving parts involved in traditional grain handling – augers, tractors, and semis to drive in and unload, plus the manpower to keep them moving. Setting up a grain handling system can save you the time it takes to move and operate equipment plus the expense of hiring help. Options like belly dumping or side dumping grain into a pit that feeds a bucket elevator can be done by one person – saving you a lot of hiring, hollering, and hand signals. 2. Minimize Maintenance Costs You’re probably all too aware of the cost of running a tractor back and forth to your grain bins. In addition to fuel, extra operating time will also mean more wear and maintenance. Your auger flighting can also wear out, suffering more metal-on-metal damage as time goes by.   A self-propelled, belt-driven bucket elevator is designed to avoid impact points, and a pit system can eliminate the need for a tractor to move or power anything. 3. Eliminate Seed and Grain Damage Of course, if metal can damage metal, it can easily crush any seed that gets caught between an auger’s flighting and its tube. Brittle pulses like lentils and peas are particularly vulnerable to significant and costly damage. A gentler handling option makes good economic sense. You could employ a low-cost Hutchinson Chain Loop system, operating like a sideways-mounted bucket elevator, or you could opt for the bucket elevator itself, which carries your grain in plastic buckets for minimum damage. Walinga’s air system takes seed and grain protection even further. Its vacuum intake and blower combo gives your crop an air-cushioned ride to the bin. 4. Invest in the Future Growth of Your Operation with a Staged Expansion Approach Not everyone can afford to set up a state-of-the-art grain handling system on day one. Fortunately, Flaman can help you structure a budget-friendly plan to expand your grain operation whenever and however you feel comfortable. You can build up in stages over a number of years. For instance, Stage 1 might mean setting up a reliable bin-and-auger process. Your second stage might include tying all your bins together with a grated pit and bucket elevator system. In stage 3, you might add grain storage or introduce a truck scale or an overhead unload bin you can drive your truck under. Your fourth stage might see the addition of cleaning and processing equipment. This is just an example. You could switch it up to expand your operation as you see fit. Every customer is different, and Flaman helps each one find an individual solution. 5. Increase Efficiency Nothing saves time and money like speed and volume. Flaman offers both. Our low-maintenance grain handling equipment is proven to provide a high degree of safety for your crop and yourself. These include grain-moving options with impressive capacities of up to 20,000 bushels an hour. From Start to Finish, We Have It Handled If you’d like to make life on the farm more than kinda laid-back, Flaman proudly offers the best-in-class industry experts to help you do it. You can count on our team of certified technicians. Their collective grain-handling expertise, service, and support are yours throughout the setup, optimization, and maintenance of your operation. Get efficient this year. Talk to Flaman about the grain handling options that can start saving you money – and about the expansion you can achieve with the money you save.   Start your better bin yard conversation by calling or visiting your nearest Flaman Agriculture Location. Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:06:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=476 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=475 Nothing says, "hope this will last" like cementing something into your floor. Fortunately, U-Drain pre-engineered floor drains were designed by carefully studying what drainage systems should do - and what they've failed to do in the past.   U-Drain engineers examined the drawbacks of previous systems and came up with several unique improvements.   Grate-Free Floor Drainage Over time grates tend to buckle and bend after being removed and replaced for cleaning, eventually ruining the level, low profile of your floor. U-Drain uses no floor grates. Instead, it replaces them with a slotted design engineered to stay in place for decades of service. There's no need to remove or replace anything.   So Many Options! U-Drain includes many features to make both homeowners and business operators happy. Residential and commercial U-Drain installation examples   The slotted surface track is narrow and stays level with your floor, never sticking out from the moment you finish your concrete pour. As a result, homeowners and other property owners can now protect their garage floors, pools, driveways, and walkways without sacrificing style. U-Drain looks good and stays looking good.   Because larger commercial buildings may require more than one drain, U-Drain offers commercial customers several accessories for their specific drainage needs. Commercial packages are built to handle heavy-duty workplace drainage from fire halls to animal shelters. Our team will help you choose the accessories that best suit your unique business needs.   Long Lasting Unlike other systems that can show up damaged before you even use them, U-drain is made galvanized and stainless-steel construction. The zinc galvanizing process will provide decades of protection against bacteria, rust, and corrosion.   Easy to Install U-Drain's pre-engineered design makes installation simple. Sections bolt tightly together, lined up perfectly with laser-cut markings. The commercial sections measure 10' in length, unlike the usual 3 to 5' of other drainage systems. That means not only quicker and easier assembly, but also a straighter line going out. Special anchors are welded firmly onto the sections and sump corners, allowing you to secure them directly to your rebar grid.   Structural Integrity Unlike grate systems that can start buckling from the weight of equipment rolling over them, the slim U-Drain track channels the weight into the surrounding concrete. That's why its residential and commercial safe live load capacity exceeds 10,000 lbs.   Easy to Clean U-Drain provides a very simple cleaning alternative to removing and replacing grates. A specially designed cleaning paddle inserts easily into your drain slot. You can walk the full length of your drainage slot, sweeping debris into your sump for convenient disposal. Excess water drains out of 4" commercial and 2" residential outlet pipes running from your sump.   Learn More about U-Drain at Flaman Flaman always takes pride in giving our customers one less thing to worry about, so we'll be happy to talk with you about how a U-Drain system can help make your home, workshop, or business tidier and more productive. We'll have your coffee and plenty of advice on options, benefits, and installation.   You can find U-Drain at any of the 11 Flaman dealerships across the prairies. In Alberta, you can find us in Nisku (just south of Edmonton), Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Fairview. Saskatchewan has six locations: Moosomin, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Southey, Swift Current, and Yorkton. We also serve Manitoba, through our Swan River location. Thu, 18 May 2023 12:23:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=475 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=474 “It pays to invest in people,” says Rick Knight, Service Manager at Flaman’s Nisku, Alberta location since 2021. He’s describing what brought him to Flaman after 30 successful years in the automotive, motorsport, and trailer service industry. “It’s people and family oriented,” he says. The company’s care for its team and its customers impressed him. So did its principle of always wanting to do what’s right, a keystone of its founder’s philosophy. “I knew about Frank Flaman and his involvement in the community. I also heard when he gave up his entire company to charity, I respect that so much.”   Rick applied his years of experience to building on what Frank Flaman had begun. Inspired by Flaman’s 60 years of growth, Rick knew his service department could take its own leap forward.   Common Problem. Flaman Solution.  It would be tough. Qualified trades people were in short supply, but Flaman already had a solid strategy for growing teams like Rick’s service department - promoting from within.  Rick deemed it a tailor-made solution. “Most of our employees have mechanical experience and/or welding/fabrication experience. Some have farm experience, but we also have people come straight out of high school and be successful.”  Natural Born Mechanics  James Usselman can tell you exactly how that happens.  “I was looking for employment and dropped off an application,” James recounts. “I knew Flaman was in the Ag business, and I grew up on a farm, so I already knew about Flaman’s products and services.” He knew what made them work as well. His father was a self-taught mechanic. “No training or certification, just a natural-born mechanic.”   James says his father put his skills to work for several neighbours on farms in his community near Allan, Saskatchewan. “For as long as I can remember, I was by his side – mostly in the way – for a number of years.” It wasn’t a huge number of years, as James was already a reliable mechanical helper at the tender age of 10. “Things just progressed from there. We did automotive, ag, and heavy-duty repairs – everything from oil changes and brake jobs to full engine rebuilds.”   Aptitude can take you a long way.   When James went job hunting, he could present an impressive list of skills, but he lacked the certification to go with them. That might discourage other employers, but not Flaman.  “Any certifications I have, I received here,” James says. Flaman started him on forklift engine rebuilds and general maintenance on all company vehicles. His talents earned him a spot in the service department, where he continued to impress. In 2005, the department moved into a new building, and James moved into a new role – Flaman’s Saskatoon-based Service Manager.  Great Beginnings to Promising Futures  James isn’t the only success story.   “We had an entry level position for wash bay attendant,” Rick Knight recalls. “A 17-year-old showed up on his last day of school after writing his last final exam. He had a great attitude and personality; we hired him on the spot. Within 7 days, we realized his ability and skill set, moved him into the Service shop, and started to train him as a Tech.”  A High Service Standard  A high service standard is what Flaman Service Department shoots for. James agrees: “We try to do the job like we’re working on our own equipment.”   In one sense, they ARE working on their own equipment, because Flaman services virtually everything it sells. But the team also services equipment bought elsewhere. Trailer repairs may be the star attraction, but it’s on a long list of items Flaman staff can fix and maintain, including: Augers, Conveyors, Discs, Grain carts, Post pounders, Pressure washers, Rough cut mowers, Seed tenders, Water pumps. The staff also install truck decks and accessories, and they’re pros at in-house fabrication and customization. It all adds up to a wide range of services. Good Opportunities for Good People  No mechanical background? Not a deal breaker. “We do start people from scratch,” Rick says. Flaman employees have earned training and advancement by demonstrating a great attitude, willingness to learn, punctuality, and a consistent work ethic.   That policy pays off in the biggest dividends a Service Manager could hope for.  “In return, we get great people, long-lasting team members, people with the same goals. They appreciate everything we have done, and we all truly become a family,” Rick says. “When it comes to doing the work and repairs, we haven’t failed to meet a challenge yet.  “We are very confident in our team here at Flaman.”  We value positive, long-term relationships with our employees.  Do you have the customer-focused, team-oriented qualities described above? How about the experience, aptitude, or interest to pursue a mechanical career? Flaman employment opportunities offer much more than great service jobs. Successful candidates can take advantage of career training, advancement opportunities, competitive compensation, an extensive benefits package, RRSP and incentive programs.   At Flaman, we value positive, long-term relationships with our employees.  If that sounds good to you, our service department is hiring. Visit Flaman Careers to apply. Thu, 11 May 2023 14:38:55 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=474 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=473 We could speak volumes about the volumes the all-commodity AGI Batco UCX3 U-Trough Belt Conveyor can process. It’s powerful, high-capacity, and fast. In ideal conditions, it can move up to 12,500 bushels (about 340 tons) of canola in a single hour. At that rate, it’s not sheer fantasy to imagine loading a Super B in 10 minutes. Even heavier crops like wheat and peas still whistle through at about 10,000 BPH.   Fast as that ride might be, the cereals, pulses, oilseeds, or fertilizers you put through it come out hardly the worse for wear. Gentle handling is the beauty of a U-trough system – especially one with the UCX3’s problem-solving design. It focuses on eliminating points where spillage, crushing, and other damage can occur, from intake to spout. Advanced Leakage Protection That starts with the redesigned collapsible hopper. It’s built low, so you can be sure it will fit easily under any bin. The new, reinforced design also maximizes grain flow by minimizing potential leakage and grinding along its sides. A double-lip sealed edge keeps your commodities tightly in place as they travel up the conveyor’s 15” Direct X belt. It’s a U-trough-ready update of the chevron pattern used in the successful AGI Batco BCX3 tube conveyor.  Sticking With What Works The BCX3 design worked so well that many of its features have been incorporated into, or adapted to, the UCX3. These include: Turbo clean wash system, two belt scrapers, and belt brush. Working together in one remarkably easy clean-out process, they keep your belt debris-free and oilseed-friendly. Redesigned S-Drive. Easily adjusted with normal tools, this feature keeps your belt running straight and true without the risk of overtightening your pinch-roller bearings.  IBEX Mover Kit. Redesigned with a built-in braking system and a 160° turning radius, the IBEX is powerful and easy to maneuver whether you’re on a flat, dry surface or navigating deep muck. Two features provide the outstanding traction you’ll need to get you through a rain or snow-drenched day in your bin yard: Skid steer-style tires for better traction and single-wheel drop-and-go convenience and balance. More Power to U.  One notable difference between the U-Trough Conveyor and the BCX3 is the size of their engines. The BCX3 offers a choice of two gasoline engines – the 32HP Kohler or the 33HP EFI Vanguard. The UCX3 bumps the power up with a 40HP EFI Vanguard motor and upgraded drive components to further increase hydraulic performance and longevity.  Learn what the UCX3 can do for you at Flaman. Want to know more about the AGI Batco UCX3 U-Trough Conveyor? You can find expert advice at 11 Flaman dealers across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Drop by your nearest Flaman location and get an up-close look at features like the ergonomic command centre, IBEX Mover Kit, and spillage control. Ask our knowledgeable sales staff how the UCX3 or any of our other equipment can help your farming operation.   Mon, 08 May 2023 13:52:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=473 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=472 Seed tenders were invented to reduce your transport time, lower labour costs, keep your work concentrated in the field, and enable you to seed more acres. Flaman offers several innovative models that meet those marks with remarkable efficiency. Commercial Seed Tenders The Convey-All CST-1550 Seed Tender is one of the largest seed tenders available today. Its 1550 cubic feet of storage and attached conveyor save you time and money while providing a new level of convenience. You can load it from either side at your bins, station it at your optimum fill site, and save multiple trips between home and field.   Designed to prevent cross-contamination, this tender’s six stainless-steel, epoxy-coated compartments can carry different seed types along with fertilizer in the same load.   The CST-1550 is a manpower saver. Remote control gives a single user command of a 25' conveyor, powered by a 50HP diesel engine and fully contained hydraulic system. As master of the conveyor’s 144-degree swing range and two-tons per-minute unload rate, you can fill air seeders and trucks precisely and evenly. There’s no need to bring extra help to reposition anything and you can fill both tanks of your air seeder so they both empty at the same time.   Users say those advanced features yield impressive numbers. They’ve reported saving 30 minutes each time you fill your drill. Multiply that by four or five fills a day, and you’re gaining an extra 2.5 seeding hours per day. A 76’ drill seeding 34 acres/hour can use that time to add 68 to 85 extra acres to your daily total. Over 10 days, you could seed an entire extra section.   Side-Draw Solutions If you already have a conveyor (and there are plenty of good ones), the Convey-All CSC-1545 Seed Cart is a good choice. Instead of a conveyor, the CSC-1545 utilizes a side-drop chute system, offering stainless-steel slopes and gates. Otherwise, it provides comparable features to the CST-1550, including six separate stainless steel-lined, epoxy/polyurethane-coated compartments and an overall capacity of 1,525 cubic feet. Flaman also offers two excellent Side Draw Seed Tenders from Haul All Industries. "The Haul All Side Draw Seed Tender is like a Swiss army knife. It can be used to load air drills, clean seed with, and it can also be used as a harvest surge trailer." The four-hopper Haul All 1580NT features a 1260-bushel capacity and rides on a 40-foot tri-axle frame. The slightly smaller Haul All 1185NT model carries up to 945 bushels in three hoppers mounted on a 30-foot tandem trailer. Like Convey-All, Haul All builds its hoppers with stainless steel. ------ Our seed tender experts can help you find the seed tender that best serves your operation. We have 11 Flaman dealers located across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Drop by the one nearest you, and let’s talk about your optimum grain-handling solution.  Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:31:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=472 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=471 We could explain how we support our dealers and how our Rentals division reflects Flaman’s history and community culture (which we will). However, to provide a clear picture of the actual dealership experience, it’s best to let our dealers speak for themselves.   Today, we are sharing the experience of current rental dealers with you.      An Unforeseen Advantage: Brian Headon   We recently talked with Brian from Headon Rentals in Lloydminster. He shared his insightful perspective on how becoming a Flaman dealer added to their existing livestock farm.    We decided to become a Flaman Rental Dealer because it complements our farm. We have a year-round livestock operation and don’t have the same seasonal demands as grain producers. Flaman Rentals just made sense as a cash-flow business. Now that rental income has morphed into its own enterprise in the 11 years since we’ve partnered with Flaman.      There’s an unforeseen advantage in creating this massive relationship with the community. You really don’t know what other producers are doing. We sort of became this hub, and we get to see how innovative other growers have become.      Our success in the first year happened because of the early support from Flaman Rentals. Whenever we had a question or concern, we could count on Flaman, and the local farming community could count on us.      —Brian Headon, Headon Rentals, Lloydminster, AB.    The Roots of Flaman Rentals    The national company you now know as Flaman began in 1959 with Frank Flaman and a baler and swather. You could say that custom baling and harvesting in the Southey, Sask area was Frank’s first rental venture. The commodities were his equipment and his manpower. This was the seed that would grow to become Flaman Rentals in 1993. It was nurtured by Frank’s desire to reduce the financial pressure on farmers and help make a difference in his community.      Over 80 Flaman Dealerships exist across Western Canada and the U.S., supported by management, administrative, IT and marketing teams in our head office. We’ve expanded the range of products offered by our rental services to meet our client’s ever-changing needs. Even though many things have changed, one thing that remains the same is Flaman’s commitment to the customer.      With the success of our existing Flaman Rental dealers, we expect to see many new ones sprout up. Many people share our vision of making a difference by helping local farmers succeed in today’s climate.      The greatest thing about being a Flaman Dealer: Chad Cissell   Chad Cissell of Darkside Rentals shares a story similar to Brian’s. He took over an existing Flaman dealer five years ago.    Flaman support was top-notch as we were first getting started. And even through the years, if you have a question, our Territory Manager will have an answer. We are one of the larger dealers with loads of experience, and we pass on our expertise to other Flaman Dealers.      We serve lots of smaller farms that can’t just buy high-dollar equipment – ones that need quality implements in the short term to remain competitive. We offer that option at a fraction of the cost.    Being part of the dealer network is the greatest thing about being a Flaman Dealer. We share tips and tricks, stories from the field, and help each other grow. There is still that competitive spirit amongst the dealers but… it just makes everyone better. That network is valuable.      For those considering becoming a dealer, it’s very different day to day. Especially when you’re working with 100-plus customers over the year. You're used to seeing them at the grain market or auction house on occasion. It’s different when you become hands-on with them and understand what they need.    Being a Flaman Rental Dealer is a challenging experience and I enjoy every minute of it!      —Chad Cassel, Darkside Rentals, Ponoka, AB.    Big Commitment. Ample Rewards.    As you can see, a lot goes into becoming a Flaman Rental Dealer, but it comes with ample rewards. If you operate a farm or an agriculture-related business like delivering fuel or fertilizer, it's a great way to supplement your income. Dealership candidates with a solid understanding of the needs of farmers, farming communities, and agri-business go to the front of the line. We look for people like Brian and Chad who realize that maintaining that level of involvement is a reward.   At Flaman, we pride ourselves on being supportive; If you think you’re the kind of person who’d enjoy this kind of opportunity, join our team, you can count on our help finding the right equipment for your location. Flaman helps you succeed so you can continue to be the center of the community - meeting everyone in the surrounding area and being part of an invaluable and coherent dealer network. If you are interested in joining this mutually supportive network of dealers, We invite you to learn more about the Flaman Rental opportunity.      Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:05:56 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=471 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=470 Now that seeding is complete and the crops are growing, you may be starting to think about the next steps in your farming operation for 2022. This likely includes thoughts of additional Grain Storage, Grain Handling, and even Grain Drying equipment. It may seem early to plan for harvest, but summer is a great time to build your bins and install your grain handling equipment to move the crop come harvest time. Buying now will ensure your equipment is installed and ready to go in the fall – so you can have peace of mind all season long. Lean on the Pros At Flaman, our Grain Systems team is equipped to work with you on developing your yard for the future. Let one of our industry experts come to your yard to measure, draw, and discuss your needs for the coming year. Our tactical approach provides you with various drawings and site layouts that can utilize your existing equipment, and plan for future expansion in a multi-phased strategy. We can create a yard design based on your operational needs and the desired function of your site. We specialize in full grain handling setups, including a wide range of bucket elevators and pneumatic conveyors – such as the Walinga Ultra-Veyor. Our turn-key offering also includes grain dryer systems, like the NECO Mixed Flow Dryer, as well as grain cleaning and processing facilities, automated bin sites, and producer loading sites. Our team is here to guide the entire setup and installation process of your grain handling system and provide maintenance and service for every item that goes in and out of our doors. Schedule your appointment today for a free, no commitment site assessment.  ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:48:22 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=470 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=469 It really does matter how you look at it. Watching those harvest bushels pour out of your auger may do your heart good, but your back and neck don’t fare so well.   That’s because traditional grain carts unload on the left-hand side, causing you to turn away from your tractor controls. Meanwhile, anyone in your buddy seat has to do his own contortions to stay out of your way while you try to accurately offload grain. All that straining and stretching to see what’s happening makes for a long, unpleasant day - and a sore, sleepless night.    Thankfully, one simple common-sense improvement gives you a clear view of your auger without the aches and pains. Right-side augers change everything!  J&M Manufacturing’s right-side auger grain cart makes the most of your tractor’s cab layout. Easy access to controls and unobstructed visibility allow you to effortlessly aim your auger right into the semi-trailers. The increased comfort makes grain handling more operator-friendly— with fewer visits to the chiropractor.  It works with the extended right-hand swivel of most tractor seats and provides a consistently clear view of your controls and monitors. No more groping around, hitting the wrong button, and spilling your valuable grain.    Farmer Approved Operators have noted the left-to-right change left them less fatigued at the end of the day.  “It's hard to look to your left when your controls are on the right. It’s just a piece of cake.”  Bill Carter, Carter Farms   Different Side. Same Great Quality. J&M builds their right-side auger model to the same high-quality standards as the rest of their grain cart line. All components and wearable parts remain as durable, dependable, and available as ever. Only the auger position has changed, and it's just one of this cart’s outstanding features.   Speed, Accuracy, and Convenience The X-tended reach straight auger enables you to transfer 1400 bushels of grain in 2.5 minutes. Meanwhile, J&M’s patented telescoping hydraulic flow control spout sharpens your offloading aim – reducing the amount of grain that spills on the ground.   A 3-position auger system offers a 'storage' position to reduce machine width during transport and parking. The 'field' position limits stress on the auger and keeps the auger clean of any mud. The auger quickly extends to the 'unload' position to drop grain off.  J&M Grain Carts at Flaman Flaman carries the J&M 1412 grain cart with single 32” wide wheels or a 36” V4 Track to reduce soil compaction. Other heavy-duty standard components include: -  V-Truss axles designed for strength, preventing twisting or bending -  Oversized 6” spindles -  10-bolt and 20-bolt hubs available - Computer-balanced bullet auger flighting for quick unload speed and durability All of our 1412 X-tended reach right-side auger grain carts will be wrapped with special edition Canadian decals, and will feature an iFarm scale, rolling tarp, and 1 ¾" PTO drive. ------ Numbers are limited for 2022. Contact your nearest Flaman Ag expert and reserve your new J&M right-side auger grain cart today! Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:29:44 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=469 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=468 When it’s time to get your fields prepped for seeding, there are a few different equipment options to choose from.  For many years, harrows have been used to prepare fields in different capacities. Whether you are levelling off ruts, busting up hardpan, or removing trash before seeding, both the Riteway 5-bar and 7-bar harrows have a specific purpose in the tillage cycle. With low-till or zero-tillage farming practices gaining popularity in the last decade, you need a way to create ideal seedbeds for your crop. Riteway 5-Bar Heavy Harrow in use Heavy harrows, often known as 5-bar harrows, are very common and do a great job moving dirt, even in wet conditions. The Riteway 7-bar harrow is lighter than a traditional heavy harrow and has twice as many tines, offering you the flexibility you need to deal with excess straw post-harvest and residue management before seeding. Riteway 7-Bar Harrow We put together six reasons why you should consider using a Riteway 7-bar harrow this year. 1. Trash and Residue Removal “At its most basic point: if you’re looking to move soil – stick with your 5-bar, but if you’re looking for trash management there’s no better way to go than the 7-bar harrow.” Brad Grass, Territory Sales Manager at Riteway Manufacturing Think about how you use a large fan rake to clean up all the leaves in the fall. You go over the surface of your lawn, gently collecting the leaves and removing them. When using a garden rake, you collect everything from the roots of your grass – eliminating everything that protects the soil. 7-bar harrows work much the same as a large leaf rake, cleaning up and breaking down straw residue, while leaving the soil mildly agitated. Featuring twice as many tines as a heavy harrow, the 7-bar’s ½” tines provide better agitation as the harrow floats over the field – allowing for greater trash removal and distribution. 24" long 1/2" tines on the Riteway 7-Bar Harrow 2. Moisture Retention The smaller diameter tines on the 7-bar harrow provide greater agitation while disturbing less ground. By only mixing up the top layer of the soil, it allows the moisture to stay in the ground. The goal is to remove extra trash on the surface, not dry out the soil.    3. Less Soil Compaction The 82’ Riteway 7-bar harrow weighs 19,900 lbs and is the heaviest and strongest 7-bar in its class. Despite its weight, the 7-bar won’t compact the soil down as much as a heavy harrow because it floats over the topsoil instead of digging down. Less compaction, combined with better moisture retention, creates a better environment for plant development.  Riteway 7-Bar Harrow in use 4. Seed Bed Prep Remove all the trash and debris left from harvest and prepare your seedbeds without removing soil. This allows the seed drills to move easily through the field with less straw build-up around the knife. After using a 7-bar harrow, you’ll end up with a nice, clean surface for a fresh start in the spring. Riteway 7-Bar Harrow field demo 5. Herbicide Application As some weeds become resistant to certain herbicides, older chemicals are making a comeback. Because granular herbicide mixes well with topsoil, the 7-bar harrow can effectively protect your crops from invasive weeds. The 7-bar helps introduce the granular chemical into the soil just enough so that it can be evenly distributed throughout the field.   6. Mechanical Weed Removal The 7-bar’s lightweight spring tines help manage weeds that start to thrive in your field after harvest. By damaging these weeds enough so they stop growing, your crops have less competition for nutrients in the soil. Spring Pressure Kit on the Riteway 7-Bar Harrow As you can see, there are many advantages to using a Riteway 7-bar harrow to prepare your fields for seeding and manage the crop residue after harvest. Brad, Riteway Manufacturing, walks through the features on the 7-Bar Harrow ------ If you have any questions about our Riteway 7-Bar, Heavy, or Rotary Harrows, or any of our other tillage equipment, contact us or visit your nearest Flaman location. Fri, 06 May 2022 12:54:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=468 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=467 Timing is everything. In the farming world, it is important to be ready to go when nature calls. Seed tenders are great tools to maximize efficiency and reduce downtime during the planting window. Similar to how grain carts keep the combines rolling at harvest time, seed tenders are designed to keep the drills in the field and maximize available seeding hours in the spring. Some of the main reasons seed tenders are growing in popularity include: Speed & Efficiency Convenience, Versatility & Portability Scale Benefits Speed & Efficiency Speed and efficiency are often the deciding factors that influence producers to purchase a seed tender. By reducing downtime when filling and maximizing the available hours to plant, farmers will notice the immediate benefits of owning a seed tender. There are only 24 hours in a day, and when utilized properly, more work can get done in less time. Seed tenders are often able to load an air cart faster and safer than a stand-alone seed truck and traditional auger. Convey-All CST-1550 Convenience, Versatility & Portability Convenience, versatility, and portability are all key aspects to improving efficiency. Seed tenders give you the ability to load up seed in advance and strategically position your fill site where it needs to be. This can reduce the manpower needed to move seed around the countryside if your farmland is scattered. One person can independently use the onboard conveyor to conveniently load the drill with the ease of a remote, reducing the need for extra bodies to move around in trucks and start/stop the fill auger before it overflows the tank. Scale Benefits Scale systems allow producers to precisely meter products when filling and emptying the seed tender and when filling the air cart or planter. This ensures operators know exactly how much seed is being allocated to which compartment This also allows for even distribution when filling the air cart to ensure there is no excess product left in one tank and not the other.   Whatever your reason for wanting to improve efficiency, the time is now to visit your local Flaman dealer and learn how to maximize your planting window with a new seed tender.   ----- At Flaman, we offer three options of seed tenders in our product lineup – the Convey-All Commercial Seed Tender, Convey-All Seed Cart, and the Haul All Side Draw Seed Tender.  New to our product offering: Side Draw Seed Tenders from Haul All Industries There are many different options and features to be aware of when considering a seed tender, including size, capacity, and functions. For more information on these three seed tenders options or to learn which one would best suit the needs of your operation, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:05:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=467 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=466 Flaman Grain Systems is Western Canada’s largest custom screen manufacturer. Not only do we stock over 50 varieties of material for any type of screen you may need, but we also have a team with over 50 years of combined experience in the Grain Systems industry. From large terminals to small plants, we ship custom screen orders anywhere in North America – but especially throughout the prairies. Inventory One of the advantages of working with Flaman for your custom grain cleaning screens is our extensive inventory. We have 54 different types of screen materials in stock and on the shelf, as well as the frames to go with them. Round Hole, Slotted, and Triangular Screen Options   We have screens available for almost any make or model cleaner, as well as custom-built to your specifications. We offer round hole, slotted, triangular, wire mesh, and specialty perforating screens, with either wooden or aluminum frames. Grader Shells   We also carry grader shells, scalper reels, indent shells, and ball racks, along with a full supply of durable hand screens and sieves in a variety of materials and sizes. Specialty order hand screens are also available. Hand Screens & Sieves We begin by assessing your needs from technology to capacity, so we can accurately match you to the proper equipment for your grain cleaning operation. After we find the right machine for your farm or commercial operation, we work with you to determine the correct size and type of screen.   We hand screen grain samples for size and quality, so we can provide you with an accurate recommendation of screen sizes. Then we decide between wood or aluminum frames, wire meshes, or specialty orders, as well as any other accessories or add-ons. All of our screens are manufactured in-house out of our Grain Systems shop in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.   Experience When it comes to our screen division, it is our people that really make the difference. From sales and operations to carpentry and welding, our team has long-term experience in the Grain Systems industry.   With over 20 years of experience with Flaman, Roy prides himself on getting the right equipment in front of his customers. Roy’s extensive grain cleaning knowledge and his passion for helping find solutions for his customers is the foundation of the Grain Systems team.   “My favourite part of working with this team is the people. We have a lot of fun here, too.” Roy, Shop Manager & Grain Systems Analyst   With a smile, Beth keeps the sales and operations side organized and running smoothly in a busy atmosphere. Beth, Grain Systems Sales   Our screen manufacturers are integral to the shop and the Grain Systems team. They are consistent, hard-working, and skilled woodworking and metal manufacturers. Gerwin has been with the company for over 12 years, and Wency has been part of the team for 10 years. Wency, Screen Manufacturer Both Gerwin and Wency are motivated by family and take great pride in their work. Their happy attitudes and humour make all the difference in making the workplace a positive environment.   Gerwin, Screen Manufacturer   From Start to Finish  At Flaman Grain Systems, we believe in supporting you from start to finish – from screen manufacturing and operations, right up to processing plants and turn-key grain system installations. This includes supplying, installing, and servicing various grain cleaners, bucket elevator systems, and other grain handling equipment.   With our unmatched inventory and long-term experience, Flaman is a great choice for your next custom screen project. When you buy from us you are not just buying a product, you are gaining the ongoing support of a team with over 50 years of experience. ----- If you have any questions about screen manufacturing, or any of our on-farm or commercial grain cleaners, grain dryers, or grain handling equipment, contact us or visit your nearest Flaman location. Fri, 18 Mar 2022 20:24:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=466 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=465 Flaman Grain Systems is Western Canada’s largest custom screen manufacturer. Not only do we stock over 50 varieties of material for any type of screen you may need, but we also have a team with over 50 years of combined experience in the Grain Systems industry. From large terminals to small plants, we ship custom screen orders anywhere in North America – but especially throughout the prairies. Inventory One of the advantages of working with Flaman for your custom grain cleaning screens is our extensive inventory. We have 54 different types of screen materials in stock and on the shelf, as well as the frames to go with them. Round Hole, Slotted, and Triangular Screen Options   We have screens available for almost any make or model cleaner, as well as custom-built to your specifications. We offer round hole, slotted, triangular, wire mesh, and specialty perforating screens, with either wooden or aluminum frames. Grader Shells   We also carry grader shells, scalper reels, indent shells, and ball racks, along with a full supply of durable hand screens and sieves in a variety of materials and sizes. Specialty order hand screens are also available. Hand Screens & Sieves We begin by assessing your needs from technology to capacity, so we can accurately match you to the proper equipment for your grain cleaning operation. After we find the right machine for your farm or commercial operation, we work with you to determine the correct size and type of screen.   We hand screen grain samples for size and quality, so we can provide you with an accurate recommendation of screen sizes. Then we decide between wood or aluminum frames, wire meshes, or specialty orders, as well as any other accessories or add-ons. All of our screens are manufactured in-house out of our Grain Systems shop in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.   Experience When it comes to our screen division, it is our people that really make the difference. From sales and operations to carpentry and welding, our team has long-term experience in the Grain Systems industry.   With over 20 years of experience with Flaman, Roy prides himself on getting the right equipment in front of his customers. Roy’s extensive grain cleaning knowledge and his passion for helping find solutions for his customers is the foundation of the Grain Systems team.   “My favourite part of working with this team is the people. We have a lot of fun here, too.” Roy, Shop Manager & Grain Systems Analyst   With a smile, Mike keeps the sales and operations side organized and running smoothly in a busy atmosphere. Mike, Grain Systems Sales   Our screen manufacturers are integral to the shop and the Grain Systems team. They are consistent, hard-working, and skilled woodworking and metal manufacturers.  Josh, Screen Manufacturer Gerwin, Screen Manufacturer From Start to Finish  At Flaman Grain Systems, we believe in supporting you from start to finish – from screen manufacturing and operations, right up to processing plants and turn-key grain system installations. This includes supplying, installing, and servicing various grain cleaners, bucket elevator systems, and other grain handling equipment.   With our unmatched inventory and long-term experience, Flaman is a great choice for your next custom screen project. When you buy from us you are not just buying a product, you are gaining the ongoing support of a team with over 50 years of experience. ----- If you have any questions about screen manufacturing, or any of our on-farm or commercial grain cleaners, grain dryers, or grain handling equipment, contact us or visit your nearest Flaman location. Fri, 18 Mar 2022 17:18:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=465 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=464 It's great to see the winter snow melt, but it can leave a sea of excess meltwater on your farm, acreage, or worksite. Flooded ditches, construction sites, dugouts, or even just low-lying spots in your field can accumulate serious pools of water. The sucking mud that comes with it can make you miss frozen-solid winter ground. Fortunately, Flaman carries a number of water pumps to help you move winter snowmelt water quickly – giving your spring growth room to breathe. Our large selection of water pumps range in size from 1” to 4” from brands like Honda and BE. We also carry two brands of floating pumps: Watermaster and Warthog. The Watermaster floating pump is a high-volume, low horsepower pump, available in either gas-powered or hydraulic configurations. The Warthog floating pump is a highly fuel-efficient piece of equipment that is capable of pumping continuously up to 15 hours at 850 gallons per minute (51,000 gallons per hour). It's so compact it can fit in the trunk of a car. From right to left: BE water pump, Warthog floating pump, Honda water pump For your existing spraying or pumping operation, we have all the hoses, fittings, and filters you'll need to keep things running smoothly.  Our variety of spraying and pumping hoses includes lay-flat, air-seeder, and industrial-grade suction hoses at an affordable cost. They can be purchased pre-cut to a specific length, so you can have the option to build your own efficient system right off the shelf. Our large selection of hose and pipe fittings are offered in both aluminum and plastic, with options for manifold or threaded style. We specialize in 1” to 4” size fittings that include cam locks, ball valves, reducers, pipe thread, flanges, and more. We carry Super Flo water filters, rated at over 4,000 gallons per hour and equipped with easy-to-replace foam and mesh. If your pump-to-filter hook-up needs some tweaking, we have adapters available for your convenience. Some Flaman locations also carry filter floats, which help remove some common hurdles of pumping water. They eliminate the need for waders and keep your filter submerged in sloughs, ditches, ponds, and dugouts as low as 10” deep. Filter Float demo video ----- From water pumps, floating water pumps, filters, fittings, hoses, and accessories, Flaman is here to provide you with efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to move water. To learn more about our product selection or to get expert water-moving advice, talk to one of our team members at your nearest Flaman location.  Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:07:19 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=464 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=463 Traditional grain carts unload on the left-hand side, causing an operator to turn away from tractor controls. Add in co-pilot, now you need to look around to accurately offload grain. This causes you to strain, or stretch, to see what is happening. Making for a long, unpleasant day with a sore back and neck.  Right-side augers change everything!  Easy access to controls, improved visibility, and increased comfort allow grain handling to be more operator-friendly—fewer visits to the chiropractor too.  Right-Side Auger grain carts from J&M take advantage of the tractor’s cab natural layout. Allowing you to aim the auger right into the semi-trailers.  Using the built-in swivel of the tractor seat, you’ll be using the controls and monitors at the same time. No need to hit the wrong button or spill precious grain during transfer.  Operators are saying they are less fatigued by the end of the day when running the right-side grain cart.  Bill Carter from Carter Farms said “It's hard to look to your left when your controls are on the right. It’s just a piece of cake.”  J&M builds their Right-Side auger grain cart to the same quality and standards as their other grain carts. In fact, the only thing different is the auger position. All the components and wearable parts are identical. No need to worry about parts availability.  X-tended Reach Straight Auger allows you to transfer 1400 bushels grain in 2.5 minutes. The 3-position auger allows for a 'Storage' position to reduce the width during transport. 'In Field' position, you’ll keep the auger clean of any mud and quickly extend to the 'Unload' position to drop off grain.  Additionally, the telescoping spout aims at your harvest during offloading. Reducing the amount of grain that ends up on the ground. Flaman Ag carries the J&M 1412 Grain Cart with single 32” wide wheels or 36” V4 Track to reduce soil compaction. Heavy-duty components are everywhere: V-Truss Axles are designed for strength that prevents twisting or bending. Oversized 6” Spindles 10-bolt and 20-bolt Hubs available Computer Balanced Bullet Auger Flighting for quick unload speed and durability. All 1412 X-tended Reach Grain Carts from Flaman Ag will carry Special Edition Canadian Decals. Along with iFarm Scale, Rolling Tarp, and 1 ¾" PTO drive. Numbers are limited for 2022. Reserve today! Contact your nearest Flaman Ag Expert and reserve your new J&M Right-Side Auger Grain Cart.   Wed, 19 Jan 2022 12:46:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=463 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=462 At first glance, it might be hard to believe snowmobiling is good for your health. After all, you are just sitting on a motorized machine that does all the work, aren't you? No, you're actually doing much more than that. Here's a rundown of the health benefits of "sledding," and how you can take part if it sounds like your kind of outdoor fun. More Than a Mechanical Sleigh Ride According to the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), sledding can positively impact both your physical and mental health. In 2019, the organization released its Physical Activity Health Study, a summary of independent research done by the University of Guelph. The report included physiological data from field-testing in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. The study highlighted how snowmobiling could restore a sizable list of healthy habits that go missing as the days get shorter and colder - physical activity, outdoor time, exposure to nature, and socialization. Unfortunately, their absence can result in weight gain and reduced strength, endurance and immunity. With winter seemingly closing in on us, we can add Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to the price of our sedentary sins. Physical Benefits After following over 4,000 snowmobilers, the study found that the average rider used 5.6 METs while riding. The term "MET" stands for Metabolic Equivalent, a measure of the calories you burn sitting still. The study used body-position sensors to determine snowmobiling is much more than "sitting still." There's a lot of standing, kneeling, stabilizing, handle gripping, and changing position involved – especially if you head out into the backcountry or up into the mountains. The study also mentions peripheral tasks like digging out a stuck sled, clearing obstacles and truck/trailer loading and unloading. The study also measured these activities' exertion, fatigue, and aerobic exercise value. Again, uneven terrain was a significant factor. Trail riders reached an average of 68% of their maximum heart rate, while backcountry and mountain riders reached 71% and 82%, respectively. The researchers admit that cardio calculations can be logistically tricky with all the moving around. Measurement can also be obscured by exhilaration, which sometimes goes by another name - fun. Emotional Benefits Snowmobiling is so much fun, you might overlook the workout you're getting - and that physical activity makes you feel even better. It combats changes in the brain that can lead to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Time out on the snowy trails can also do wonders for sleep cycles and blood flow to the brain. It can even enhance the structure of the brain itself. Furthermore, frequent leaning and shifting positively affect stress hormones, inflammation, and neurotransmitter production. It works as well or even better than prescribed antidepressant medications at reversing depression symptoms. One weekend trip can keep your contentment charged up for up to a week. Social Dynamics Make Social Dynamos The study also points to several social benefits vital to mental health and physical safety. For example, isolation is a significant contributor to depression and other mental disorders. Because snowmobiling works best as a group activity, it offers several group dynamic pleasures, benefits, challenges, and rewards. Leaders choose the path and set the pace, and followers look out for those before and behind them. Negative thoughts are replaced by the good feeling of being part of a group that relies on your best qualities. It's also a great way to learn skills from others and develop your own sense of mastery. Feeling capable when you encounter challenges lowers your levels of stress and anxiety. So does gaining confidence within a group. Last but not least, there's a proven link between physical activity and improved mood. All of these benefits are easier to realize in an affirmative group setting. So, where do you get started if you're interested in snowmobiling but don't have any snowmobile friends? There are several snowmobile associations and federations across Canada representing 729 individual clubs. Reclaim Your Time with Nature. It's not just what you do, but also where you do it. Getting outdoors in the winter allows many of us to confront and befriend the fearsome snow beast of our imaginations. It's more than liberating. It's restorative. You're reclaiming a connection you thought you'd lost with the summer sun, and the scenery is still gorgeous to behold. Happy Trails! The CCSO reports there are over 121,000 km of organized snowmobile trails in Canada, used by over 1.5 million family members across the nation. No doubt many of those snowmobilers get excited when the snow starts falling. Just remember to take good care of the trails you travel, those who share them, and yourself. Follow that rule, and snowmobiling can be great fun and fitness for everyone who jumps on and throttles up. Flaman Has the Trailer That Can Take Your Sled to the Snow. You take pride in owning a snowmobile that can take you where you want to go. Take the same pride in a trailer that takes your sled where you want to go. Flaman Trailer Stores sells and rents outstanding utility, enclosed, and flat-deck trailers to take one or more snowmobiles to the trails. (We also deal in gooseneck, stock and dump trailers.) You can count on our accredited Trailer Service Department for quality maintenance, inspection, repair, warranty, or upgrade work. You put a lot of care into your sled. Let our professionals put the same care into the trailer that carries it. Call or visit your nearest Flaman Trailer location and talk about giving your great ride a great ride! Mon, 10 Jan 2022 14:25:34 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=462 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=461 For countless winters, Canadians have instinctively taken to the outdoors. That habit has given us a national sport, long average lifespans, and a reputation for friendliness, hardiness and adaptability. Most of us went out without the knowledge of studies documenting the good we were doing our minds and bodies. Fresh air, being active, and the natural beauty of our country were reasons enough. Even if we find ourselves spending less time outside, the door is always open. So here’s some information for those who’d like to regain the joy of winters past and those yet to fully discover what the season offers. It’s our way of encouraging you to get out and enjoy the glories of a great Canadian Winter. Part 4: Fun! In part 3 of this series, we offered some timely tips to ensure your time outdoors is safe. As lovely as a regret-free winter sounds, FUN sounds even better. It's good for the mind and body and for our relationships with nature and each other.  Done correctly, fun has the admirable power to make you feel younger AND extend your lifespan. So it's never a waste of your time.  Raring to Go Outside Recent events have made "going out" feel like a long-ago dream. That's certainly taken a toll on everyone's mental health, but at the same time, it's elevated our appreciation of our time outdoors. A recent study by the Centre for Addiction and mental health (CAMH) reported that getting outside was the most popular coping method - touted by 93.5% of survey respondents. Remember, that's in an age when people were already spending too much time indoors gawking at screens.   We've also become wiser and more respectful of each other's space – and there's plenty of it outdoors. So the time has come for us to reap all the benefits of a brisk winter day, safely sharing time with family, friends, and neighbours.   That renewed socialization comes with a whack of benefits. While our bodies enjoy reduced blood pressure and stronger immunity, our minds gain a better mood, more confidence and self-esteem, purpose, improved communication skills, increased brain health, and reduced risk of cognitive decline.  Winter Frolics – Go Outside and Play And we can have fun doing it. Just look at some of the entertaining activities out there and the health benefits they provide:   Downhill skiing: Do cardio-metabolic benefits like improved insulin resistance, body composition and glucose metabolism, and lowered blood pressure, blood lipids and heart rate sound like you're going downhill? According to a 2018 Time Magazine article, you are if you're on skis. Downhill skiing's cardio benefits are compared to those of rowing and cycling. But it's also a fantastic full-body workout, especially when your carve up those moguls. It's also a form of interval training with downhill dashes and rides back up on the chairlift.  Cross-country skiing: The gliding motion makes it low-impact. Using your upper body, arms, legs, and core makes it a supreme strength and toning exercise. Because it's so good for your heart and easy on your joints, people enjoy it into their 90s. Skating: It also uses a gliding motion that's easy on your joints. It actually enhances your joint flexibility. You'll be moving in directions that don't apply to regular walking and getting great aerobic exercise as you gradually build up your heart rate and respiration. You'll also dart around in quick bursts, which is a fantastic anaerobic exercise to build up your muscles.  Snowshoeing: You can walk or run on them over snow that would otherwise cave in and leave buried up to your waist. (If you want a REALLY TOUGH workout, try walking around like that.) Because it keeps you on top of the snow, you can cover a lot of ground and see a lot of nature. But that doesn't make it a stroll in the park. There's enough drag over the surface to burn up to 50% more calories than you would walking the same distance. Meanwhile, you're building up muscular endurance as you work your flexors, quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves. Cold Weather Hiking: We've discussed the benefits of forest bathing, which is more relaxed and nature-focused than the driven pace of a full-on hike. However, the effects of forest surroundings work the same – increasing the physical benefits of a good, brisk walk. It's even better if you take your hike in the mountains. Participants in a 2017 PLOS One study said they found it more pleasant and less tiring than a treadmill workout.  Old Familiar Fun in the Snow Wish you were a kid again? It might be your sense of propriety and not your years that you need to overcome. Every winter, you can find plenty of snow to build forts, snow people, or snowballs to fling about.  Put on your warm, waterproof clothing, then flop down and make a snow angel. Take a downhill plunge on a toboggan, tube or other gravity/good push-propelled vehicle. If you've got kids, use them as an excuse. They'll understand what you're getting out of it.  If you want more excuses, here's a bunch of them: You're getting a great cardiovascular workout that just feels like you're enjoying yourself. You'll be stimulating brain function. You'll activate your imagination. You'll bring back childhood memories and optimism that can lift the burden of adult problems off your shoulders for a while.  Winter's Calling You to Come Out and Play.   If you remember your childhood correctly, you'll recall what came before all that romping in the snow. There was the getting roused out of bed and the bundling up your parents made you do. As adults, we can make our own choices, and we often decide to forego the inconveniences that come between us and getting on with life.  It's easy to stay indoors in your pyjamas and wait for winter to just end already. But you'll miss out on all the invigorating, emboldening, and just plain fun benefits of the season.  So go out and make a friend of winter. You'll miss it when it's gone.    Warm Up to Winter Contest Have you entered our Warm Up to Winter contest on our Facebook and Twitter pages yet? It's that time of year again – and we're giving away some awesome prizes! Enter to win a $3,000 trailer purchase credit plus weekly prizes like trailer rentals, Koenders snowmobile sleds, gas cards, and more! Draws are made at the end of every week until our Grand Prize Draw on February 4th. Enter now – and good luck!   Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:05:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=461 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=460 For countless winters, Canadians have instinctively taken to the outdoors. That habit has given us a national sport, long average lifespans, and a reputation for friendliness, hardiness and adaptability. Most of us went out without the knowledge of studies documenting the good we were doing our minds and bodies. Fresh air, being active, and the natural beauty of our country were reasons enough. Even if we find ourselves spending less time outside, the door is always open. So here’s some information for those who’d like to regain the joy of winters past and those yet to fully discover what the season offers. It’s our way of encouraging you to get out and enjoy the glories of a great Canadian Winter. Part 3: Safety   In part 2 of this series, we went over the mental and physical benefits of getting outside in winter. But, of course, our coldest season brings some hazards beyond the usual sniffles or minor frostbite.    However, that's no excuse to avoid winter altogether. Here are some common-sense tips for balancing safety with the joys of outdoor winter activity.   Don't Let Jack Frost Bite You. Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic and other leading experts on best practices for keeping fit out in the snow: Talking to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen is always a good idea. Create a schedule and stick to it. Consistency is essential all year round. However, during the short days of winter, finding the right time for working, sleeping, exercise and eating are vital. Healthy, balanced meals will help keep you energized while the sun's up. That will help you make the most of your exercise, which will help you restore your circadian rhythm. Proper sleep and a consistent sense of time will help you stave off SAD and the physical, mental and behavioural problems that come with it. Check the weather – especially if you have heart issues, lung problems or asthma. Remember, the colder it is, the harder it gets on your lungs and respiratory tract. Respiratory symptoms and lung function begin to change at -15 C, according to University of Alberta exercise physiologist and associate kinesiology professor Michael Kennedy. He advises slowing down if you go out on bone-chilling days. Indoor exercise may also be an option. Dress in layers. As you exercise, your body will naturally warm up. So instead of taking off a big coat and instantly switching from too hot to too cold, you'll be able to adjust your clothing insulation like you'd change your thermostat at home. Choose the right gear for winter running conditions. That includes reflective clothing for those dark morning runs and good shoe traction for icy conditions. In addition, a skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling helmet could offer vital protection if you do have a slip. Keep hydrated. Drinking water or sports drinks before, during and after a run is a good idea, even if you're not feeling thirsty. Colder weather doesn't eliminate the threat of dehydration through sweating or even breathing. Stay properly nourished. Carbohydrates are a great source of the energy you'll need. You can get them quickly from a pre-run banana or glass of orange juice. For longer runs, you'll want to bring along fruit, granola bars or other snacks to keep your strength up and your body warm. Run against the wind on your way out. That way, you can get the "wind resistance" benefits of your run while you're fresh. You'll also have the wind behind you on the way back. Not only will it give you a push, but it will also protect you from a chill after you've been sweating.  Take time to acclimatize yourself. Don't burst out of the door running or immediately jump on those skis or snowshoes. Instead, spend a little time getting used to the cold around you and do a slow warm-up before you take off. This practice will help you build up your metabolic rate gradually and safely. Consider making it a walk. Running isn't the only way to cover ground and keep up with your fitness.   Wind Up Your Exercise Wisely After a good workout in the cold, you might not want to wait to go back inside. Instead, you'll want to resist that urge, according to Associate Professor Kennedy. Rewarming is an exertion unto itself, and you don't want to inflict it suddenly on your chilled airway. Instead, it's best to cool down slowly while gradually reintroducing your body to a warmer environment.  If you've driven to a skiing or snowshoeing area, driving home with the heat off can help your airway slowly regain its surface liquid before going into your home. Once You're Back Indoors  You can warm up further with a hot beverage and a meal that combines protein and carbs. Options include hot cocoa, chicken noodle soup, a tea latte made with dairy or soy milk, whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and banana, or oatmeal with warm milk, raisins and walnuts.   Eat it within 30 minutes of your re-entry to properly replace your spent fluid and glycogen resources. In addition, the walnuts offer an added refuelling benefit. Along with foods like almonds and lettuce, it can provide the melatonin that helps you get a great night's sleep. Just remember that doing something out in the snow is not all work and no play. Exercise is great, but just going out and having a blast can do wonders for you as well. So, in Part 4, we conclude with a refresher on winter fun – and how to have it.   Warm Up to Winter Contest Have you entered our Warm Up to Winter contest on our Facebook and Twitter pages yet? It's that time of year again – and we're giving away some awesome prizes! Enter to win a $3,000 trailer purchase credit plus weekly prizes like trailer rentals, Koenders snowmobile sleds, gas cards, and more! Draws are made at the end of every week until our Grand Prize Draw on February 4th. Enter now – and good luck!   Sun, 12 Dec 2021 16:48:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=460 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=459 For countless winters, Canadians have instinctively taken to the outdoors. That habit has given us a national sport, long average lifespans, and a reputation for friendliness, hardiness and adaptability.  Most of us went out without the knowledge of studies documenting the good we were doing our minds and bodies. Fresh air, being active, and the natural beauty of our country were reasons enough. Even if we find ourselves spending less time outside, the door is always open. So here’s some information for those who’d like to regain the joy of winters past and those yet to fully discover what the season offers. It’s our way of encouraging you to get out and enjoy the glories of a great Canadian Winter.   Part 2: Benefits   In part 1 of this series, we discussed the mental and physical costs of staying cooped up all winter. Then we showed how other cold-climate regions get out and make the most of our coldest season. We also mentioned the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing” – seemingly nothing more than an observant walk in the woods. But its proponents argue that their time in nature is much more than a pleasant pastime. Researchers agree with them – pointing to documented benefits. For instance, the aromatic scent of evergreen trees wafting airborne essential oils that can boost your immunity for weeks.   And that’s just the beginning of the mental and physical benefits winter holds for you.   Scientifically Proven   Studies indicate connecting with nature can help lower your body mass index (BMI) and lessen your risk of obesity and related conditions. A Central European study of late spring and winter forest bathing showed blood pressure levels dropped as well.  Findings suggest it may reduce the prevalence of chronic illnesses including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Studies further show it speeds recovery from other ailments. There’s even research indicating that it bolsters NK (natural killer) cells in their battles with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It’s also shown to be as good for your mind as it is for your body – improving your memory, mood, motivation, energy, attention span, focus, creativity and problem-solving. Forest bathing has been attributed the power to enhance spiritual benefits like mindfulness and gratitude.   A Symbiotic Relationship   The relatively new field of Environmental psychology puts much stock in the notion that time in nature helps us resolve internal, interpersonal and societal ills. It holds that human beings are more readily adaptive to natural environments than man-made ones. Other tenets include: Natural light quickly helps reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and boost our immune system Strong connections to the environment make us more aware of it and how we fit into it.   Humans can always improve the environment they live in. We’re active adapters to changes in society and the environment. We can reshape our social identities and affiliations to the physical space we occupy.   You can read more about our relationship with nature here.    Of course, many like to add a little physical exertion to their enjoyment of nature. That, too, can be an invigorating experience – if it’s done correctly.   Exercising in Winter Short days and chilly weather can discourage you from going out for that daily jog or brisk walk. But once you get out and do it, you can adjust to the difference and reap a long list of benefits. Your body will thank you for awakening a metabolism that just wants to sleep in. It will help keep your figure trim even throughout the feasting holidays. Outdoor exercise pumps up your heart health and lowers your blood pressure all year long. But in winter, the cold acts as another form of resistance. Meanwhile, the sun sends down buckets of vitamin D – even in winter – bolstering your bone strength and immune system. Studies indicate it also aids weight loss and helps protect us from the flu, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. You won’t have to tax your heart rate as much as you do in the summer, meaning less sweat and more energy. And who wants to sweat in all that winter clothing? The weight of those layers helps you become stronger and fitter at the same time.   The Heart-Warming Effects of “Chilling” Piling on those clothes can take a load off your mind. Going out to exercise is an ironic escape; You’re breaking free of a debilitatingly oppressive winter by fleeing into a refreshingly liberating one.  Same winter. Different perspective. Instant change. This isn’t purely philosophical. Science has proven exercise makes you happier by releasing delightful endorphins. It ends your day with a relaxing sleep, which helps you greet the next day with more energy and enthusiasm and a sharper focus. The air in natural areas like park trails along rivers is high in negative ions. In this instance, it’s believed that negative is better than positive – especially when it comes to emotions. An Australian study backed this belief – showing runners who ran outdoors reported more mood elevation running outdoors than on an indoor treadmill. Further research has indicated: Vitamin D helps battle anxiety and depression. Exercise can improve your response to stress Exercise may help your brain produce new cells – boosting performance and clarity With winter exercise, the “how” is as important as the “why.” Its many benefits come with some sound advice on keeping your time outdoors, safe, productive and enjoyable. That’s in Part 3 of this series.   Warm Up to Winter Contest Have you entered our Warm Up to Winter contest on our Facebook and Twitter pages yet? It's that time of year again – and we're giving away some awesome prizes! Enter to win a $3,000 trailer purchase credit plus weekly prizes like trailer rentals, Koenders snowmobile sleds, gas cards, and more! Draws are made at the end of every week until our Grand Prize Draw on February 4th. Enter now – and good luck!   Sun, 12 Dec 2021 16:20:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=459 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=458 For countless winters, Canadians have instinctively taken to the outdoors. That habit has given us a national sport, long average lifespans, and a reputation for friendliness, hardiness and adaptability. Most of us went out without the knowledge of studies documenting the good we were doing our minds and bodies. Fresh air, being active, and the natural beauty of our country were reasons enough. Even if we find ourselves spending less time outside, the door is always open. So here’s some information for those who’d like to regain the joy of winters past and those yet to fully discover what the season offers. It’s our way of encouraging you to get out and enjoy the glories of a great Canadian Winter.  Part 1: Appreciation "Like it or not, winter is here", the saying goes. Unfortunately, too many of us choose “or not, “ and that’s a shame when winter has so much to offer. As children, we went outside and played in the snow and on the ice. As adults, we largely resent those frozen things as inconveniences or even threats. That outlook causes us to dread winter when it’s coming, endure it while it’s here, and celebrate its departure. Combined with our own physiological response to changing seasons, it’s caused us to suffer all manner of problems.  The Cost of Avoiding an Entire Season One of the biggest problems – and often the root cause of several others – is seasonal affective disorder (aptly abbreviated as SAD). It can happen in spring and summer but is more common during fall and winter. While it can cause depression at any time, it also drains you of energy and bedevils your moods in the winter.   It can make you feel down all day, diminish your interest in your favourite activities and knock your circadian rhythm (AKA internal sleep clock) completely off-kilter. Sufferers have trouble concentrating, and might feel anything from sluggish and irritated to worthless and hopeless, so it’s something you’ll want to nip in the bud. Even if you’re just feeling a little groggy and grumpy, you’re still bringing on negative physical effects. You’ll eat more – with a greater craving for carbohydrates. Unless you have a way to burn them off, you’ll gain weight. The extra weight can deepen those negative feelings and throw higher cholesterol levels and blood pressure onto the heap. Too much sedentary time at home can start to feel like a prison sentence. Which, in an odd way, is a good way to look at it. It will spur you to break out.  Change the Way You Look at Winter. Admittedly, winter can send some cold winds, pile its snow up deep, and create white-knuckle driving conditions. However, taking winter as a whole season – and only at its worst – is a recipe for anxiety, isolation, depression, and physical illness.  We need to reclaim our childhood wonder for the season. Few things are more beautiful than a winter landscape on a sunny day, and few things are fresher than a breath of winter air. There are plenty of clear days to bundle up and enjoy both. Some days, you won’t even have to bundle up that much.   It’s more a feeling of befriending winter, rather than conquering it. To accomplish that, you need to venture out into its worst elements. If you do, stay warm and don’t venture out too long or too far. Then you can come back in, put your slippers on, and sip your cocoa triumphantly, like an old sea dog who’s rounded the horn.   How Other Countries Warm Up to the Cold Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan (unsplash.com) Getting outside in winter is nothing new. Cold climate areas around the world have been doing it for centuries. The UN consistently rates Norway as one of the happiest countries on earth. Yet, during their long winter, its citizens see an average of only 6-8 hours of sunlight during the day – and that’s in the south.   The northern Norwegian city of Tromsø, where the polar night lasts for three weeks, hosts an internationally-known half marathon in the darkest part of January. (They also host an outdoor film festival that month.) It’s citizens are ski-crazy, walking uphill on skis then schussing down, guided by the light of headlamps. When it’s always dark, this is an anytime thrill. It’s also not unusual for families with small children to have a winter campout on a frozen lake.   Meanwhile, Yakutsk, Russia posts a frigid average winter temperature in the -40s. Houses are built on stilts so the amount of heating needed to make them livable doesn’t melt the permafrost underneath them. Still, the city’s outdoor markets stay open year-round. Wired magazine reported that although the Siberian winter yields some days that can quickly send you scurrying indoors, kids still get out and ice skate.   Commune with Nature Photo by Tobias Bjørkli (pexels.com) Just as Yakutsk isn’t constantly cold, Tromsø isn’t completely pitch black. During certain times of the 15-day night, the sun manages to turn the sky a deep cobalt blue, known as the ‘polar twilight’. Even better, it’s occasionally animated by dancing Northern Lights. When full daylight finally dawns again, it reveals a beautiful city ringed by islands and fjords – a sight that no doubt contributes to the local population’s vigour.   Time in nature’s beauty is another internationally revered commodity. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku – “forest bathing” – can be as simple as a walk in the woods or a three-hour guided eco-therapy tour. The point is consciously connecting with what’s around you through a concentrated use of your senses.   If it sounds a little new-agey to you, consider that science confirms several of its benefits. We’ll address those in part two of this series.   Warm Up to Winter Contest Have you entered our Warm Up to Winter contest on our Facebook and Twitter pages yet? It's that time of year again – and we're giving away some awesome prizes! Enter to win a $3,000 trailer purchase credit plus weekly prizes like trailer rentals, Koenders snowmobile sleds, gas cards, and more! Draws are made at the end of every week until our Grand Prize Draw on February 4th. Enter now – and good luck!   Sun, 12 Dec 2021 15:01:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=458 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=457 WELD (verb)  1. join together (metal pieces or parts) by heating the surfaces to the point of melting using a blowtorch, electric arc, or other means, and uniting them by pressing, hammering, etc.  2. cause to combine and form a harmonious or effective whole.  Oxford Dictionary  The bond between Flaman and Dunvegan Fab & Welding has made both parties stronger – not to mention what it’s done for life in the Peace River Country.    It was officially forged at the beginning of March 2021, when Flaman Sales purchased the busy shop from Trevor Kerschbaumer of Kerba Group. But Flaman’s relationship with DF&W goes back for years, and its presence in the Peace River Country goes back even further.  Flaman’s Presence in the Peace River Country  Frank Flaman got to know the beautiful Peace River Country well, travelling through it extensively in the 1980s. It didn’t take long for him to see how Flaman could serve this productive agricultural region. Over the years, several area businesses incorporated Flaman Rentals into their product/service offering.  These businesses now operate in Fahler, LaCrete, Grande Prairie, and High Prairie in Alberta and Dawson Creek in BC. However, the opening of the Peace Country’s first Flaman storefront operation is a very recent development.    Dunvegan Fab & Welding  Norm McLachlan opened his first welding shop on the family farm in the mid-90s. Around 2003, the demand for agricultural welding and fabrication spurred him to open a second shop in Fairview, Alberta. In 2011, in response to his customers’ needs, McLachlan expanded his in-town operation to include Flaman Rentals.  Dunvegan Fab & Welding wasn’t the first Fairview shop to offer Flaman Rentals, but the partnership clicked. As in other agricultural regions, Flaman’s selection of rental products was the perfect fit for farmers in short-term need of expensive equipment.    The Rental Advantage  We rent grain vacs, disc harrows, heavy harrows, rock rakes or pickers, and bale carts,” says Tina Gelech, in charge of Flaman Peace Country Administration.  She adds a mower, bio spreader, and grain bin mover to that list – as well as two or more post pounders, grain bin cranes, stock trailers, gooseneck trailers, and flat-deck trailers.  Customers have also been able to rent man lifts, scissor lifts, and even a washroom car for leisurely family and community gatherings. Renting makes economical sense, Gelech says.  “When you're looking at a 60 foot set of disc harrows that costs like 160 grand. That's a big payment if you only need to do 1,000 acres. You’re going to take the one-time payment versus paying $160,000.” Before Flaman’s arrival, the region’s counties and municipal districts were a farmer’s only rental resource.    Full-Fledged Flaman  McLachlan’s successful record of customer service and his relationship with Flaman continued until 2017, when he sold Dunvegan Fab & Welding to Kerba Group, which in turn sold the operation to Flaman this March. Becoming the region’s first full-fledged Flaman distributor brought some changes to Dunvegan Fab & Welding, but some things remain as they were before.  The Flaman Fairview location is now a hub, meaning it also shares its equipment with Falher, Grande Prairie, and Dawson Creek. That makes for some long delivery drives, especially with some roads having 60 km per hour speed limits. It’s one of a few new responsibilities that Regional Manager Kevin Kulak and his staff are working to streamline.  It’s been hard to gauge how the new status has affected farm equipment rentals. That’s because the weather has been the predominant deciding factor in 2021.  “This year, the discs have been in and out all summer because of the weird weather we've had,” Gelech says. “Lots of people started discing way earlier this year because there was nothing growing in the field. So why wait until fall?”    More Staff to Do More Stuff   However, some benefits of storefront status are more tangible. For instance, the Walinga Blower Systems sold through Flaman are customized to meet the needs of each individual farmer. That calls for more of the expert welding and fabricating the Fairview shop was built upon and delivers 40 hours a week.   The business also offers these services onsite. This has resulted in the hiring of another welder and another potential hiring in the future. The shop’s even brought on a full-time “security guard” – a brown tabby with the imposing moniker of “Miss Kitty” (AKA “Missy.”) She mops up on any opportunistic mice daring to take advantage of an open shop bay door. Not surprisingly, this fierce feline is a hit with the customers. So is the service.     The Future of Fairview, Flaman, and Farming  Tina Gelech says dealing with the customers is the best part of her job. New faces are always refreshing. Greeting them with a friendly smile and thorough attention is one of Tina’s many responsibilities. These include invoicing, record-keeping, managing rentals, and reporting to the Alberta headquarters in Nisku.   Gelech says the aim is to build a fully stocked store modeled after Flaman’s Nisku, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge locations. That plan is good news for Fairview – a town of around 3,000 souls keenly interested in a thriving agriculture-based economy. The Peace Region represents Canada’s northernmost agriculture-ready lands – over 5.8 million acres for canola, oats, peas, barley, cattle ranching, and honey bees. Since Western Canada’s last great wave of agricultural settlement in the 1910s, farmers have survived the great depression, mosquito-bitten summers, bitter winters, droughts, and floods.   Today, Peace River farmers set the pace for agricultural seed production and own 14% of Canada’s bison-producing herd. New challenges will undoubtedly arise, but they’ll be met by a resilient community always plowing toward that next goal.   “Everybody's always happy when a business is growing versus moving out of town,” Gelech says. Signs like the town’s first Tim Hortons location inspire hope, but you still have to venture to a bigger center to buy a pair of jeans.  That’s one of many things Flaman’s new storefront location is helping to change. Wed, 27 Oct 2021 11:49:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=457 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=456 It’s time to get ripping this fall and reclaim that land that hasn’t been seeded in years. When the fall weather permits, tillage and other end-of-season work is necessary to get a jump start on prepping next year’s seedbed before the spring rush. Disc ripping is a great tillage method that you can use to break up hardpan and compaction layers, manage trash and crop residue, and increase acres by reclaiming some of the low spots in your field. In-field product demo at the Discovery Farm site in Langham, SK Given the dry conditions this year, the opportunity to reclaim low spots and disc dried-up sloughs is available. Using a Kello-Bilt Disc Ripper from Flaman allows you to improve moisture retention and root development by digging deeper into the ground. Kello-Bilt Disc Rippers feature five adjustable ripping shanks that allow for depths of 12”, 15”, and 18”, setting them apart from conventional tillage or other types of tillage practices. The heavy-duty shanks on this machine dig below the compaction layer beneath the soil’s surface and demolish the hardpan. Effectively shattering the hardpan with a Kello-Bilt 275DR allows plant roots to penetrate the soil further while accessing additional nutrients and moisture. An interesting analogy when trying to understand how disc rippers reclaim land in dried-up slough bottoms is to think of a pool liner. After years of water sitting in a low spot on your field, the water saturation in the soil tightens up and creates a layer much like a pool liner. Disc ripping a dried-up slough bottom penetrates this liner, aerating the soil and allowing it to breathe again. This increases soil efficiency with better moisture retention, microbial activity, and balanced pH levels to help reduce saline patches. In other words, “healthier soil” that will produce healthier plants. The beauty of seeding into a low spot (once the slough bed has been properly disc ripped) is the likelihood of that land seeing moisture in the following crop year. In dry growing seasons, this additional moisture can be the difference between a heavy, high-busheling crop and a below-average yield.   For more information on how a Kello-Bilt Disc Ripper can help with seedbed preparation, managing post-harvest crop residue and trash this fall, or increasing acres next year by reclaiming land that hasn’t been seeded in years, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Shaun walks through the features of the Kello-Bilt 275 Disc Ripper -----  Interested in trying out the Kello-Bilt 275DR on your farm but not ready to purchase? We offer short-term rentals of tillage and field prep equipment, as well as grain handling equipment, hay and livestock equipment, trailers, and more. Contact your local dealer for rental inquiries and current product availability. Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:27:55 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=456 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=455 With heavy rainfall in many areas across the prairies, you may be dealing with excess water on your farm, acreage, or worksite. Flooded ditches, construction sites, dugouts, or even just low-lying spots in your field can accumulate serious pools of water. Not to worry, though, we have a number of water pumps to help you move water quickly. We have a large selection of water pumps ranging in size from 1” to 4” from brands like Honda and BE. We also carry two brands of floating pumps: Watermaster and Warthog. The Watermaster floating pump is a high-volume, low horsepower pump, available in either gas-powered or hydraulic configurations. The Warthog floating pump is a highly fuel-efficient piece of equipment that is capable of pumping continuously up to 15 hours at 850 gallons per minute (51,000 gallons per hour) and is so compact it can fit in the trunk of a car. From right to left: BE water pump, Warthog floating pump, Honda water pump For your existing spraying or pumping operation, we have all the hoses, fittings, and filters you will need to keep things running smoothly.  We carry a variety of spraying and pumping hoses including lay-flat, air-seeder, and industrial-grade suction hoses at an affordable cost. They can be purchased pre-cut to a specific length, so you can have the option to build your own efficient system right off the shelf. Our large selection of hose and pipe fittings are offered in both aluminum and plastic, with options for manifold or threaded style. We specialize in 1” to 4” size fittings that include cam locks, ball valves, reducers, pipe thread, flanges, and more. We carry Super Flo water filters that are rated at over 4,000 gallons per hour and are equipped with easy-to-replace foam and mesh. If your pump to filter hook up needs some tweaking, we have adapters available for your convenience. We also carry filter floats at some of our locations, which are useful in removing some of the hurdles associated with pumping water – eliminating the need for waders and keeping your filter submerged in sloughs, ditches, ponds, and dugouts as low as 10” deep. Filter Float demo video ----- From water pumps, floating water pumps, filters, fittings, hoses, and accessories, Flaman is here to provide you with efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to move water. To learn more about our selection of products or to get expert advice for all your water moving needs, talk to one of our team members at your nearest Flaman location.  Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:54:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=455 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=454 There are a lot of different discs and harrows on the market, but there is nothing quite like the Schulte SoilStar Disc Harrow. Whether you are cleaning up after a bumper crop or dealing with pulse residue post-harvest, properly managing the trash in your field is important prior to seeding. The Schulte DHX combines a 5-bar heavy harrow and a double row of wavy coulter discs. This unique design is engineered to properly size straw and manage it in the top 1.5” – 2” of the soil. Pictured above: 5-bar heavy harrow & wavy coulter discs Although traditional discs can be effective at leveling a field, they are also known to bury heavy straw residue down into the soil and not properly size it. The result of this is that the field may look like it has been left clean, but the straw remains intact below the surface. The problems arise when the air seeder brings the straw back to the surface in spring and creates trash piles. Harrowing can also prove effective in providing a finer finish to the field prior to seeding, but heavy trash that remains after a large-yielding crop can bunch up and create substantial piles of material behind the equipment. Schulte 60' Disc Harrow in action The Schulte Disc Harrow is the best of both worlds. The 18” double row of wavy coulter discs are spaced at 7.2” and are available in 8 wave and 13 wave options – effectively sizing the straw in the top 1.5” – 2” of the soil. This levels the soil without being overly aggressive and without over-disturbing the topsoil like a concave disc. The coulter discs move independently from the main frame, which allows the operator to either maximize the weight of the machine on the cutting edge of the discs or lift them completely and use the DHX as a 5-bar harrow. The Schulte SoilStar is available in 36’ and 60’ widths and requires a minimum of 8 HP per foot. Depending on the stubble and soil conditions, the DHX can be pulled between 7-10 mph.  DHX-600 (60' model)  DHX-360 (36' model)  Whether you are prepping the field in late fall or early spring, the Schulte DHX is proven to get you in the field sooner and maximize your time. With the ability to adjust the disc depth and tine angle from 35 degrees to 90 degrees, you no longer have to wait for ideal conditions to get rolling – the Schulte Disc Harrow is just as effective in wet conditions. When used in the springtime, the DHX can warm up the soil and speed up weed seed germination to promote a proper pre-seed burn off for producers hitting the field with a sprayer. The versatility of the Schulte Disc Harrow is what sets it apart from the competition in the tillage world.  Reagan from Schulte Industries walks us through the features of the DHX-360 ----- For more information on how the Schulte DHX can help you manage post-harvest trash and straw residue in your field this fall or quicken soil warming and increase water penetration next spring, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:11:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=454 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=453 Timing is everything. In the farming world, it is important to be ready to go when nature calls. Seed tenders are great tools to maximize efficiency and reduce downtime during the planting window. Similar to how grain carts keep the combines rolling at harvest time, seed tenders are designed to keep the drills in the field and maximize available seeding hours in the spring. Some of the main reasons seed tenders are growing in popularity include: Speed & Efficiency Convenience, Versatility & Portability Scale Benefits Speed & Efficiency Speed and efficiency are often the deciding factors that influence producers to purchase a seed tender. By reducing downtime when filling and maximizing the available hours to plant, farmers will notice the immediate benefits of owning a seed tender. There are only 24 hours in a day, and when utilized properly, more work can get done in less time. Seed tenders are often able to load an air cart faster and safer than a stand-alone seed truck and traditional auger. Convey-All CST-1550 Convenience, Versatility & Portability Convenience, versatility, and portability are all key aspects to improving efficiency. Seed tenders give you the ability to load up seed in advance and strategically position your fill site where it needs to be. This can reduce the manpower needed to move seed around the countryside if your farmland is scattered. One person can independently use the onboard conveyor to conveniently load the drill with the ease of a remote, reducing the need for extra bodies to move around in trucks and start/stop the fill auger before it overflows the tank. J&M 390-ST Scale Benefits Scale systems allow producers to precisely meter products when filling and emptying the seed tender and when filling the air cart or planter. This ensures operators know exactly how much seed is being allocated to which compartment This also allows for even distribution when filling the air cart to ensure there is no excess product left in one tank and not the other.   Whatever your reason for wanting to improve efficiency, the time is now to visit your local Flaman dealer and learn how to maximize your planting window with a new seed tender.   ----- At Flaman, we offer two brands of seed tenders in our product lineup – the J&M LC Series Speed Tender and the Convey-All Commercial Seed Tender. There are many different options and features to be aware of when considering a seed tender, including size, capacity, and functions. For more information on these two seed tenders or to learn which one would best suit the needs of your operation, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Fri, 07 May 2021 14:15:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=453 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=451 At Flaman, we understand that investing in your farming operation and expanding your yard site is important for continued growth and efficiency. That’s why we believe in supporting you from start to finish.  Customers share their experiences working with the Flaman team for their drying & handling setups (above) Our Grain Systems team are experts in grain handling, grain drying, and grain cleaning. When you buy from us you are not just buying a product, you are gaining the ongoing support of a team with over 50 years of experience. From Start to Finish One of our industry experts will sit down with you to discuss and understand what your needs are for the coming year, as well as any future plans you may have. From there we will design a phased approach, with future expansion in mind. We provide complete engineered drawings constructed in-house, with multiple alternatives to come up with a solution that works for your operation. Once the equipment is decided on, we will continue to work with you through the site preparation and construction. Our job is not done until your equipment is handling grain the way you expect it to. And even then, we don’t consider our job to be done. Rather, we shift our focus to make sure you remain satisfied with the performance of your equipment. That’s where our Service Team comes in. This dedicated team of certified technicians specializes in after sales support including warranty, pre-season and post-season maintenance, optimization, and commissioning of your machines to ensure your equipment is always running at peak performance. Our Service Team Lead explains what you can expect from our team even after the sale (above)  We also offer access to a customer service hotline with live tech support after hours (in season only). When you buy from us you are not just buying the equipment, you are buying the total solution. We have been here for over 60 years and we look forward to continuing to grow with you as your farming operation grows. Map of Flaman Grain Handling and Drying sites throughout Saskatchewan & Manitoba (2021) -----  If you are considering adding grain handling, drying, or cleaning equipment to your farm, give us a call or talk to one our Grain Systems specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:53:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=451 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=450 At Flaman, we understand that investing in your farming operation and expanding your yard site is important for continued growth and efficiency. That’s why we believe in supporting you from start to finish.  Customers share their experiences working with the Flaman team for their drying & handling setups Our Grain Systems team are experts in grain handling, grain drying, and grain cleaning. When you buy from us you are not just buying a product, you are gaining the ongoing support of a team with over 50 years of experience. From Start to Finish One of our industry experts will sit down with you to discuss and understand what your needs are for the coming year, as well as any future plans you may have. From there we will design a phased approach, with future expansion in mind. We provide complete engineered drawings constructed in-house, with multiple alternatives to come up with a solution that works for your operation. Once the equipment is decided on, we will continue to work with you through the site preparation and construction. Our job is not done until your equipment is handling grain the way you expect it to. And even then, we don’t consider our job to be done. Rather, we shift our focus to make sure you remain satisfied with the performance of your equipment. That’s where our Service Team comes in. This dedicated team of certified technicians specializes in after-sales support including warranty, pre-season and post-season maintenance, optimization, and commissioning of your machines to ensure your equipment is always running at peak performance. Our Service Team Lead explains what you can expect from our team even after the sale We also offer access to a customer service hotline with live tech support after hours (in season only). When you buy from us you are not just buying the equipment, you are buying the total solution. We have been here for over 60 years and we look forward to continuing to grow with you as your farming operation grows. Map of Flaman Grain Handling and Drying sites throughout Saskatchewan & Manitoba (2021) -----  If you are considering adding grain handling, drying, or cleaning equipment to your farm, give us a call or talk to one our Grain Systems specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Wed, 07 Apr 2021 11:33:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=450 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=449 What started in the fall of 2020 as an idea to build an innovative sprayer trailer designed with functionality and convenience at the top of mind has resulted in the ST series of agriculture sprayer tender trailers from Flaman. Model ST-9100 With safety, speed, and ease of use as the three pillars of design, these trailers were created to efficiently mix different batches of chemicals and quickly fill your sprayer – all with minimal downtime. Now that all the planning and engineering has been completed, we are excited to have these units rolling through our production lines and hitting the market for the spring 2021 and 2022 seasons. “We listened to our customers and put together all their best ideas into these all-new, all-encompassing sprayer tailers. Giving the customer all the features that they have always wanted to have – all in one unit. Flaman is proud to bring this product offering out to the marketplace just in time for the busy spring farming season.” Bret Watson, Engineer  The Flaman ST-9100 and ST-9200 are tender-style trailers, built around a 53’ Behnke tri-axle trailer with a heavy-duty air ride suspension and 22.5” tires. They have an 80,000 lb GVWR, cross members on 12” centres, powder-coated paint, and Apitong hardwood decking. These trailers feature a 48” heavy-duty undermount toolbox for additional storage, mud flaps, and dual 2-speed jacks. The most notable difference of the ST-9100 and ST-9200 from other units on the market is the custom-designed 11’ upper kick compared to traditional 10’ upper kicks. This allows for a heavy-duty, low-profile 3,200 US gallon tank to clamp securely to the top deck with heavy-duty deck pins. Chem Handler III These ag sprayer trailers are completely outfitted with 3” hose and pipe for speed when filling and emptying the 4,500 US gallon (17,000L) tank on the back and the 3,200 US gallon (8300L) tank on the front. They are fastened directly to the trailer deck with heavy-duty steel mounting pins for safety instead of ratchet straps or chains. The entire system is controlled and mixed with a heavy-duty 3” Chem Handler III, a chemical handler that is fast, safe, and easy to use. The 3” steel piping is mounted under the trailer to keep the deck clean and eliminate the potential for tripping. The fill station is versatile and can feed either each tank individually or at the same time.  Features that make the ST-9100 and ST-9200 stand out include:  Stowable Fill Arm  The stowable fill arm has been engineered with 5” HSS tubing to manage the hose when filling the sprayer. This versatile fill arm takes care of the weight of the 3” hose when it’s full of product, and it swings out when filling the sprayer and easily folds back in when you are done. Your back will thank you!   Stowable Stairs & Grate Tread The stowable stairs give safe and easy access to the deck when managing the Chem Handler III. In a matter of seconds, the safety pins can be pulled out and the stairs can be folded down – no more hopping up and down from the deck like you are training for a Spartan Race! The textured grate steps provide additional traction and reduce the potential for unnecessary slips and falls. Tote Storage The tote storage is loaded with innovative features and has been engineered to safely store two chemical totes on top with secure ratchet strap tie-downs. It is easily accessible from both sides of the trailer, as well as from on top of the deck. It can be used to store extra fuel, additional hose and couplings, chemical jugs and treatments, tools, extra parts or sprayer nozzles, and safety equipment. It has strategically been offset towards the passenger side of the trailer to allow for additional walking room on the driver side and access the upper kick with an integrated safety handrail.   Sight Tubes Both tanks have built-in sight tubes for easy water level readings. LED Light Kit The trailer comes standard with four LED lights to increase safety and reduce the chances of an accident after the sun goes down. There is a convenient light switch located on the passenger side of the tote cage and in easy reach from the ground or deck. All wires are run inside of the frame and are powered by the 7-pin trailer plug. Hot Tank (available on the ST-9200) The ST-9200 includes an additional 1680-gallon (6400L) Chembine Hot Tank. Designed to reduce wait times and increase efficiency, the Hot Tank can mix and agitate the next batch of treatment while the sprayer is out in the field. When the sprayer is ready for another fill, the Hot Tank can quickly unload the next batch of chemicals that have already been already prepared. This feature can be added to any ST-9100. ----- For more information on the Flaman ST Series Sprayer Trailers, talk to one our ag & trailer specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Fri, 05 Mar 2021 11:46:25 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=449 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=448 With the cold weather snap we've been having, I'm reminded that my dad always said, "Things just start breaking down and don't work well after -25". That being said, you don't always have the luxury of taking a day off when the elevator calls for grain in the middle of winter. In case you're in a rush and it's too cold to fire up the auger to load the trucks, take a few minutes and remind yourself of a couple of key tips to ensure that your auger or conveyor starts when you need it to. Fuel Fuel problems always seem to show up when the cold hits. The two most common fuel problems are: 1. Old/dirty fuel 2. Water in the fuel Make sure you are always using good clean fuel. Check your fuel filters often, and replace them when necessary. It's the easiest way to ensure the auger engine will start easy and run clean at a cold, crucial time. The last thing you want when you're in a rush is pausing to clean the carb or rip the engine apart. If you're not sure how old the fuel is in the jerry can you're about to use, you're better off using it for a bonfire. Go get some new stuff and prevent the headache. Water in fuel is as bad as dirty or old fuel, and sometimes worse. Because water is heavier than fuel, it will usually find its way to the bottom of the tank, often where the fuel line feeds the carburetor. And you can be sure that it will either freeze up when it's cold or prevent the motor from igniting when you need it to most. If there is a drain valve on your auger, it is recommended you periodically drain the fuel in the spring or when the unit is warmed up in the shop. Fuel additives such as Sea Foam or isopropyl-based gas line antifreeze can also help mitigate the problems old or water-based fuel can pose on engines. EFI vs Carbureted Engines Most farms have augers or conveyors with both carbureted and EFI (electronic fuel injection) motors. Although they operate very much the same, the starting procedure may differ. On a carbureted engine, add a small amount of throttle to ensure the engine will idle, pull the choke fully out and start to crank the motor over. Be sure not to over-throttle and flood the engine. Once the motor fires and runs for a few seconds, you can usually push the choke in half-way and let the engine warm-up for 5-15 minutes. After the engine is good and warm, you can push the choke in all the way and you should be good to go. When cold starting an EFI engine, there are a couple other things to consider. Set the throttle to approximately one-third open (between idle and one-half throttle), turn the key on, and watch for any lights on the control panels. This will ensure everything is powering up. Listen for a humming sound to confirm the electric fuel pump is working. After the pump kicks in, fully turn the key to the start position and start cranking the engine over. If it stalls or does not start after a few seconds, cycle the key to the off position, and repeat this step. Wait for the electric pump to kick in again and start cranking the engine over. This may need to be repeated multiple times. Once the engine is idling and running, allow 5-15 minutes for it to warm up before putting any load on it. Following the tips above will ensure you the best chance of making sure your auger/conveyor starts in the cold weather. Sometimes it is just too cold for an engine to start regardless of what prep work you do. In that case, it might be time to go inside where it's warm, and browse for a new auger with modern technology and new, clean fuel in the tank! ----- For more information on our grain handling equipment, auger accessories, or to learn more about cold starting an engine, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:09:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=448 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=447 When buying a field disc, you need the confidence to know that it is going to work the way you expect when you need it and not break down, leaving you stranded with work to be done. This is why Flaman chose to team up with Kello-Bilt products over 40 years ago. Like Flaman, Kello-Bilt remains a family-owned business that keeps quality and reputation top of mind. A field disc is meant to be put through tough conditions. Continued innovation is what has kept Kello-Bilt tillage equipment ahead of the curve and outlasting its competitors.   Kello-Bilt Tandem Disc - Model 225TSW For over 50 years, Kello-Bilt discs have been Canadian-made to “be better”. They’re built heavy and designed to last in the toughest conditions. The company has continued to evolve with experience and improve the things that “didn’t work” or simply didn’t stand up to other discs in the tough Canadian environment. This is how the idea for the self-lubricating oil-bath bearing was born. The self-lubricating oil-bath bearing proved to be superior to traditional greaseable ball bearings.   Today, regardless of price, Kello-Bilt discs are still manufactured to the highest standard with Canadian and North American steel. They are constructed with high-strength steel tubing, heavy gussets, and powder-coated components to ensure best-in-class quality and performance. This ensures the longevity of your purchase for years to come. The oil-bath bearings and boron steel blades are designed and sourced from Brazil and Argentina specifically for Kello-Bilt. Boron steel blades are less brittle than traditional carbon steel blades.    Oil-Bath Bearing Interior The oil-bath bearing uses two tapered roller bearings mounted in a cast housing. The dual-cone seal constantly lubricates the bearing. They sit on the interior axle, which is never in contact with the actual gang shaft. Tapered roller bearings are ideal for a disc application because they are designed for side thrust. Most of the pressure a disc blade faces is side pressure, NOT radial pressure. Ball bearings are designed for radial pressure. Oil-bath bearings are extremely low maintenance. Testimonials show Kello-Bilt discs from the 1980s are still operating with their original bearings after over five or more sets of replacement blades. The beauty of the oil-bath bearing is that they’re rebuildable. As long as you make sure not to run the blades too loose, as it will put pressure on the housing and cause leakage, the bearings can last for decades.  Kello-Bilt Offset Disc - Model 275   If you’re serious about purchasing a quality field disc, contact your local Flaman dealer today. A Kello-Bilt disc with oil-bath bearings might be as serious as you are. Wed, 03 Feb 2021 09:25:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=447 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=446 It’s here. The legendary orange “gentle giant” from AGI/Batco has received more than a facelift for 2021. After a complete redesign from hopper to downspout, the BCX3 conveyor has a few new features worth bragging about. Aside from the redesigned S-Drive, new Turbo-Clean Wash System, and remodeled fuel tank, there are still 3 big upgrades that make this the most versatile conveyor yet. Move All Commodities - Most notably, the biggest feature of 2021 is the BCX3 conveyor’s ability to move all farm commodities - that’s right, INCLUDING CANOLA. Gentle on pulses, quick on cereals, and capable of oilseeds, you now have one tool for all your jobs. This has been made possible with a redesigned hopper & downspout, plus the new Turbo-Clean wash system with multiple scrapers & brushes. As with the use of any oilseed, additional maintenance and cleaning is required to ensure the longevity of your conveyor.     Multiple Controls, One Location - Redesigned, with functionality and safety in mind, you will find all the controls in one location. This means you can adjust the throttle, engage the clutch, change the height for both hopper & discharge, and drive all from one spot. No more reaching. The conveyor’s control center has been relocated to provide better ergonomics and visibility as you drive, as well as additional clearance when setting up underneath your hopper.   Ergonomic Command Centre   Move with Ease - A completely redesigned mover adds substantial traction and maneuverability for your conveyor. The new all-terrain tire design has been coupled with an internal braking system to prevent rollback. The drop-and-go design is simple and safe - no more engaging or locking hubs. The drive wheel has been relocated to better utilize the weight distribution of the conveyor. This adds strength and exceptional traction. Did we mention the increased turning radius? The new mover design offers unparalleled maneuverability and versatility.  Redesigned Mover Kit You need to see it to believe it.   For more information on our AGI Batco BCX3 conveyors, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location or give us a visit and we would be happy to show you what all the buzz is about! We may even let you take it for a spin. Even with winter conditions, we can assure you that you won’t need to worry about getting it stuck!  Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:56:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=446 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=445 This winter will be the perfect opportunity to have that staycation you’ve always dreamed about, to stick close to home and enjoy the beauty your own backyard has to offer. With snow and freezing temperatures come exciting outdoor adventures and activities the whole family can enjoy. So bundle up and make warm and lasting memories, without traveling too far from home.   We’ve put together a small list of great outdoor destinations – but there are so many to choose from! As always, please follow local health authority guidelines about traveling and check with the destination to make sure they’re open.   Prince Albert National Park Winter is a beautiful time to visit northern Saskatchewan, especially Prince Albert National Park, a million acres of snow-covered wilderness. This winter paradise offers many family-friendly outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skating, winter camping, wildlife photography and much more. Snowmobiles are not permitted in Prince Albert National Park but there are hundreds of kilometers of excellent, groomed trails outside the park (see below for more info).   Blue Mountain Adventure Park, North Battleford If you’re looking for a fun and unique getaway this winter, then Blue Mountain is the place to go. This beautiful outdoor destination has everything on your list, including a tubing park, over 30 kilometers of groomed trails for skating and cross-country skiing, designated trails for snowshoeing, plus a nice chalet to warm up in when you’re cold! You can rent snowshoes and cross-country skis onsite, but you do need to bring your own skates.   Johnston Canyon Ice Walk, Banff This is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park, and home to spectacular frozen waterfalls. This guided hike takes you along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls up to the iconic frozen upper falls, with beautiful views into the gorge below. Wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the frozen falls up close or continue onto the upper falls – a tower of ice that rises 30 metres above your head.   Canmore and Kananaskis With gorgeous snowy mountains and many winter activities, Canmore and Kananaskis is fun for the whole family. Enjoy scenic snowshoeing at Chester Lake, cross-country or Alpine skiing, waterfall and ice-cave climbing, underground tours of the famous Rat’s Nest cave under Canmore’s Grotto Mountain or even SnowFlow yoga, designed specifically to elevate your season on the slopes with a mindful, proactive approach.   Local Snowmobile Trails As of the date this blog was posted, snowmobile trails are open in Saskatchewan and Alberta. There are hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained trails in both provinces for sledders to enjoy.   Check out these articles from SnoRiders magazine for the top places to snowmobile in Saskatchewan and Alberta. For eight years, readers voted Hudson Bay their favourite spot in Saskatchewan. It offers consistently deep and fresh snow, lasting well into April, and 690 kilometres of maintained trails with 16 warm-up shelters.   Or check out one of Alberta snowmobilers’ top picks: Athabasca, on the banks of Alberta’s longest river. This outdoor-oriented town boasts 300 kilometres of groomed trails west of Baptiste Lake, with terrain and scenery including boreal forest, river valleys and rolling hills. Two staging areas allow for easy access to the trails, and there are cabins and warm-up areas with picnic tables, fire pits and firewood.   Visit the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association’s website, Snowmobilers of Manitoba’s website, or the Alberta Snowmobile Association’s website for more up-to-date information on the status of your local snowmobile trails. Tue, 12 Jan 2021 12:40:41 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=445 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=444 Hitting the Road: Which Sled Trailer is Right for You? The winter of 2020/2021 is shaping up to be a great year for sledding.  A huge dump of snow across much of the prairies in early November coupled with a global pandemic keeping people at home is the perfect recipe for spending quality time on some fresh powder.  There’s a lot that goes into buying a snowmobile trailer. We’ve talked about it before, but some of the big considerations include choosing between an open vs. enclosed trailer, steel vs. aluminum frame and heated vs. not.  A lot of your decision-making will likely come down to budget, storage requirements, your vehicle’s towing capacity and where/how much you’ll use the trailer.  If you’re looking for customization, our parts & service team can help you upgrade your trailer to fit your lifestyle.   Enclosed Sled Trailers Inline: Inline enclosed sled trailers are great for people with half-ton trucks who want to haul 3 sleds (or 2 sled with some extra storage).  By parking one sled via the front ramp door and two in the main ramp, a 7’ or 7.5’ width inline is an ideal design for smaller trucks.     Deck over/Highboy: The deck over (aka highboy) is the perfect trailer for the serious sledder.  Available in 8’ or 8.5’ width models, they’re designed to easily fit up to 4 sleds in, with heated and insulated models available.  Keep in mind trailers this big typically require a ¾- or 1-ton truck to haul.  They’re also built with higher clearance so you’re able to pull them in rough terrain or snowy conditions.   Lowboy: The lowboy toy or car hauler is designed with a lower deck with the clearance to fit a car, side-by-side (UTV) and other toys. Typically, these trailers are 8.5’ to accommodate space requirements.  They’re also ideal for pulling sleds with a long track & skis, making it ideal for pulling mountains-ready sleds.   Open Sled Trailers: Open deck sled trailers are much more economical than their enclosed counterparts.  The argument of steel vs. aluminum frame comes into play here. Aluminum is lightweight while maintaining similar towing capacity and increased longevity, as it doesn’t rust or weather as quickly.  However, if you’re looking for versatility beyond hauling snowmobiles or ATVs, steel is more economical as they typically cost less than an aluminum trailer would.   Winter Staycation Contest: If you previously weren’t aware, we’re giving away some awesome trailer accessories to make your sledding experience even better this winter. Things like tie downs, explorer sleds and wheel locks are up for grabs simply by liking our Facebook or Twitter page, liking the posts and tagging a friend. Our Winter Staycation contest is on now until mid-January, 2021. Visit our social pages for more information! Tue, 01 Dec 2020 11:53:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=444 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=443 This winter, there’s no better time to explore the great outdoors in your own backyard. And one winter activity that’s both fun and family-friendly is ice-fishing! Even the kids can enjoy this popular winter pastime and come home with exciting stories of their great catch. It’s easy to create long-lasting memories of a day out on the frozen lake: just bring along your fishing gear, hot cocoa, and a little bit of patience.   Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to ice fishing this winter, Flaman has you covered with many of the ice fishing accessories you need for a successful trip. Haul your gear (or the kids!) to your favourite spot with a sled. An ice shack is a great option to stay warm and sheltered from wind while out on the ice. And there are various accessories to make your trip just a little bit easier: like fishing rod holders or ice hole cover safety screens, so you’ll never lose your keys or phone!   Once you have all the necessary gear, the hardest part is finding a top spot to drop your line. No problem – we’ve collected some great ice fishing spots to visit this winter, recommended by local anglers.   Top Ice Fishing Spots in Saskatchewan and Manitoba Tobin Lake, SK You can’t talk about ice fishing without talking about Tobin Lake. The northern Saskatchewan lake holds the world ice fishing walleye record with an 18.3-lb. walleye caught! Anglers will also enjoy the variety of fish available to be caught, such as perch, pike, whitefish, goldeye or maybe even a sturgeon. Fed by the Saskatchewan River, it continues to produce trophy fish due to great catch and release practices.  Ice fishing, Tobin Lake Tourism Saskatchewan/Rob Weitzel Graphic Productions Ice fishing, Tobin Lake Tourism Saskatchewan/Calvin Fehr Last Mountain Lake, SK Last Mountain Lake is a favourite spot for ice fishing for many locals. At 93 km long, this lake has almost endless potential for fishing spots. Couple that with a large amount of forage, and you’ll see many trophy-sized walleye, pike, perch and carp. The size and healthy populations of fish mean there is always a new spot to try out with the family.   Buffalo Pound Lake, SK This is a great lake for families to visit – with an abundance of fish, even the kids will have a successful day with the catches they’ll be able to reel in. Lots of perch to be found and even the odd walleye make an appearance. Plus, many locals also say that this lake always seems to have consistently safe ice.   Twin Lakes, MB A twenty-five minute drive north of Roblin, this is a popular destination at the foot of the scenic Duck Mountains. It is one of only a handful of lakes in the province that is home to a brown trout and brook trout hybrid named tiger trout. Add to that specimens caught here regularly surpass Master Angler size and you have a must-fish lake for anyone’s list.    Top Ice Fishing Spots in Alberta Crawling Valley Reservoir Sometimes referred to as Barkenhouse Lake, Crawling Valley Reservoir is an offstream irrigation storage reservoir about 150km east of Calgary, near Bassano. Known for great pike and walleye, locals also report decent whitefish and burbot fishing mid-winter. Off the reedy shorelines which are quite shallow, you will find more northern pike and as you transition into deeper water (9-14 feet) there are more walleye.   Lesser Slave Lake This lake is about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Calgary and just under a three-hour drive from Edmonton. The most frequent fish caught here are walleye and burbot (and the burbot are known to put up a fight!) There are many fishing hot spots on this lake. It is recommended to bring an ice fishing shack or tent because the lake is notorious for winds blowing down its 100-kilometre length.   Gull Lake Gull Lake is part of Aspen Beach Provincial Park and is popular for its whitefish ice fishing. The lake has also been stocked with walleye in recent years. In wintertime, whitefish, pike, and burbot are plentiful, good-sized, and usually easy to catch.  Locals recommend using a slow retrieve with a small worm or beadhead nymph.   Things to Know Before You Go Wherever you fish, be sure to check the regulations for open seasons and bait allowance each year at the lake you visit. And always check local ice conditions to ensure it’s safe to head out on the lake.   For more up-to-date information on provincial ice fishing regulations, licenses and other rules, please check out the following resources: In Alberta: https://albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/ In Saskatchewan: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/parks-culture-heritage-and-sport/hunting-trapping-and-angling/angling/copy-of-regulations Wed, 25 Nov 2020 22:30:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=443 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=442 You can anticipate grain spoilage as a farmer, but you can never be sure when it’s going to pop up. Or where you’ll be when it does.   And what happens if your grain starts to spoil or heat up and you’re nowhere near home, but thousands of kilometers away on a family vacation? That’s what happened to Blake Bergen of 3B Acres in Drake, SK in the fall of 2019 when his Florida vacation was interrupted by news that a canola bin was heating up. He was getting alerts from his Bin-Sense Live wireless grain monitoring system, an award-winning monitoring system that gives you instant access to your stored grain at any time and from anywhere.   With this system, farmers no longer have to be in the same physical location as their hopper or flat bottom bins to monitor them. They can get valuable information about the grain's quality and stay connected with up-to-date text alerts sent to phone or email. Those alerts warned Bergen about the situation in his bin, when he otherwise may never have known. “That bin was not top-of-mind among riskier bins, said Bergen. “We thought we had that one well looked-after so it surprised us when we got the alert.”   Surprised, but not surprised. There were many factors that had led Bergen and his father to install Bin-Sense Live. They had witnessed a dry spring, which led to late crops in July. They also had questions about the storability of straight-cut canola. “We knew we were going to get some stagey canola coming in,” said Bergen. “It wasn’t going to necessarily be swathed at exactly the right time. There was potential for green seeds.” The Bergens took the proactive approach through grain drying and monitoring. “We thought the odds of having something happen, just the way the crops were looking, were pretty good. We knew if we had a train-wreck, we’d buy a system so it wouldn’t happen again, so why not buy the system before the train-wreck and then it pays for itself?”   In summer 2019, Flaman installed a Live system. Moreover, among their 200,000 bu of monitored grain storage, they also have 42,000 bu worth of hopper bins connected to supplemental heat air drying with temperature and moisture cables monitored by Bin-Sense Live. But it was later that fall when Bin-Sense Live’s communicating technology became critical. An example of Bin-Sense installed on a bin “We were going on a two-week vacation to Florida with our extended family,” said Bergen. “On day 1 after landing, we got a chirp on our phone that a bin of canola that had increased in temperature. We decided to watch it for two or three days and could see a constant climb of 1 to 1.5 degrees every day. We phoned home and asked some friends to take a semi-load out of the bin. They took it to the elevator and we saved that bin of canola.”   Even though heat rose in the smallest of bins, the save justified the cost of monitoring the entire yard. “There are lots of misconceptions out there about spoilage and the size of bin,” said Bergen. “I look at grain monitoring as a solid return on investment,” noting that he paid upwards of $17,000 for the system. Saving 5,000 bu of canola, Bergen estimates Bin-Sense Live paid for itself twofold.   He doesn’t spend much time reconsidering the choice between Bin-Sense Live and systems where you check grain on foot. “You can hem and haw about the investment when you have the capability to check your bins manually, but you still have to make a point of doing it. We have 30 bins on the system so it’s more than a three-minute job. It’s a lot of plugging in and downloading. It’s nice to just bring everything up on your phone or your computer and read the colour-coded heatmaps. It’s quick to interpret and see what’s going on.”   So how to thank colleagues who have rescued valuable crops? Blake Bergen squared up, returning from Florida bearing gifts of fine imported bottles. Add the cost to the grain monitoring bill, and he still came out ahead.   Call your local Flaman dealership today to find out more about how Bin-Sense can make sense for your farm.   Wed, 14 Oct 2020 12:37:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=442 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=441 When dealing with a high volume crop, you may decide that short term storage is best to maintain the quality of your harvest. Grain bag storage is a flexible, cost-effective solution for short term storage of bumper yields, provided certain quality control steps are taken. Site preparation, site maintenance, and machine servicing all need to be done properly and timely to ensure your grain holds its quality and value. Below you’ll find tips on the preparation and maintenance steps required to ensure that grain bagging is a successful storage option for your operation. Site preparation makes for easier maintenance  Selecting the right site for your grain and production is key. It’s best to select a site that is accessible even when the weather is wet, and located in the open to help deter animals. Once an appropriate site has been found, preparing the site is the first step required to set yourself up for easier maintenance. First, remove any debris such as sticks or sharp objects, then grade the site and ensure the ground is firmly rolled to prevent the grain bags from sinking or water pooling around them. If possible, spray the site with a rodent deterrent to prevent mice and vermin from burrowing under the bags once laid. If proper preparation is not completed, then the bag may not be impervious to air or liquid and can lead to grain spoiling.  Site maintenance once bags are laid and full  The biggest threat to the filled grain bags is animals, especially during the winter months. Snow can create drifts for deer to climb onto the bags, however, using pallets at the ends can deter them. An electric fence, or any sturdy fence, can be used to keep bears and deer away. Year-round, mice pose the biggest risk to the bags as they are known to burrow under, weakening the soil and allowing water to pool, and also chewing through the bag material causing wastage and grain spoilage. Regular inspections of the bags are needed to ensure no damage from animals, weather, or insects. During wet weather, if the number of mice and vermin are up, then daily bag checks may be required to ensure they stay unharmed. In normal weather conditions, check weekly at a minimum. If there are any punctures, rips, or other damage visible, patching these will prevent moisture from spoiling the grain. Machine servicing and maintenance Regular maintenance of Grain Baggers and Grain Extractors helps ensure minimal downtime. Reading and following the manufacturer’s manual is key to keeping these machines in top condition. The manuals describe in detail the following mechanisms and their respective maintenance – the driveline, shear bolts, drive chain tension, and alignment along with the following items needing servicing – fluids and lubricants, auger wear plates, greasing, and servicing intervals. There is also a section on troubleshooting typical issues that can arise such as augers not running, the machine doesn’t move or low unloading capacity. ----- Discounts available on bulk grain bag orders. For more information, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.    Wed, 07 Oct 2020 10:20:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=441 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=440 The AGI Hutchinson Double Run Chain Conveyor is a brand new product to the Flaman lineup. It is built in Western Canada with the prairie farmer in mind. Manufactured at AGI’s plant in Swift Current, SK, it is designed to handle delicate crops grown on the prairies, like pulses, far more gently than an auger would. The UHMW plastic paddles gently convey grain  Maneuverable in Tight Spaces: Modeled after the clean grain elevator on your combine, its UHMW plastic paddles convey crops to your bin in a gentle manner. A huge benefit of this is the ability to operate at full capacity from nearly any angle, fitting into tighter spaces. Another feature of the Double Run is the easy to use swivel arc kit, which makes the unit highly portable around the yard.  You can move it from bin to bin or dryer, by simply swapping a few pins.    The swivel arc kit allows for easy maneuverability  Low Power Requirements: While the Double Run is powerful in getting your grain into the bin, it has a low horsepower requirement compared to alternative grain handling equipment. As an example, 8” model with a length of 82’ requires just 18 HP at a 45° angle (see chart below).  These units are available with an electric motor or PTO drive, giving you plenty of power options.   Proven Reliability & Longevity: We all know an unreliable auger can be a huge problem for your operation at harvest time.  The Double Run was designed as a solution to this problem.  The chain conveyor requires less maintenance and has more longevity than your typical auger. Keep the chain running straight and tensioned properly, and these units will just run. And run. And run.  Travis Frey of AGI walks us through exactly what makes this unit different:   The Double run comes in lengths of up to 82’ on the 8” and 10” models, with up to 4,000 BPH capacity on the 8” and 6,000 BPH on the 10”. It is also available in a 12” model, which has a 10,000 BPH capacity and lengths up to 130’.   Stop by your local Flaman Ag store or give us a call for more information on this unit. Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:50:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=440 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=439 The benefits of grain bagging are far and wide, chief among them being the ability to use the weather to your advantage. Since the weather can always turn and change on a dime, it’s important to work around it whenever possible, which is where grain bagging comes in. The airtight, controlled environment inside of a grain bag allows you to store grain and plentiful harvest in a dry space, even when the weather outside is less than ideal. By extending the storage life of your grain, allowing you to store more at once and giving you more flexibility in the way you do so, grain bagging gives people the option to have more options. Pro Grain Equipment is most passionate about keeping operations running in all weather and situations, saving customers time and money. By grain bagging, you can get your crops off of the field by planning around severe weather to improve efficiency on all sides. The Pro Grain lineup of baggers and extractors work so you can work less, with impressive specs, heavy-duty designs, and improved ease and efficiency for your harvest. Tip 1: Don’t push the limits of your grain. Grain bagging allows for safer storage of grain, even during periods of severe weather and freezing temperatures. However, patience is key here. When loading the bags, the weather outside needs to be cool, and the bags should be sealed immediately to ensure that your grain isn’t sitting at a higher temperature than the outside environment. For grain with higher moisture levels, it needs to be dried as soon as possible after the winter season is over. Grain with a lower moisture content can stay in the bags a little bit longer. However, regular temperature monitoring is paramount to making sure that your grain stays in good condition. Tip 2: Be smart about storage. Severe weather comes with the territory when farming, and simply when doing anything related to the outside weather. Choosing a storage space that makes sense for your grain is of the utmost importance. When storing grain, look for a place that is highly elevated and away from any sort of drainage that could seep into your bags. You won’t want to store your grain in any manner that could allow natural drainage to affect it, especially during severe storms or periods of melting ice. Before choosing the storage spot for your grain, it should be examined closely to ensure a lack of flooding before severe storms and bad weather. Even though grain bags provide a dry environment for your grain, they can be more susceptible to bad weather — especially if you’re not strategic about placement. You may also want to look into the possibility of grain armor for your grain storage, which gives an extra layer of protection against both weather and wildlife. Tip 3: Keep a watchful eye on the grain in severe weather. Grain should be checked periodically, at least once a week, for punctures from severe weather or issues that can arise because of the outside environment. From cosmetic damage that could severely affect the quality of the grain inside to keeping a watchful eye on the temperature of the grain, it’s important to use the weather outside as a gauge for what’s inside your grain bags. By placing the bags in a north to south manner when storing them, the sun will heat the bags evenly for a more consistent environment inside the bags, regardless of the weather. Tip 4: Be strategic about your timing for a better crop. One of the biggest benefits of grain bagging is the added ability to increase efficiency by bagging grain right in the field. When you’re expecting severe weather around harvest, grain bagging allows you to control when the crop is loaded into the bags and the condition of the grain. Since grain bagging is a quicker alternative to more traditional means, it allows you to get to your crop before the weather does. Once the grain is in the bag, it’s essentially going to stay the same moisture as when you put it in. By being careful and strategic about your timing, you’ll be able to better store your crop and do so around bad weather. A Pro Grain bagger in action during Harvest 2019 To learn more about grain bagging and to see which grain bagging products could improve your harvest capabilities, get in touch with us. We would be happy to walk you through everything you require for your grain bagging needs and answer any questions you might have. ----- Now offering discounted pallet pricing when you buy four or more pallets of grain bags. For more information, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.    Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:54:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=439 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=438 A Walinga Pneumatic Blower System may be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can add to your Grain Handling lineup. The Ultra-Veyor is designed to fill bins of various heights and distances from the ground up, allowing you to easily add the system to any pre-existing site. Walinga Sales Rep Doug Termeer explains how a blower system works Many yard sites weren’t originally designed with the thought of adding a grain handling system or grain dryer down the line. As farms continue to grow, larger bins are being installed and grain storage is being built further and further away. The only way to hit all these bins of different sizes and distances economically is with a blower system. By allowing you to keep the current bins and other infrastructure you have already invested in, a Walinga Ultra-Veyor prevents you from having to redesign your entire yard site – saving you a lot of money in the long run. A grain handling setup in Saskatchewan utilizing a Walinga blower system to reach bins of various heights Walinga blower systems are also very flexible and expandable, so you don’t need to have your whole yard designed and planned out ahead of time. You can easily expand down the road as your business grows and you start to add more acres or dry more grain. These systems can be installed under driveways to reduce the risk of damaging any pipes as you load/unload trucks in your yard. The Walinga Ultra-Veyor is also a great add-on to any grain dryer, especially continuous flow dryers like NECO. Automating your grain dryer and grain handling reduces the number of augers, legs, and additional trucking necessary to move grain around your yard. This maximizes accessibility to any drying or storage facility. Your grain can go straight from the dryer into the final storage bin, so you don’t have to move it around multiple times before you get it where you want it in the end. It’s faster, more efficient, and most importantly, safer. A NECO Grain Dryer unloading into a Walinga system With the Smart-Flo feature on your Walinga blower, you have the ability to control the airspeed which reduces unnecessary damage to product and piping. This Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) system monitors and adjusts motor speeds depending on crop type, volume of product, and distance – optimizing performance and reducing energy costs. The Smart-Flo system can also be wired into your continuous flow grain dryer to speed up and slow down as necessary. A blower system is not only an economic and affordable solution for long-distance conveying, it is also simple to install and is gentle on product – moving grain virtually dust and damage-free. Walinga Ultra-Veyors can move anywhere from 400 bushels/hour to 2,100 bushels/ hour, depending on the size of your operation. Hear first-hand how a Walinga Ultra-Veyor made a positive impact on this customer's operation Want to invest in a Walinga Pneumatic Blower system and automate your grain handling site this year? Contact us to schedule a free, no-commitment site assessment today. ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Mon, 31 Aug 2020 13:05:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=438 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=437 A Walinga Pneumatic Blower System may be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can add to your Grain Handling lineup. The Ultra-Veyor is designed to fill bins of various heights and distances from the ground up, allowing you to easily add the system to any pre-existing site. Walinga Sales Rep Doug Termeer explains how a blower system works Many yard sites weren’t originally designed with the thought of adding a grain handling system or grain dryer down the line. As farms continue to grow, larger bins are being installed and grain storage is being built further and further away. The only way to hit all these bins of different sizes and distances economically is with a blower system. By allowing you to keep the current bins and other infrastructure you have already invested in, a Walinga Ultra-Veyor prevents you from having to redesign your entire yard site – saving you a lot of money in the long run. A grain handling setup in Saskatchewan utilizing a Walinga blower system to reach bins of various heights Walinga blower systems are also very flexible and expandable, so you don’t need to have your whole yard designed and planned out ahead of time. You can easily expand down the road as your business grows and you start to add more acres or dry more grain. These systems can be installed under driveways to reduce the risk of damaging any pipes as you load/unload trucks in your yard. The Walinga Ultra-Veyor is also a great add-on to any grain dryer, especially continuous flow dryers like NECO. Automating your grain dryer and grain handling reduces the number of augers, legs, and additional trucking necessary to move grain around your yard. This maximizes accessibility to any drying or storage facility. Your grain can go straight from the dryer into the final storage bin, so you don’t have to move it around multiple times before you get it where you want it in the end. It’s faster, more efficient, and most importantly, safer. A NECO Grain Dryer unloading into a Walinga system With the Smart-Flo feature on your Walinga blower, you have the ability to control the airspeed which reduces unnecessary damage to product and piping. This Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) system monitors and adjusts motor speeds depending on crop type, volume of product, and distance – optimizing performance and reducing energy costs. The Smart-Flo system can also be wired into your continuous flow grain dryer to speed up and slow down as necessary. A blower system is not only an economic and affordable solution for long-distance conveying, it is also simple to install and is gentle on product – moving grain virtually dust and damage-free. Walinga Ultra-Veyors can move anywhere from 400 bushels/hour to 2,100 bushels/ hour, depending on the size of your operation. Hear first-hand how a Walinga Ultra-Veyor made a positive impact on this customer's operation Want to invest in a Walinga Pneumatic Blower system and automate your grain handling site this year? Contact us to schedule a free, no-commitment site assessment today. ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:27:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=437 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=436 As harvest is well underway in most areas of the province, many producers are utilizing their grain dryers early on this season and increasing the available window to combine. Some farmers have even noticed increases in their durum quality as their grade improves after drying. 20% moisture durum before going into the NECO grain dryer (left) and 14.5% moisture durum after being dried (right) Nolan Gettis, a farmer in central Saskatchewan, discusses how his NECO Grain Dryer has improved his operation: “Two years ago, I would have been waiting to combine saying, ‘It’s getting close’. Right now, I’m full on harvesting because I have this dryer as a tool. I’m not waiting to use it. I’m literally taking off 20% durum and it’s coming out dry and just shining. It’s amazing how much better this durum looks once it comes out of that dryer. When you have a crop of unicorn #1 amber durum, you’ve gotta go get it. I’d have to say the biggest benefit of this NECO dryer is that we’ve taken on more acres this year and I’ve already conquered that land without buying another combine. I have three bins on the go; a dry bin, an aeration bin, and the dryer. It’s a total harvest management tool.” Nolan's grain drying setup in Semans, SK Mixed flow dryers reduce the risk of crop damage, resulting in higher test weights. This drying process helps mature the kernels and brings out the rich colour evenly, producing higher quality grain with more consistent results. This dramatic difference in quality increases profitability and improves yield. It's not too late – contact us to book your dryer install with Flaman today. ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Wed, 26 Aug 2020 13:31:52 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=436 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=435 As harvest is well underway in most areas of the province, many producers are utilizing their grain dryers early on this season and increasing the available window to combine. Some farmers have even noticed increases in their durum quality as their grade improves after drying. 20% moisture durum before going into the NECO grain dryer (left) and 14.5% moisture durum after being dried (right) Nolan Gettis, a farmer in central Saskatchewan, discusses how his NECO Grain Dryer has improved his operation: “Two years ago, I would have been waiting to combine saying, ‘It’s getting close’. Right now, I’m full on harvesting because I have this dryer as a tool. I’m not waiting to use it. I’m literally taking off 20% durum and it’s coming out dry and just shining. It’s amazing how much better this durum looks once it comes out of that dryer. When you have a crop of unicorn #1 amber durum, you’ve gotta go get it. I’d have to say the biggest benefit of this NECO dryer is that we’ve taken on more acres this year and I’ve already conquered that land without buying another combine. I have three bins on the go; a dry bin, an aeration bin, and the dryer. It’s a total harvest management tool.” Nolan's grain drying setup in Semans, SK Mixed flow dryers reduce the risk of crop damage, resulting in higher test weights. This drying process helps mature the kernels and brings out the rich colour evenly, producing higher quality grain with more consistent results. This dramatic difference in quality increases profitability and improves yield. It's not too late – contact us to book your dryer install with Flaman today. ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Wed, 26 Aug 2020 12:55:52 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=435 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=434 With grain bagging at your side, farming challenges won’t loom over your head. As we begin to enter the new days of the upcoming farming season, there’s one constant: the harvest challenges that will lie ahead. A huge part of being in the farming business is being able to anticipate challenges and to pivot to them, and every good farmer understands that. However, every good farmer also desires to rise above the challenges presented to them, which is where the right equipment and the right mindset come into play. In the 2019 harvest season, we saw challenges ranging from supply chain management issues and an excess of labour costs to late harvest starts, inclement fall weather, the prediction of lowered storage availability, and an abundance of leftover crops. As the 2020 season begins to come to shape overhead, it’s our job as farmers to think ahead and problem solve the best way we know how. A great way to pivot and stay on top of things is through the use of grain bags, which have been a huge help to farmers looking for ways to minimize cost along with improving harvest efficiency. Challenges farmers are facing in 2020 The 2020 harvest season is a unique one as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the globe and affected each and every farm operation. As farmers, the job is always to continue harvesting and providing for others — which can sometimes prove to be a hard thing. As we enter a new season, the issues facing farmers are: Storage: there is a struggle to find adequate storage space for grain and harvest amid the pandemic. Supply Chain Issues: stemming from a lowered labour force and leftover grain. Inventory: confusion in inventory forecasting. Physical Distancing: the need for physical distancing and increased health measures among labour forces on farms. How can grain bags help farming challenges? Flexibility is everything when it comes to farming, whether it be through finding new storage methods or by looking for new ways to cut costs. By using grain bags in your farming operation, you’ll be able to deal with many of the common farm operation challenges that harvesters are facing in 2020. You’re also able to maximize space and minimizing risk (both financially and personally). The addition of grain bagging equipment and grain bags leads to optimized space on your farm, as well as a lowered need for labour, grain transportation, and grain storage. Here’s how: Flexible Storage: grain bags allow you to store your harvest directly on your land, completely eliminating the need for extra labour to transport and store grain externally. Reduced Costs: grain bags simply cost less than other grain storage methods — up to 2/3 less — making them a no-brainer when it comes to downsizing costs in your farming operation. Increased Productivity: grain bags allow for better time management in your harvesting operation, from less downtime on the combines to more productivity from the workforce at hand. Harvest Faster: grain bags are helpful when it comes to supply chain issues and excess crops, as they’ll keep your harvest safe from wildlife, spoilage, and weather while you wait. Increased Efficiency: grain bags help to deal with varied demand, as they offer both efficiency and storage to assist with your needs. When it comes to challenges, farmers are no stranger to making it work. Farmers are more able to pivot than any other profession in the world, whether it be from weather, cost, or even global pandemics. With grain bags, you’ll be able to take some pressure off of your shoulders when it comes to incoming farming challenges. ----- Now offering discounted pallet pricing when you buy four or more pallets of grain bags. For more information, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.    Thu, 20 Aug 2020 11:30:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=434 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=433 As harvest begins to start in many parts of Western Canada, Flaman is here to provide the tools and equipment you need to get your crop off quickly and safely. Along with our wide variety of Harvest Helpers to aid you in your work, we’ve collected some important and useful safety tips for harvest time. We want to make sure all our customers return safely from the field and have the resources to support their employees and family members on the farm.   This post will look at 4 main types of safety: Grain bin entrapment Fire safety and prevention Machinery and power lines COVID-19 safety   Grain Bin Entrapment Tough grain is one of the leading causes for producers to enter a bin. Many studies have shown that entering a bin to break up spoiled grain while operating unloading equipment is the leading cause of grain entrapment. A person could become completely covered within 20 seconds. Across Canada, there’s an average of six fatalities every year from grain entrapment or engulfment.   If you need to enter a bin to asses grain, there is a Grain Bin Assessment chart from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association you can use to assess if it’s safe to enter the bin.   This fact sheet from the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture also has some helpful information about how grain entrapment occurs, as well as preventative and safety measures.   And finally, if you wish to create a Confined Space Management Program for your farm, this quick start guide from Ag Safe Alberta is a useful tool. Along with grain bins, confined spaces also include sumps, wells, feed bins, attics and even some equipment.     Fire Safety and Prevention Fires in the field can happen all too suddenly when working with dry, flammable material and hot mufflers and electrical wiring. There are some simple pre-cautionary measures you can take to help avoid the risk of injury or loss of equipment due to fire. Have working fire extinguishers mounted on equipment, ideally one in the cab and one accessible from the ground. Alberta Agriculture recommends a 10 pound dry chemical, multi-purpose ABC extinguisher and a 2.5 gallon pressurized water extinguisher on combines.   Remove crop residue, dust, debris, dirt and excess lubricant around all heat sources regularly. Check for a buildup of combustible crop residue around engines and exhaust systems, concealed drive belts and pulleys that can overheat due to friction.   Be careful when using low clearance vehicles in fields, as exhaust pipes and catalytic converters can ignite dry grass or stubble.   Check exposed wiring and fuel/hydraulic lines for damage, wear and deterioration.   Allow engines to cool before refueling. And for added safety, Flaman carries a variety of firefighting pump and tank units, such as the BE Fire kit or the Fire Skids, to allow you to quickly put out any fires in the field while harvesting.     Machinery and Power Lines Electrical safety is another important area to be aware of when working with large machinery on a farm. More than 40% of agricultural workers in Canada have reported direct hits or near misses with power lines. In 2019, there were 326 farm safety incidents reported to Sask Power. The most common causes of electrocutions on the farm are portable grain augers, large combines, high clearance sprayers and other tall equipment that can come into contact with overhead power lines.   There are two types of electrical injury that can occur: Electric shock, when electric current passes through the body causing injury or death.   Arc flashes: a blast of energy caused by an electric arc, which can produce sounds waves, extreme heat, shrapnel and more, This can lead to lung injuries, ruptured ear drums, burns, blindness or death. This guide “Electrical Safety on Saskatchewan Farms" from Sask Power talks about potential risks and hazards and offers safety tips, guides and checklists to make sure you and your workers come home safe. Or you can print out this Farm Safety Checklist to make sure everyone knows how to avoid overhead lines and what to do if an accident occurs.     COVID-19 Safety This year, farming operations will have the added tasks of protecting workers and their family from COVID-19. As an essential service, we recognize that farmers must continue to work to grow our food and feed our country.   Along with the general pre-cautions such as hand washing, physical distancing, cleaning of work attire and wearing gloves, this fact sheet from the Canadian Centre for Occupation Health and Safety offers many safety tips specifically for the agricultural industry in areas such as: Transportation Sanitation Group Living and Residence Recommendations Team and Site Management And much more.     For those interested in creating an overall safety plan for their operation, this workbook from Ag Safe Alberta lays out the steps to create your own Farm Safe Plan.   Mon, 17 Aug 2020 07:34:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=433 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=432 Grain bagging has been gaining acclaim and popularity among farmers for being a resourceful, flexible, and time and money-saving grain storage option. The benefits are many, and farmers appreciate the efficiency of this innovative storage technique. If you bag grain, you can expect to experience the following 10 benefits during your harvest season: 1. Saves the farmer's time. When you bag grain, you reduce time loading grain into trucks and transporting it to grain bins or elevators. You can harvest the grain and store it right there in the field, which drastically cuts down on work time by eliminating so much back and forth to older, more traditional storage containers. 2. Increases harvest efficiency. Grain bagging is easily the most flexible and efficient method for storing grain. You can store the bags anywhere that’s convenient (field, farm, or other lots), you have unlimited capacity, you have fewer labour constraints, you can move grain faster, and you can segregate grain variety easily into different storage bags. Overall, the processes during harvest are completely streamlined and made as productive as possible with grain bagging. 3. Improves commodity marketing. Grain bagging preserves grain due to the ideal environment for grain within the bags themselves. When the bags are sealed, they are airtight, which eliminates the need for preservative chemicals and retains the grain quality. If commodity prices are low, and where storage constraints exist, bagging provides flexible unlimited storage. This allows farmers to control and plan the right time to market the crop for top dollar. 4. Reduces labour problems. Because fewer trucks are required with grain bagging, your labour inefficiencies and costs will naturally reduce. Grain can be stored in the field where it’s bagged, which lowers the need for additional labourers. 5. Provides a storage solution for rented land. For farmers who rent additional land and either don’t have their own storage bins, don’t have room in storage bins, or don’t want to deal with the cost and inconvenience of using the elevators, grain bagging allows easy storage for those rented land crops. There are virtually endless amounts of storage when you bag your grain. 6. Allows for unlimited storage capacity. Even if you don’t rent land, if you have a bumper crop, or if your previous year’s crops are taking up storage space, you can utilize grain storage bags to safely and effectively store unlimited amounts of grain directly in the field. 7. Is a cost-efficient storage option. You can store your grain in bags for about 7 cents per bushel (or less, in some cases). Alternatively, traditional grain bin storage can range anywhere from 14 cents to 37 cents per bushel, a massive expenditure in comparison to grain bagging. 8. Reliable and easily transportable. After grain bags are sealed, oxygen levels decrease and carbon dioxide increases. This change in the environment can eliminate several strains of fungal diseases and insects without having to use harsh chemicals. Plus, when you are ready to market and sell the crops, you can unload them after harvest when it’s a more convenient time, more labour is available and truck costs are more sensible. 9. Expands the harvest window. Farmers can start harvest operations earlier in the season and run later into fall by bagging grain that is higher than average moisture. You can unload the grain and dry it at a later time to lower the chance of bottlenecks at a grain dryer. 10. Improves the ability to avoid weather-related harvest issues. Because your harvest operation will be moving faster and more efficiently, if there are weather delays or setbacks, you’ll be able to easily pivot and adjust your timeline. Your larger window for harvest also allows greater flexibility in dealing with weather restraints. To learn more about grain bagging and to see which grain bagging products could improve your harvest capabilities, get in touch with us. We would be happy to walk you through everything you require for your grain bagging needs and answer any questions you might have. ----- Now offering discounted pallet pricing when you buy four or more pallets of grain bags. For more information, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.    Tue, 04 Aug 2020 12:42:42 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=432 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=431 Flaman Group of Companies started on the farm over 60 years ago, when founder Frank Flaman saw a way to help other farmers by buying bins in bulk. That spirit of “making things better” for the farming community continues on today, so when Flaman had the opportunity to partner with an innovative, farm-focused company like Gatco Manufacturing, known for its quality products designed for farmers, the choice was easy.   The Flaman Swift Current and Gatco location Products Designed by a Farmer, For Farmers Gatco was started by a Saskatoon area farmer, Gary Schreiner. Schreiner had a problem: he was losing canola bins to overheating and needed a solution for remote bin yards that had no power.  He began trying different combinations of perforated tubes in an effort to create a venting system inside the grain bin.  This led to the creation of the GrainAir Tube powerless aeration system.  The GrainAir tube allows heat and moisture to escape the bin quickly, by letting heat collect in the central tube and relying on convection to remove heat from the bin without any fans.   A couple year’s later, Schreiner was moving his load out auger and plastic hopper in his yard and slipped while maneuvering the plastic hopper.  He knew there had to be a safer way to do this, and so the Auger Hog Hopper was born. This adjustable, detachable grain auger hopper attaches and detaches in seconds with a single mount pin, stays on your auger between bins, and adjusts from 12" to 29" in height merely by moving the handle. Due to the Auger Hog’s u-trough design, it also increases the average augers speed by 20-25% and prevents any product loss.   The Auger Hog With the GrainAir tube working well, Schreiner felt there had to be a way to make a more efficient aeration system.  While researching grain dryers, he found that air moved through grain easier horizontally, so he developed louvered wall columns that were pressurized with a common aeration fan.  The air would leave the wall columns and travel horizontally to the central GrainAir tube and be released out through the bin lid quickly and easily.  This CrossFlow system is far more efficient than traditional air systems, as the air travels less distance and moisture and heat is removed from the bin much faster.    “Gary came up with these unique solutions to help make farming easier,” says Bret Watson, Gatco division manager, who’s worked for the company since 2013.  Bret Watson (Gatco Division Manager & Flaman Operations Manager)   A Natural Partnership in Swift Current It was that line of innovative, farmer-proven products that made Gatco a natural fit to join the Flaman team, says Watson, who is also the operations manager for Flaman’s Swift Current location. Gatco was purchased by Flaman Sales in 2018, when Schreiner decided he wanted to devote more time to his farming operation. “The companies are both family-owned and started on the farm,” says Watson. “We were selling to the same customers and trying to provide that same level of service. It was a nice, natural fit.”  With that purchase, Flaman Sales started their 7th store in Saskatchewan. The Swift Current location began as one-person business with Watson, but since February 2020 has added 5 more staff in sales, administration and yard staff, along with acquiring a second, 4-acre yard to expand on-hand inventory and provide better sales and service. Mellissa Paxman (Administration), Bruce Deg (Ag Sales), Brittany Fiddler (Logistics Coordinator), and Rick Spanier (Yard & Support) The Swift Current store is a full-service Flaman Agriculture equipment dealership, offering a wide range of in-stock grain-handling equipment such as augers, conveyors, post pounders, grain vacs, grain carts, grain bins, grain dryers, grain monitoring, and water and fertilizer tanks. Customers can also order products from the Flaman catalogue like discs, mowers, chem handlers, pumps, and more. Bob Schafer (Ag Sales) “We’re proud to offer equipment options to the local community,” says Watson. “Farmers don’t have to drive to Saskatoon or Southey anymore. This location allows Flaman to serve customers all over southwest Saskatchewan.”  ----- Want to learn more? You can view some products in inventory or contact our Swift Current location.  Tue, 07 Jul 2020 13:34:08 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=431 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=430 If you’ve ever moved grain with a conveyor or auger, you know that standard screw jacks can be inconvenient and a hassle to hook up and connect with your tractor. And if you’ve ever said to yourself “there has to be a better way,” then you’re not alone. The Lift-EZ Hydraulic Jack is a safe and convenient way to connect your auger or conveyor to your tractor   We spoke with the product’s inventor, Bret Watson, the operations manager at Flaman’s Swift Current location, about where the idea for this product came from, and why every farmer could use one. Tell me where the idea for this hydraulic jack came from? Bret: I invented it two years ago with Bob Schafer. Bob has a service company that deals with farmers, and his customers were having trouble with their jacks getting damaged. They needed another option. Bob and I were having coffee one day and we said to ourselves, “this is something we could do.” Bob is a mechanic by trade, and I have an engineering degree and manufacturing background. Hydraulics are readily available on back of a tractor so that’s why we chose that route.   What was the creation process like? Bret: We started with some drawings on a piece of paper, then I used CAD to develop it and make a prototype. Then we fine-tuned it to make sure it was user-friendly. From concept to completion it took about 3-4 months.   Tell me about the jack and what makes it different. Bret: With this jack, the farmer can back up to auger/conveyor, connect the jack hoses and then safely lower/raise the unit from the cab of his/her tractor. They can easily get everything aligned, then slide in the implement pin, raise the Lift-EZ jack and then they’re good to go. It uses the hydraulics that tractors already have, so it’s easy to add on. I haven’t seen anything like this for farm use before.   Tell me about the added safety features of this hydraulic jack. Bret: The jack comes with a hydraulic safety valve, so if there is any damage to any hydraulic hose the jack won’t come down. You can adjust the jack from your seat safely. When you get out of the tractor, you don’t have to worry about the jack creeping down, the valve locks it and won’t allow it to come down unexpectedly, which of course could be very dangerous.   Can this jack go on any auger or conveyor? Bret: Yes, it can be retrofitted to any auger or conveyor. The jack stub can be mounted at any height in order to replace any standard screw jack. It’s very user-friendly.   What inspires you to invent products like this? Bret: I’m driven by solving problems and safety. This product came right from a farmer’s need. It’s a safer product and something that will help them. The Lift-EZ Hydraulic Jack will be available at most Flaman locations in Saskatchewan. Please call your local Saskatchewan store to ask about availability or to speak to a product specialist.  Tue, 30 Jun 2020 07:34:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=430 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=429 There are many advantages to owning a grain dryer. As we learned last year in Western Canada, harvest 2019 had its challenges; most of which showed up when the crop needed to come off the field. Being able to dry your grain allows you to better manage your timeline and start combining as soon as it’s time to go! The earlier you can get started, the less likely you are to get caught with crop out in the field over winter. NECO Mixed Flow Grain Dryers are designed to easily and efficiently condition all types of grain for storage. With no screens to clean or unplug, this industry-leading grain dryer is designed not only for its performance, but also its versatility. The flexible, modular design of these grain dryers make for easy installation and can be customized and expanded to suit any farming operation. A time lapse of a NECO Grain Dryer installation near Saskatoon The NECO Grain Dryer’s mixed flow operation ensures even heating and cooling to provide consistent, high-quality grain. The improved air flow, quieter fans, and unequalled fuel efficiency make this dryer a valuable addition to any farming operation. NECO dryers use Commander Control with a Dryer Master moisture control system to protect the quality of your grain and prevent over- or under-drying. The COMMANDnet system allows remote access to your NECO Grain Dryer to monitor its performance from your smartphone or computer – providing you with total control over your dryer wherever you may be. It is never too early to start planning for harvest, as we never know what mother nature has in store for us. Bookings are filling up fast, but there are still a few spots left to get your name on a dryer for fall. Our Grain Systems team can customize a complete grain drying system to suit your needs, guiding the setup and installation, and providing service and maintenance along the way. Hear first-hand from Flaman customers what a NECO dryer can do for your operation Be ready to get ahead of harvest this year – contact us to book your dryer install with Flaman today. ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:00:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=429 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=428 There are many advantages to owning a grain dryer. Being able to dry your grain allows you to better manage your timeline and start combining as soon as it’s time to go! The earlier you can get started, the less likely you are to get caught with crop out in the field over winter. NECO Mixed Flow Grain Dryers are designed to easily and efficiently condition all types of grain for storage. With no screens to clean or unplug, this industry-leading grain dryer is designed not only for its performance, but also its versatility. The flexible, modular design of these grain dryers make for easy installation and can be customized and expanded to suit any farming operation. A time lapse of a NECO Grain Dryer installation near Saskatoon The NECO Grain Dryer’s mixed flow operation ensures even heating and cooling to provide consistent, high-quality grain. The improved air flow, quieter fans, and unequalled fuel efficiency make this dryer a valuable addition to any farming operation. NECO dryers use Commander Control with a Dryer Master moisture control system to protect the quality of your grain and prevent over- or under-drying. The COMMANDnet system allows remote access to your NECO Grain Dryer to monitor its performance from your smartphone or computer – providing you with total control over your dryer wherever you may be. It is never too early to start planning for harvest, as we never know what mother nature has in store for us. Bookings are filling up fast, but there are still a few spots left to get your name on a dryer for fall. Our Grain Systems team can customize a complete grain drying system to suit your needs, guiding the setup and installation, and providing service and maintenance along the way. Hear first-hand from Flaman customers what a NECO dryer can do for your operation Be ready to get ahead of harvest this year – contact us to book your dryer install with Flaman today. ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.  Fri, 26 Jun 2020 13:43:32 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=428 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=427 As seeding is coming to a close throughout the province, you may be starting to think about the next steps in your farming operation for 2020. This likely includes thoughts of additional Grain Storage, Grain Handling, and even Grain Drying equipment. It may seem early to plan for harvest, but summer is a great time to build your bins and install your grain handling equipment to move the crop come harvest time. Buying now will ensure your equipment is installed and ready to go in the fall – so you can have peace of mind all season long. Lean on the Pros At Flaman, our Grain Systems team is equipped to work with you on developing your yard for the future. Let one of our industry experts come to your yard to measure, draw, and discuss your needs for the coming year. Our tactical approach provides you with various drawings and site layouts that can utilize your existing equipment, and plan for future expansion in a multi-phased strategy. Our Specialists can create a yard design based on your operational needs and the desired function of your site. We specialize in full grain handling setups, including a wide range of bucket elevators and pneumatic conveyors – such as the Walinga Ultra-Veyor. Our turn-key offering also includes grain dryer systems, like the NECO Mixed Flow Dryer, as well as grain cleaning and processing facilities, automated bin sites, and producer loading sites. Our team is here to guide the entire setup and installation process of your grain handling system and provide maintenance and service for every item that goes in and out of our doors. Schedule your appointment today for a free, no commitment site assessment.  ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Fri, 29 May 2020 09:37:07 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=427 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=426 As seeding is coming to a close throughout the province, you may be starting to think about the next steps in your farming operation for 2020. This likely includes thoughts of additional Grain Storage, Grain Handling, and even Grain Drying equipment. It may seem early to plan for harvest, but summer is a great time to build your bins and install your grain handling equipment to move the crop come harvest time. Buying now will ensure your equipment is installed and ready to go in the fall – so you can have peace of mind all season long. Lean on the Pros At Flaman, our Grain Systems team is equipped to work with you on developing your yard for the future. Let one of our industry experts come to your yard to measure, draw, and discuss your needs for the coming year. Our tactical approach provides you with various drawings and site layouts that can utilize your existing equipment, and plan for future expansion in a multi-phased strategy. Our Specialists can create a yard design based on your operational needs and the desired function of your site. We specialize in full grain handling setups, including a wide range of bucket elevators and pneumatic conveyors – such as the Walinga Ultra-Veyor. Our turn-key offering also includes grain dryer systems, like the NECO Mixed Flow Dryer, as well as grain cleaning and processing facilities, automated bin sites, and producer loading sites. Our team is here to guide the entire setup and installation process of your grain handling system and provide maintenance and service for every item that goes in and out of our doors. Schedule your appointment today for a free, no commitment site assessment.  ----- For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Fri, 29 May 2020 09:27:47 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=426 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=425 We are excited to offer two new products in our Chem Handling lineup: the Chembine Chemical Mixer and the Chembine Hot-Tank. Designed and manufactured in Western Canada, the Chembine Chemical Mixer from Freeform Plastics is an innovative solution for batch mixing chemicals on your farm. With a capacity of 75 US gallons (62.5 imperial gallons), this tank saves you time and money with its faster drain time, new knife block design, and the latest innovation in agitation. This new chemical mixer was also designed to be more user-friendly and ergonomic, so you won’t have to bend over as often to reach the valves – preventing unnecessary strain on your back. The Chembine is sold without a pump, however there are two optional pump kits available to create a complete system. The first option is a 6.5 HP Honda with a Wetseal Banjo pump, and the other option is a 13 HP electric start Honda with a Hypro pump. To learn more about the features of the Chembine Chemical Mixer, check out this interview with Freeform Plastics:  The Chembine Hot-Tank is another beneficial product for your farm, as this high-capacity tank can hold up to 1680 US gallons (1400 imperial gallons) at once. The Hot-Tank will agitate your chemical mix, so that it doesn’t separate. This will allow you to pre-mix your entire chemical load ahead of time, so when the sprayer arrives everything is prepped and ready to go. Instead of paying for the tank, the parts, and the labour separately, this convenient alternative comes plumbed up and ready to use – allowing you to spend more time mixing and spraying. Justin walks through the features of the Chembine Hot-Tank ----- Read more about these products and view the rest of our Chem Handling solutions. Mon, 04 May 2020 13:04:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=425 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=424 Things may look a little different this spring than most years, but as the mercury starts to climb and the big melt gets underway, we’re here to help you keep you operating business as usual. Although our buildings are closed, we’re still open for business.  We’re offering curbside service, including pumps and hardware, which allows for social distancing and safe interaction between our employees and customers. Dealing with spring run off?  There are a lot of things to look forward to in spring but excess water isn’t one of them. Flooded ditches, construction sites, dugouts or even just low-lying spots in your field can accumulate serious run off.  Not to worry, though, we have a number of pumps to help you move water and get to the things that matter this spring.  We have a large selection of centrifugal pumps ranging in sizes from 1”-4”, including trash pump options.  If you need to move some serious water, consider a floating pump like the Warthog, which can move up to 850 gallons per minute (51,000 gallons per hour) and is so compact it could fit into a car trunk. For your existing operation, we have all the hoses, fittings and filters you’ll need for smooth operations. We’ve also added filter floats to our lineup, which eliminate the need for waders and keep your filter submerged in multiple water sources as low as 10” deep.   For a limited time, all Parts & Hardware orders over $1,500 from our Saskatchewan and Manitoba stores are eligible for free delivery within 120 km of your local store.  Call your local Flaman rep for expert advice for all your water moving needs. ------ View our latest Water Pumps and Hoses & Filters parts flyers. ------ For the most up to date information about how we’re adapting to COVID-19 at Flaman and keeping our employees and customers safe, click here. Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:04:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=424 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=423 The 2019 harvest is shaping up to be frustrating for most.  It’s no secret that harvest is well behind this year, with only 34% of crops being combined in Alberta (47% 3-yr avg), 47% in Saskatchewan (75% 3-yr avg), and 71% in Manitoba (85% 3-yr avg) as of last week.  Wet weather has plagued the prairies, with record rainfall in Manitoba and snowfall in southern Alberta & Saskatchewan in September.  A combination of high moisture levels and widespread crop damage has contributed to diminished grade. It’s now a race to get remaining crops off the field and although we can’t control the weather, we can help you maintain the grade of your grain by getting it dried faster and limiting spoilage.  The most effective option is a NECO dryer from Flaman, which can be scaled to the size of your operation.  However, dryer installs are contingent on many environmental and logistical factors and it’s far from a guarantee that a dryer purchased today would be installed before the end of harvest.  So, what does a farmer do if he or she can’t get a dryer installed in time? Our team in Saskatchewan has heard a lot of stories from our customers who’ve resorted to unconventional methods to dry their grain. The overwhelming favourite by local farmers has been the Frost Fighter (available only at our Saskatchewan locations), which is a diesel-powered 350,000 BTU industrial heater designed to heat remote construction sites and shops. As it turns out, they are also easily adaptable to a bin aeration system and can pump heat into two bins simultaneously. It’s been a lifeline given the soggy conditions. Kelly Stewart, the operations manager at our Flaman Moosomin location, was the man who made this idea a reality: “I saw a video a couple years ago of an Alberta farmer using a similar method and he claimed it worked like a charm. It inspired me to try it out given how wet it’s been this year. Some local farmers put it to work and were extremely pleased with the results.  It’s not a perfect solution and we know it’s not recommended by the manufacturers, but desperate times have forced us to think outside the box. With a little extra work, moving your grain around and monitoring your moisture levels closely, we’ve heard from many happy customers that have seen up to 30,000 BU dried in a week. Obviously, the best way to dry your grain is with a dryer but given how wet it’s been and with more precipitation in the forecast, this has been a great makeshift way to salvage what has been a tough harvest.” Interested in learning more about grain drying? Talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. Wed, 09 Oct 2019 10:52:58 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=423 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=422 We recently had the opportunity to build the largest private NECO grain dryer in Western Canada – a NECO Mixed Flow 6 Burner D24380 -- for a large farming operation outside of Edmonton, AB.  It was a complex endeavour with many moving parts, and it required many hours of planning to execute.    We had help from several outside sources: Freeway Transport, who were responsible for the dryer delivery; Xcaliber Crane & Rigging who handled the hoisting of the dryer; and Continental Bins, who provided assembly services.  Additionally, Ron Kleuskens from NECO supervised the build and many members of the Flaman Nisku team assisted throughout the day where they were needed.  And most importantly, the 4 owners of the farm and their sons, daughters, grandchildren & significant others were all present at one time or another throughout the day.  They were the real supervisors!  Build Day was kicked off with the delivery of the dryer.  This consisted of 7 truckloads originating in Omaha, Nebraska. Each delivery was staggered by 2 hours, which allowed enough time for our crane and assembly teams to position and install each section before the next was delivered. With the help of our partners and employees – more than 20 people in total -- we were able to install this behemoth of a dryer in one jampacked, 10 hour day. The dryer will serve as a flagship operation in the area and will likely create business not only for our customer’s farm, but others in the area as well.  It’ll be an economic driver in the area for many years to come. We're thankful to be a part of this project and meet the needs of our customer. Customer service is one of the core beliefs Flaman was founded on and it’s why we’re celebrating 60 years in the agriculture industry in Western Canada.   Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:26:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=422 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=421 Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a crop infection that has traditionally been found in Manitoba. Over the past three years, it has begun to spread and is moving west through the prairies. According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, FHB was found in 98 percent of wheat and 97 percent of durum samples in 2016 (Fusarium Management Guide).   The Flaman Grain Cleaning team travelled to Melfort, Saskatchewan to take part in a Fusarium Management workshop presented by NARF at the Canadian Ag Research Farm. Here are the top 6 things you need to know in order to manage the disease and get the most out of your fusarium-infected grain.   1. What’s so bad about fusarium head blight?    There are around 17 different strains of fusarium, but fusarium graminearum is the most common form of FHB that is causing downgrades growers' grain.   The fungus causes a by-product, which is known as vomitoxin (VOMI). DON is a particularly nasty type of VOMI that poisons grain. Once infected, only a certain percentage of VOMI in your grain is acceptable for animal consumption.   2. Once you see signs of fusarium head blight, it's too late. If you don't know much about fusarium, you're not alone. Most producers aren't aware of the catastrophic damage an infection can do to their crop until it's too late.   Once you see traces of fusarium in your crop it will reduce your ability to sell the grain and affect the growth of new seedlings. In extreme cases fusarium will decimate an entire crop.   At the fusarium management workshop, the team learned there is no quick solution to eliminate fusarium from your grain. However there are ways to mitigate the damage so that you can make the most of your yield.   3. Three key areas of fusarium management on your farm.   Ron Knox from AAFC Swift Current studies the disease triangle of fusarium's complex cycle. He highlights three key areas of disease management: Host crop: Breed your grain for resistance, or select a less susceptible crop such as barley and oats. Pathogens: Fusarium sits in the soil waiting to attack. Environment: It spreads quickest during the flowering stage with a combination of warm wind and moist weather. 4. When is the best time to spray for fusarium head blight?   According to Stu Brandt from Northeast Agriculture Research Foundation, the best and most effective defence is to time your fungicide application to coincide with the heading stage of the plant.   Environmental factors that contribute to ideal spraying applications include: Wind conditions Droplet size Row spacing Ensuring more water volume   Prevention is difficult to guarantee. One idea is to stagger times for seeding, so that flowering doesn't happen all at once.   5. Managing fusarium head blight infections the right way.   Fusarium can't be prevented, it can only be managed. Rex Newkirk from the University of Saskatchewan says that accurate testing of the level of Vomitoxin (DON) is what should really matter the most to you, as a grower.    Andrew Taylor started specializing in removing VOMI from fusarium-infected crops at the end of 2016. He says, "The BoMill does its job. It's an interesting machine to run. It's loud, but it works."   He says he plans to pass on the advice about disease management to his customers, "I heard a few things about fungicide application being effective, you've got to get good coverage of kernels, and be aware of wet weather."   Once your grain crop has been infected a crop rotation that includes mostly pulse crops is recommended for four to five years according to Gurcharn Brar, a biology researcher of FHB at the University of Saskatchewan.   6. Flaman Grain Cleaning can help you sort fusarium head blight out of your crop. Fusarium head blight is a broad disease and should be cleaned in the proper manner to give you the best results. Once you have analyzed a sample of your grain with vomitoxin testing equipment, you will have an economic decision to make. Either you will decide to clean it, dump it, or sell it as feed depending on the percentage of good quality kernels left behind.   Mitch Flaman, part of the Grain Cleaning division, says there are two ways to upgrade fusarium infected crops: Visually sorting fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) by the physical characteristics to a predetermined percentage (usually under 5%). Internally sorting (via NIT infrared) vomitoxin (DON) to less than 2 parts per million (PPM).    Once you know how fusarium head blight has affected your crop, Flaman's Grain Cleaning division can help you separate the infected kernels to recover the quality grain and save a percentage of your yield. They have several machines capable of cleaning fusarium and DON management including the ISM 40, BoMill Lab iQ, and FMS-2000.   Taylor found that every crop is different when using the BoMill to clean grain for his customers. He says, "Some go from four PPM VOMI to under two PPM, and some that start at three PPM won't drop at all. It just depends on how hard the crop was hit."     Mon, 04 Dec 2017 08:54:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=421 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=420 Announcing Walt Disney NEW Leadership Excellence training coming to Saskatoon 2018! Register Now! Leadership is the foundation for business excellence. You now have the opportunity to learn Disney’s Approach To Leadership Excellence that is responsible for The Walt Disney Company legacy known around the world today. Enhance your own customer experience using Disney principles as a guide. First time ever in Saskatoon March 20, 2018 TCU Place 8:30am-4:30pm   Behind everything Disney does, are leadership insights time-tested by decades of success. Insights you will learn when you join us for “Disney’s Approach To Leadership Excellence” professional development course, presented by Disney Institute facilitators who will educate and inspire individuals and organizations to enhance their own customer experience using Disney principles as their guide. Who is Disney Institute? The professional development training arm for the Walt Disney Company. For nearly three decades, Disney Institute has helped professionals discover ways to positively impact their organizations and the customer they serve through immersion in leadership, service and employee engagement.   Tickets  *** ON SALE NOW***   Leaders take action, reserve your seats click here Event details below   The 2017 Disney program SOLD OUT quickly– Take advantage and secure a spot for this NEW 2018 Disney program while quantities last.   Group registration? Simply scan and email this registration form click here to info@investinyou.today   Hear how two of 2017’s Saskatoon attendees benefited:    "The course was transformative to our thinking. The session itself was remarkable in how it brought the concepts to life which provided clarity and deep understanding. I personally came out of the course with a deep belief of what quality service really is and how every single team member at Flaman Group of Companies is so important to making our customers' experiences remarkable.” ~STEVE WHITTINGTON Vice President Marketing and Customer Experience FLAMAN - Group of Companies   "Treating Donors, Clients and Volunteers the Disney Way is an inspiration every day. Bringing the Disney experience to your business or organization is so much fun!!" ~ CINDY FUCHS Vice President -  The Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan Course: Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence Date: March 20, 2018 Time: 8:30am-4:30pm  Location: TCU Place 35 22 St E, Saskatoon, SK Event Overview click here Cost: General Admission $697  Chamber Member VIP Rate $597  *Non-profit Rate $597 Cost includes: Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence participant guide, parking, Wi-Fi, lunch, coffee, tea and treats plus a personalized Leadership Excellence ***Disney Institute Graduation Certificate*** to add to your credentials Who should attend? Disney insights and illustrations are beneficial to any leader or employee interested in learning how to improve the customer experience and raise the standards of leadership in their organization. Reserve your seats: click here Questions: please ask the ACC Sponsored Disney Institute Program Event Coordinators: Sherry & Shelagh Kennett  P:   1.780.518.1495 / 1.604.619.9393 E:   info@investinyou.today W:  www.investinyou.today    Flaman Group of Companies, helping to bring Disney Institute to Saskatoon.   "Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do." ~ Walt Disney     Fri, 17 Nov 2017 16:48:15 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=420 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=419 Harvest 2017 was a tough year for many Saskatchewan farmers.   Doug Jones of Whitby Farms was one of Saskatchewan's first to wrap up harvest 2017. He says it's thanks to a prototype loaner combine -- one of two sent for field testing in Western Canada -- on top of the two he runs every other year. And a family team that works together year round.   The Flaman Agriculture team caught up with Doug while he had a few fleeting moments of free time on his hands. We talked about what effect this years' terrible drought conditions had on his farm, agriculture technology that matters for harvest 2017, and his advice for young farmers facing a tough climate for growth. All before he left for the field to help one of his neighbours finish their harvest.   What does Whitby Farms do?   Whitby Farms manages around 11 acres of land and grows a variety of grain, cereal, and bean crops; raises cattle and trains quarter horses; offers grain hauling services; and much more in the country surrounding the Great Sandhills at Lucky Lake, about 150 kilometres south of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.   The family-owned Whitby Farms stays busy all year round. While Doug’s brother does seeding, his nephew sprays, his son-in-law manages cattle, and his daughter trains quarter horses. They have one hired man who's been with them for 10 years. After a decade of service you could say their hired man has become as close as family. In case you’re wondering, Doug refers to himself as “the gopher” of the operation.   We asked, "Who runs the combine at harvest?"   Doug jokingly replied, "That's the easiest job in the world! [With the automations these days,] mowing your lawn is way more complicated."   He likes that today's combines automatically update as conditions change, so you don't have to manually reset when something goes wrong. He thinks of driving a combine as the perfect job for a multitasker.   Harvest 2017 wisdom from a 48-year farming career.   Doug's been farming since 1969. And he says, "I never changed my mind once."   He recalls taking the leap just before the start of one of the worst periods in farming history, the farm crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, when anyone who started farming "went broke". This was due to a combination of bad economy, dried up foreign markets, and high debt resulting in thousands losing their farms.   But Doug was stubborn about his dream to become a farmer and raise cattle. He says it's the only thing he's ever wanted to do.     How did drought conditions in Saskatchewan affect Whitby Farms for Harvest 2017?   The lack of rain and the heat did a number on his crops, along with many other farmers around the prairies. Doug says his crops are located in the lowest rainfall RM in the province of Saskatchewan. And they didn't get a lot of rain last year, which means soil moisture was low this year. He admits they've had better looking crops in previous years.   Their lentils performed the worst and canola would have been a disaster without support from an agrologist.   He says, "When I started out farming, [this years' canola harvest] would have been less than 10 bushels in the acre." They got 20 this year, but they're used to an average of 50.   Despite a lackluster harvest due to the low moisture and extreme heat drought conditions, Doug remains positive. He thinks the new varieties of canola are "amazing" and credits their performance to scientific advancements in the seed.   But there was an upside. Whitby Farms came out with perfect quality lentils and durum over a string of three consecutive years with salvage value. Doug improved the crops’ success by implementing an irrigation system that uses water from nearby Lake Diefenbaker and a preventative spraying process.   He’s not the only one that’s happy with his yield given the dry conditions. CBC News reported that other Saskatchewan farmers were surprised at the quality of Harvest 2017.   The drought conditions affected the Whitby Farms livestock, too. Doug and his son-in-law had to dig one of the farm's springs out twice to get the water moving again. Their quick thinking likely saved the cattle and horses from heat stroke, unlike another unfortunate case that killed 200 cattle.   How do you stick with it during tough times like Saskatchewan Harvest 2017?   Doug declares, "Young farmers aren't used to the tough years!"   Since the farm crisis, Doug has noticed that the cycle has a way of repeating itself. He cautions many farmers face a similar fate without proper planning.    "Work as hard as you can! It's going to stay dry. You'll hardly see a field that hasn't been affected by drought."   He adds, "[We farmers] are at the whim of markets and weather. [Have a plan in place] if your wage is cut in half."   Doug reminds young farmers to hope for the best and prepare for the worst, so you'll always stay ahead. The young farmers who have a lot of faith and prepare for hard times in advance can give themselves stability in tough years.   Doug’s final words of wisdom for Saskatchewan Harvest 2017: "If you focus on it and stick with it through tough times, you'll make it out alright. You have to bear down. Take risks and buy some land."   Doug Jones is a long-time customer of Flaman Agriculture in Saskatchewan, most recently purchasing a set of new grain bins and monitoring and a longer auger to reach taller grain bins.   Like learning about hard-working people, community roots, and new ag solutions? Subscribe to the Flaman Agriculture blog HERE. You’ll be the first to hear about the latest insights from the team!   Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:48:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=419 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=418 We’re going on a Field Trip! On Tuesday, July 25th 2017, we’re off to Melfort Research Farms, located 1.6 miles south of Melfort, Sk on Hwy 6. They are putting on a morning event all about Fusarium Head Blight. With two industry experts to walk you through all the activities and information, the day is scheduled to start at 9AM and topics include: Fusarium Head Blight Biology Effects of FHB on Cereal Crops Optimal Application Technology How to Improve Grade Out of the Field PLUS! Bring your Grain Samples and have it cleaned and tested! If you have a sample of grain (minimum two, 5 Gallon pails) bring it and have it tested for vomi-levels before, cleaned, and tested after so you can see in live action how you are able to Improve the Grade of your grain this harvest. Machines will be on site complete with staff to operate them and explain how it works. Everyone is welcome and it’s completely FREE! Pre-registration is requested to ensure enough chairs and space is made available. Just click here to send in your name, email, and how many people are attending (don’t forget to count yourself). In addition to Tuesday’s Fusarium day, Melfort Research Farms is hosting a second Field day the following day, Wednesday July 26th 2017. You can use the same registration link to sign up for Tuesday, Wednesday, or both days. See you there!   Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:10:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=418 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=417 Aerial imaging can be used as a good indicator of crop health. The emergence of drone technology makes this process more affordable, and accessible. A drone accompanied with a remote sensor, and the NDVI graphical indicator, is all you need to gain useful information on the health of your crop.   The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is a simple graphical indicator that can be used to analyze remote sensing measurements, typically but not necessarily from a space platform, and assess whether the target being observed contains live green vegetation or not.   NDVI was one of the most successful of many attempts to simply and quickly identify vegetated areas and their "condition," and it remains the most well-known and used index to detect live green plant canopies in multi-spectral remote sensing data. Once the feasibility to detect vegetation had been demonstrated, users tended to also use the NDVI to quantify the photosynthetic capacity of plant canopies.   The basic principle of NDVI relies on the fact that, due to the spongy layers found on their backsides, leaves reflect a lot of light in the near infrared, in stark contrast with most non-plant objects. When the plant becomes dehydrated or stressed, the spongy layer collapses and the leaves reflect less NIR light, but the same amount in the visible range. Thus, mathematically combining these two signals can help differentiate plant from non-plant and healthy plant from sickly plant.     Tue, 30 May 2017 10:13:32 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=417 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=416  Trials have shown reduced disease with a chickpea-flax intercrop, 
but some are skeptical about a mustard-pulse Growers might have noticed healthier crop stands where wild mustard was present. “There are a lot of anecdotes where they said the only place where they had any kind of lentils worth harvesting is where they had some wild mustard weeds. The lentils were climbing up the wild mustard and they did better under those conditions than where there wasn’t mustard or canola,” said Lana Shaw, crop researcher at South East Research Farm.  Shaw said she also had good results with a small trial she ran last year, which she is expanding this summer. “We have a trial this year where we are doing mustard with peas, and mustard with lentils, both yellow mustard and brown mustard,” Shaw said. “There are some very good reasons to expect less diseases, based on lab results. Mustard type of residues have in the past reduced aphanomyces pressure in susceptible pulse crops, so lentils and peas.” She said the possibility of biofungicide properties that may reduce root rot is a research area that is only beginning to be explored. Shaw has researched intercrops for years and her research into a chickpea-flax intercrop had shown a reduced disease incidence and increased tolerance to excessive moisture compared to monocrops. “The chickpeas hold up better. They mature more consistently, and on the years where we’ve had disease pressure, they’ve held up to disease pressure and lodge less,” Shaw said. When there is crop disease present, it doesn’t seem to spread as well when there is another other crop in the mix. If the disease spores land on a non-target plant they are unable to spread, and the microclimate in the canopy is less humid, she said. “A chickpea crop on its own tends to have a lot of horizontal branches that kind of seal in moisture. Whereas with a flax crop, most of your stems are vertical, so I think there is more air movement, but that is something that we haven’t quantified so far,” Shaw said. She said growers who want to grow peas or lentils in wet conditions will not add to their risk by adding a small amount of mustard or canola seed. “A mustard or canola in there at a very low rate, we’re talking like three or four pounds an acre for mustard, and for some kinds of canolas you might do two pounds of a hybrid canola with pea,” Shaw said. Growers can plant a Clearfield pea with a small amount of Clearfield canola and can have Solo as an in-crop herbicide option. “If you’ve already got a bunch of Group 2 resistant weeds, than maybe it’s not worthwhile worrying about it and you just go with non-Clearfield mustard with a lentil. It might work fantastic,” Shaw said. Brent VanKoughnet manages a farm in the Carman, Man., area and is owner of Agri Skills Inc., a company that performs agricultural research and has studied pea and canola intercropping. “I don’t see it (pea-canola intercrop) much as a moisture strategy, I see it more of a nutrient efficiency strategy. If everything goes well, you can get 60 percent of two different crops,” VanKoughnet said. He said the canola does reasonably well with very little additional nitrogen added, and that it must be grabbing some nitrogen from the peas. “It (canola) captures the efficiency of the peas and their ability to produce nitrogen, and if we get that right, can they produce more than they need for themselves and give some of that to the canola? That’s the theory anyway.” However, when it comes to using canola to help manage diseases in pulse crops, he said most growers need compelling evidence that it works before they try it. “I think those are long shots. Producers generally want to be clean. If they thought a crop was going to be in trouble clean, they would grow another crop. It’s the reason we’re not growing lentils in Manitoba. We just expect the moisture to be high,” VanKoughnet said. In experiments at Agri Skills, they were striving for two crops, rather than seeding a small amount of canola to help the peas climb and for possible biofungicide benefits from the canola roots. But in VanKoughnet’s experience, airflow in the canopy was not improved. “There is an amazing mass of material when you have 60 percent of a pea crop wrapped around 60 percent of a canola crop. If you ever thought it was tough to scout a canola field, just double that when you’ve got it all woven together with pea vines. You need a machete to walk your way through it,” VanKoughnet said. He said most growers don’t want to complicate their operations by making their spraying windows harder to hit and limiting their herbicide options. He said people in his area love growing soybeans because they are simple, easy to harvest and clean. “You don’t want to upset the flow of efficient commercial operations.” “When you think of how many farms that have doubled in size in the last decade, just logistics and getting stuff done efficiently matters,” VanKoughnet said. If there was a market for peas and canola grown together where growers could haul in their mixture directly to without having to clean it, VanKoughnet thinks more growers would be interested. He said most growers aren’t interested in taking off a crop that requires cleaning before marketing. “The cleaning is a pain too. It works with a pretty simple corn screen that takes the canola out of peas pretty easily. But it slows things down. It’s just another step and generally people want to be able to move through harvest as quickly as possible.” Shaw said it’s difficult to track the amount of acres in intercrops because there are no stats available on the practice, but she estimates there were about 20,000 acres in Saskatchewan last year. “This is a daring comparison, but I think this (intercropping) will be as transformative to agriculture here as no-till was. In 10 years, I think we will see this taking over a lot of the acres,” Shaw said.   > Take me to Flaman Agriculture and Farm Equipment > Take me to Used and Clearance Products Have questions? Connect with us through our contact page Thu, 18 May 2017 10:43:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=416 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=415 Below is an excerpt from "Demand Grows for Vomitoxin Cleaning Services" by Brian Cross of the Western Producer. For the full article visit the Western Producer Online With fusarium graminearum and its toxic vomitoxin sidekick deoxynivalenol (DON) stealing potentially hundreds of millions of dollars a year from Canadian farm revenues, the thought of paying toll processors to clean up commercial grain deliveries is gaining momentum. Mitch Flaman, operations manager with Flaman Grain Cleaning and Handling, said a lot of growers mistakenly assume that a sample with little or no FDK should easily meet industry standards or contract specs for vomitoxin. However, removing FDK does not guarantee that vomitoxin levels are also being lowered. Flaman said it’s critically important to know what you have in your bin and what you’re trying to remove from a sample. “Early in the season, a lot of guys were getting away with selling their grain based on visual parameters only,” said Flaman, who sells a variety of grain cleaners, including colour sorters, gravity tables and highly specialized machines that sort grain using near infrared transmittance.“ In other words, if you could clean up your grain visually, there were some elevators that were buying based on visual grades only,” he said. “But what we started to find out later was that some stuff that looked very good visually still had very high levels of vomitoxin. So toward the end of the year, it seemed like almost every elevator started to price grain based on vomitoxin.” The task of buying and selling grain can become a bit murky when FDK and vomitoxin are involved. In part, that’s because FDK is recognized in Canada as a visual grading determinant, while vomitoxin is not. However, vomitoxin is often mentioned in delivery contracts as a quality or contract spec, meaning high levels can significantly affect the value of grain being sold, regardless of how good the delivery looks. In some cases, farmers who cleaned up their samples to remove FDK were surprised to learn that they were facing substantial price discounts because vomitoxin levels were still above spec, Flaman said. “Understanding the difference between visual FDK and internal kernel toxicity (DON) has kept the industry busy with this year’s epidemic.” “In the last few weeks, I’ve had more interest, more inquiries from people that are interested in (cleaning grain), than I could possibly handle in an entire year,” said Jason Basset, a grain farmer from Bruno, Sask., who also runs a grain cleaning company called Peterson Grain Processing. Basset is currently waiting to take delivery of a BoMill TriQ, a Swedish built grain cleaner that uses near infrared transmittance to remove vomitoxin. Unlike colour sorters that use near infrared reflectance to assess the external surface of a seed, the TriQ uses light to penetrate the seed coat. This allows the machine to assess a seed’s internal chemical composition. The TriQ has the ability to analyze each seed individually and sort seeds based on vomitoxin levels. Basset plans to use his machine to remove vomitoxin from malting barley. Vomitoxin specs for malting barley are typically.5 to one p.p.m. In one barley sample that Basset had analyzed, the TriQ removed 18 percent of the most heavily infected kernels and reduced total vomitoxin levels from two p.p.m. or higher to .5 p.p.m. or lower. In that scenario, a 10,000 bushel bin of barley that would otherwise be rejected by maltsters and sold as feed could potentially be cleaned and sold as 8,200 bu. of malt. For the full article visit the Western Producer Online Tue, 11 Apr 2017 12:25:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=415 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=413 Flaman Welcomes Disney Institute to Saskatoon. We aspire in the betterment of your staff, and our customers In 2017 retail brands are scrambling to differentiate themselves.  There is still some product exclusivity left but for the most part product X can be replaced by product Y.  This then just leaves price and the experience.  Customer Experience that is the key to making your customers loyal, giving them a reason to pick your organization over the one down the road. In fact if you are good enough the customer will talk you up and tell their friends if you need product X go see Retailer ABC.  If you are really good the customer will become a promoter, a brand ambassador and is excited about doing business with you and receiving messages from you; the customer might even be delighted by any interaction with your retail brand.   There is a company that creates this experience consistently; Disney.   We have been in a boom economy for a long time.  It was good times.  Business was good, in fact it was so good some might be honest enough to admit it was easy. It is not easy anymore.  Combine a tightened economy with a customer that has more choice and the power to broadcast any mishap a brand makes via social media and review sites business has gone from being interesting at times to frightening.  Customer Service Excellence has to be a top priority for every business. I personally lead the customer journey focus at Flaman Group of companies measuring all the touch points to rank for improvement. This is a journey we believe can never stop. This is where Disney Institute comes in and why Flaman Group of Companies has assisted to bring Disney Institute to Saskatchewan.  So what does bringing to Saskatchewan mean?   Well on March 9th Disney Institute will be hosting their full day interactive learning experience:  Disney's Approach to Quality Service sponsored by ACC and Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsored by FLAMAN Group of Companies.   Who is Disney Institute?   Disney Institute is the professional development and external training arm of The Walt Disney Company. The company showcases 'the business behind the magic' through seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as programs for professionals from many different industries, including healthcare, aerospace/aviation, government/military, food/beverage and retail.   What will the course provide?   The one-day event will help area professionals begin to examine how they can differentiate their service to become a provider of choice and understand the processes necessary to develop a culture that consistently delivers that exceptional service. This day of Disney Institute training uses business insights and time-tested examples from Disney parks and resorts worldwide to inspire individuals and organizations to enhance their own customer experience using Disney principles as their guide. Disney’s Approach to Quality Service gives participants the chance to explore how customer experience insights and time-tested examples from Disney parks and resorts worldwide can provide relevant illustrations and engaging stories to help organizations deliver the type of long-term results they are capable of delivering.           So I have taken the course…   The course woke me up to what I needed to do, in fact the course was transformative to my thinking. The session itself was remarkable in how it brought the concepts to life which provided clarity and deep understanding. I personally came out of the course with a deep belief of what quality service really is and how every single team member at Flaman Group of Companies is so important to making our customers' experiences remarkable. After the course, I applied the thinking to Flaman Group of Companies to aid our culture shift towards the entire customer journey.   So why is Disney Institute coming to Saskatchewan important?   Beyond learning to create remarkable experiences for your customers, there are other things happening with Disney Institute coming to Saskatchewan.  This course could be the start of movement in customer service excellence which will help define and differentiate how business is done in Saskatchewan. This is not pie in the sky thinking it could happen and imagine where the companies could rise to if they embark on this journey. Steve Whittington Walt Disney Company’s 90 years of world-renowned Customer Service Excellence into your organization March 9, 2017 at TCU Place.   Disney Institute, the training arm of the Walt Disney Company, is coming to Saskatoon with their full day interactive learning experience: Focusing on the customer experience has become the single most important way for an organization to achieve success — often becoming its key differentiator and competitive advantage. You have the opportunity to learn Disney’s Approach to Quality Service. One of the world’s most recognized names in business solutions; Disney Institute, the professional development training arm of the Walt Disney Company, is coming to Saskatoon. Saskatoon Testimonials:   "The course was transformative to our thinking. The session itself was remarkable in how it brought the concepts to life which provided clarity and deep understanding. I personally came out of the course with a deep belief of what quality service really is and how every single team member at Flaman Group of Companies is so important to making our customers' experiences remarkable.” ~STEVE WHITTINGTON Vice President Marketing and Customer Experience FLAMAN - Group of Companies   "Treating Donors, Clients and Volunteers the Disney Way is an inspiration everyday since taking my very first Disney training in Regina. Bringing the Disney experience to your business or organization is so much fun!!" ~ CINDY FUCHS Vice President - The Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan   Thank you Event Sponsors, Hosts and Marketing Participants: The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, FLAMAN Group of Companies, the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association.  The Walt Disney Company’s 90 years of Customer Service Excellence Best Practices March 9, 2017 at TCU Place Saskatoon is now sold out. To receive information on the next Disney learning experience and/or pre-reserve your seats; email info@investinyou.today    As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney Fri, 24 Feb 2017 10:06:23 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=413 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=412 Every year the Flaman Trailer Division gather to enhance our product knowledge and customer processes.  We bring our partner suppliers from across North America to train with us on their products, new technology and industry trends. We focus our team on customer service and set our product line up for the spring. It is a once a year boot camp for the trailer division to get focused and this year did not disappoint! As a result of this meeting we have a new additions to our line up. In the spring expect the following new and exciting products: Hook lift Dump Trailer from Southland Trailers -  A powered lift to service multiple job-sites at once Blackwood Decking from Diamond C  IC  - Non slip rubber decking inserts.  Great deck grip! Quest Car haulers from ATC  IC - These Leading edge trailers will now be stocked at multiple locations  Express Aluminum Enclosed Cargo trailers from High Country  - Lighter but just as strong an industry shift is happening and we are leading the charge now stocking in Saskatchewan Detachable Gooseneck Equipment Haulers from Behnke, B-B Trailers  - Big equipment no problem call us to determine your needs   Travalum stock trailers - top quality trailers available at all locations     Prior to getting down to work, we like to get the team primed and focused with some teambuilding. So what do you do in the Canadian Rockies?  We  went Ice Climbing and Dog Sledding  (No salesman or dogs were harmed). After a day in the great Canadian outdoors everyone was recharged to learn for the rest of week.   All in all another successful meeting helping Flaman Trailers reach higher, providing new product offering and more focus on our customers.   SW   Fri, 10 Feb 2017 11:21:37 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=412 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=411 Spectrum Grain Solutions, located in Bashaw, Alberta, has purchased a BoMill TriQ grain sorter that has been installed in Kenaston, Sk. The Swedish-made BoMill TriQ has the capabilities to sort grain based on the interior make-up of each kernel, rather than the exterior appearance. It uses NIT (Near Infrared Transmission) technology to analyze each kernel and thus can sort grain based on fusarium, protein, vitreousness, seed quality and falling number at a speed of 25,000 kernels per second. For a full article click here.   Learn more about the new technology in BoMill products on our Flaman Grain Cleaning website.   Fri, 03 Feb 2017 10:27:35 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=411 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=410 Booming Lentil Prices Are Back After Canada Harvest Washout by  Jen Skerritt and  Megan Durisin January 12, 2017 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-12/booming-lentil-prices-are-back-after-canadian-harvest-washout     Rain, snow cause quality issues and losses in lentil crop North American lentil acres will probably fall in 2017  The lentil market has gone from boom to bust, and back to boom again. In the middle of 2016, prices for the pulse crop had plunged from record highs on the outlook for large global harvests. Now, the curry-and-soup food staple has rebounded more than 40 percent since August after rain and snow damaged a bumper crop in Canada, the world’s top exporter. Some output was lost because of harvest delays or is of too poor quality to be sold, said Marlene Boersch, managing partner of Mercantile Consulting Venture in Winnipeg, Manitoba. “We had a lot of quality problems, also losses of acres with the really late harvest,” Boersch said in a telephone interview. “In spite of all odds we’re actually quite tight on shippable product.”   Continued rain and snow delayed harvest operations in parts of Canada’s prairies as excess moisture reduced quality and yields. The price of no. 2 green lentils climbed 43 percent to as high as 66 Canadian cents a pound as of Jan. 10, up from a low of 46 cents in August, according to Brian Clancey, president and senior market analyst at Vancouver-based Stat Communications Ltd.  The 2016 Canadian harvest was one of the longest on record as some farmers were unable to complete it until the end of November because of delays from cool, wet weather, Alberta’s agriculture ministry said in a Nov. 29 report. Despite the setbacks, Canada shipped 549,700 tons of lentils from August to early January, up 2.7 percent from a year earlier, Canadian Grain Commission data show. Spot prices paid to farmers for Richlea lentils in North Dakota and Montana, the largest U.S. producers, were at about $40 per 100 pounds as of Jan. 10, U.S. Department of Agriculture data show. That’s up 70 percent from mid-September,when that harvest was wrapping up. Crop Rotation The price gains come even as U.S. production more than doubled last year and Canada had record output. U.S. production in 2016 was probably 575,380 metric tons, up from 238,730 in the prior year, the USDA forecast on Thursday. Canada collected a record 3.2 million metric tons of the pulse grain in 2016, up 28 percent from a year earlier, Statistics Canada data show. After last year’s problems with the Canadian harvest and as growers rotate crops, planted lentils may fall by 1 million acres this year, said Bruce Burnett, a weather and crop specialist with grain marketer G3 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Still, lentils are profitable compared with other grains and oilseeds, he said. “After last year’s experience we’ll see a retreat in acres,” Burnett said in a telephone interview. After recent rapid expansion in U.S. acres, gains in 2017 may be more modest as farmers also rotate crops, said Joseph Janzen, an assistant professor at Montana State University in Bozeman. U.S. plantings of 933,000 acres last year were a record and more than triple the amount sown in 2014, USDA data show. “A 10 percent increase in U.S. acres would be small relative to what we’ve seen over the last two years,” Janzen said in a telephone interview. Fri, 13 Jan 2017 14:11:35 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=410 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=409 Monitoring and appropriate management of stored grain (especially tough and damp grain) is essential to ensuring that grain will not spoil and will remain in good shape during storage. Grain needs to be monitored while in storage, as no monitoring can lead to drastic losses, especially when a good portion of grain was harvested as damp and tough. Grain moisture content and temperature are two important factors that affect grain storage. Dry grain can spoil if the seed temperature is too high and grain initially within safe moisture and temperature levels can still spoil due to hot spots forming and moisture migration within the grain bin. Grain acts like an insulator and can hold temperatures for a fair amount of time if left undisturbed. Actually, it is not uncommon for larger bins to have grain temperatures in the centre that have not changed much since harvest, though it is close to freezing outside the bin. Moisture migration occurs when warm and or moist grain in the bin is at a warmer temperature than the temperature outside the bin, as a result cold air moves down the interior of the bin to the bottom of the grain mass and is drawn to the centre of the bin by an upward flow of warmer air. As the cold air is drawn up the grain, it warms and flows to the surface of the grain. The warm air is cooled as it reaches the surface, condenses, and the cycle repeats. The condensation that occurs at the top of the grain creates a high moisture zone that is prone to spoilage and mold growth. Some fungal species can grow at relatively low seed moisture contents, and their growth results in the production of moisture, which allows other more harmful fungal species to develop. Grain spoilage is relatively undetectable in early stages. Cooling the grain to under minus eight degrees Celsius will deactivate mold growth. For insects, temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius limit their movement and reproduction. In the fall or winter, moving the grain during cold weather can help to decrease the temperature in the bin, eliminating hot spots and can kill grain storage insects depending how much the grain temperature is lowered and for how long. A variety of methods exist to monitor stored grain; a monitor that continually records the temperature of the stored grain is the best indicator of how long the grain will store for. If a rapid temperature increase occurs, immediate action needs to be taken. Management practices include cooling grain to within five degrees Celsius of the outside air temperature as soon as possible as this will equalize the temperature within the bin. Using aeration or moving grain will help to accomplish this. As the outside temperature cools, you may wish to cool the grain until it is close to or below freezing for winter storage. Monitor multiple times a week for changes in grain temperature. Pay close attention to grain in large bins and grain bags, especially where grain is tough and damp. –   See more at: https://www.weyburnthisweek.com/news/monitoring-stored-grain-is-an-important-task-1.3523115 © Copyright Weyburn This Week 2016 Author Cory Jacob holds MSc. and BSc. in agronomy from the University of Saskatchewan. He has held various agronomy-related summer jobs in private industry, and also has experience as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Saskatchewan. Cory works closely with producers and industry to help alleviate current and future issues in crop production. Cory grew up on a grain farm in southeast Saskatchewan in the Mutrie district. See Grain Bins & Storage Solutions See Grain Monitoring Systems See how Grain Monitoring works! --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6VDIdEcUeI   Tue, 20 Dec 2016 14:31:28 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=409 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=408 Flaman Welcomes Disney Institute to Saskatoon. We aspire in the betterment of your staff, and our customers In 2017 retail brands are scrambling to differentiate themselves.  There is still some product exclusivity left but for the most part product X can be replaced by product Y.  This then just leaves price and the experience.  Customer Experience that is the key to making your customers loyal, giving them a reason to pick your organization over the one down the road. In fact if you are good enough the customer will talk you up and tell their friends if you need product X go see Retailer ABC.  If you are really good the customer will become a promoter, a brand ambassador and is excited about doing business with you and receiving messages from you; the customer might even be delighted by any interaction with your retail brand.   There is a company that creates this experience consistently; Disney.   We have been in a boom economy for a long time.  It was good times.  Business was good, in fact it was so good some might be honest enough to admit it was easy. It is not easy anymore.  Combine a tightened economy with a customer that has more choice and the power to broadcast any mishap a brand makes via social media and review sites business has gone from being interesting at times to frightening.  Customer Service Excellence has to be a top priority for every business. I personally lead the customer journey focus at Flaman Group of companies measuring all the touch points to rank for improvement. This is a journey we believe can never stop. This is where Disney Institute comes in and why Flaman Group of Companies has assisted to bring Disney Institute to Saskatchewan.  So what does bringing to Saskatchewan mean?   Well on March 9th Disney Institute will be hosting their full day interactive learning experience:  Disney's Approach to Quality Service sponsored by ACC and Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsored by FLAMAN Group of Companies.   Who is Disney Institute?   Disney Institute is the professional development and external training arm of The Walt Disney Company. The company showcases 'the business behind the magic' through seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as programs for professionals from many different industries, including healthcare, aerospace/aviation, government/military, food/beverage and retail.   What will the course provide?   The one-day event will help area professionals begin to examine how they can differentiate their service to become a provider of choice and understand the processes necessary to develop a culture that consistently delivers that exceptional service. This day of Disney Institute training uses business insights and time-tested examples from Disney parks and resorts worldwide to inspire individuals and organizations to enhance their own customer experience using Disney principles as their guide. Disney’s Approach to Quality Service gives participants the chance to explore how customer experience insights and time-tested examples from Disney parks and resorts worldwide can provide relevant illustrations and engaging stories to help organizations deliver the type of long-term results they are capable of delivering.           So I have taken the course…   The course woke me up to what I needed to do, in fact the course was transformative to my thinking. The session itself was remarkable in how it brought the concepts to life which provided clarity and deep understanding. I personally came out of the course with a deep belief of what quality service really is and how every single team member at Flaman Group of Companies is so important to making our customers' experiences remarkable. After the course, I applied the thinking to Flaman Group of Companies to aid our culture shift towards the entire customer journey.   So why is Disney Institute coming to Saskatchewan important?   Beyond learning to create remarkable experiences for your customers, there are other things happening with Disney Institute coming to Saskatchewan.  This course could be the start of movement in customer service excellence which will help define and differentiate how business is done in Saskatchewan. This is not pie in the sky thinking it could happen and imagine where the companies could rise to if they embark on this journey. Steve Whittington Walt Disney Company’s 90 years of world-renowned Customer Service Excellence into your organization March 9, 2017 at TCU Place.   Disney Institute, the training arm of the Walt Disney Company, is coming to Saskatoon with their full day interactive learning experience: Focusing on the customer experience has become the single most important way for an organization to achieve success — often becoming its key differentiator and competitive advantage. You have the opportunity to learn Disney’s Approach to Quality Service. One of the world’s most recognized names in business solutions; Disney Institute, the professional development training arm of the Walt Disney Company, is coming to Saskatoon. Saskatoon Testimonials:   "The course was transformative to our thinking. The session itself was remarkable in how it brought the concepts to life which provided clarity and deep understanding. I personally came out of the course with a deep belief of what quality service really is and how every single team member at Flaman Group of Companies is so important to making our customers' experiences remarkable.” ~STEVE WHITTINGTON Vice President Marketing and Customer Experience FLAMAN - Group of Companies   "Treating Donors, Clients and Volunteers the Disney Way is an inspiration everyday since taking my very first Disney training in Regina. Bringing the Disney experience to your business or organization is so much fun!!" ~ CINDY FUCHS Vice President - The Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan   Thank you Event Sponsors, Hosts and Marketing Participants: The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, FLAMAN Group of Companies, the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association.  The Walt Disney Company’s 90 years of Customer Service Excellence Best Practices March 9, 2017 at TCU Place Saskatoon is now sold out. To receive information on the next Disney learning experience and/or pre-reserve your seats; email info@investinyou.today    As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney   Fri, 18 Nov 2016 16:44:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=408 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=407 Tillage recruited to deal with moisture issues Necessity is the mother of invention, but weather appears to be the mother of necessity, these days. That seems to fit as producers talk about the need for tillage in this October Farmer Panel. Largely in response to high residue levels, he says in some areas they are using a tandem disc and in others a vertical tillage tool. “Tillage seems to be what a lot are looking at these days,” says Boles. “There is a bit of a craze going on to use some tillage. It’s all related to moisture in this area too. It was dry for many of the past 15 years, but since about 2010 we have had wetter seasons.” That contributed to excess moisture for seeding and harvest and big crops with plenty of residue. Article By Lee Hart | GrainNews | October 18th 2016 SEE FULL ARTICLE Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:06:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=407 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=406 Harvest is progressing at a steady rate across the province. This is ahead of the five-year (2011-2015) average of 28 per cent combined for this time of year. Harvest is furthest along in the southeast region, with 34 per cent of the crop in the bin. Provincially, 92 per cent of winter wheat, 64 per cent of field peas, 40 per cent of lentils, 10 per cent of durum and spring wheat and seven per cent of canola is combined, with 52 per cent of canola swathed. As for the hay crop, it is estimated that four per cent of forage acres will not be harvested due to a wet and humid haying season. By David Giles Senior Web Producer  Global News SEE FULL ARTICLE SASKATCHEWAN CROP REPORT Saskatchewan producers made good progress with harvest. Thirty-two per cent of the crop has been combined and 38 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report. Provincial Estimated Crop Yields: See Saskatchewan Crop Report   Weather Derivative Program Maps Forage Rainfall Insurance Program Eligible Weather Stations Corn Heat Unit Program Insurable Area and Eligible Weather Stations Other Saskatchewan Grains Risk Zone Saskatchewan Forage Risk Zone Last Spring Frost First Fall Frost MANITOBA CROP REPORT Issue #19 of the 2016 Manitoba Crop Report  and the Crop Weather Report  are now available.  The Crop Report is a weekly summary of Manitoba’s crop and weather conditions during the growing season across five reporting areas in Manitoba. Archived reports of past issues are available on our website. The Crop Weather Report is a weekly summary of temperature (max., min., avg) and total rainfall along with seasonal accumulations of degree days, corn heat units and rainfall (actuals and % of normal) are provided for about 50 locations in the five regions. Following are links to weather maps in pdf format: Total Accumulated Precipitation Percent of Normal Accumulated Precipitation Growing Degree Days Percent of Normal Accumulated Degree Days Corn Heat Units Percent of Normal Accumulated Corn Heat Units Seven Day Accumulated Precipitation The above maps will be updated every Monday during the growing season. They are available on the Manitoba Agriculture weather web site at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/weather/index.html . For more information or to subscribe to the weekly Crop and Weather reports send your request to crops@gov.mb.ca.  Follow us on Twitter at @MBGovAg to get these seasonal reports and more. ALBERTA CROP REPORT When compared to the 5-year average (2011-2015), harvest progress is a little ahead in the South and Central Regions, but five per cent behind provincially. The recent moisture will also have a potential impact on crop quality. SEE ALBERTA CROP REPORT The Alberta and Agriculture and Forestry Weather Forecast --- Click Here   Fri, 09 Sep 2016 16:06:53 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=406 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=405 I have downloaded data from Statistics Canada and created charts (below) for acres seeded to give some historical perspective.  The first is for major crops in Saskatchewan only, the 2nd and 3rd are for AB SK and MB, with the first being major crops and the 2nd being secondary crops.   Thu, 30 Jun 2016 10:32:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=405 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=404 Fertilizer prices will likely decline in the short-term then grow in the long term.  So ‘yes,’ buying a big bin now and filling it makes sense. First of all, what proof of a price decline is there?  The downtrend is highlighted by a recent potash sale to India by Belarus (one of the very few potash producers) at the lowest prices seen in over a decade; about a third less than last year’s level as global supplies of the crop nutrient exceed demand. About the deal - one of India’s biggest fertilizer importers, Indian Potash Ltd. (IPL), will buy 700,000 tonnes of potash at $227 (U.S.) per tonne on a cost and freight (CFR) basis. Belarus’ contract price is likely to become the benchmark for other suppliers to India, such as Russia’s Uralkali and North American trading group Canpotex Ltd., owned by Potash Corp, Mosaic, and Agrium. For background see this story. The underlying thing from this is, China usually sets the floor or lowest global price for potash with their purchasing, so given the bigger annual’ish China deal is still outstanding, prices will likely decline even further. India and China, the world’s biggest fertilizer consumers, usually sign contracts earlier in the year. This year, deals were delayed as high stocks held by farmers meant there was no rush to agree a deal. India’s deal is a rare instance of the country signing a potash supply contract with a major producer before China.  For more information, see this story. But then, on the upside, Belarus and Uralkali (the Russians) are looking at working together again on potash marketing , thus ending the price war that has driven down the price of potash.  These two and Canpotex (PotashCorp, Agrium, and Mosaic) basically dominate the world potash market. And, the major trend to drive fertilizer prices in the long term is that the world is adding about 1-million people per week to its population.  We need to feed this additional million per week from the same amount of farmland – so, fertilizer demand will grow. Now, currently, crop prices are growing faster than fertilizer costs, so things do make sense to buy now. To take advantage of the temporarily low fertilizer prices, a Meridian fertilizer bin is your best choice.            Wed, 29 Jun 2016 14:53:27 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=404 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=403 With everybody forecasting a great crop, are you prepared to harvest it?  Are the combine(s) fast enough? Are there enough trucks ready to move the grain to a bin or bagging area?  Maybe the ground is wet, so is a grain cart ready to move the grain off the field towards a truck, bin, or bagging area?  Is the bagger ready with enough bags? Are the transfers, augers or conveyors able to quickly unload the grain and move it, which allows for the combine to keep moving without having to wait for unloading? And once it's off, if you didn’t catch the fusarium with spraying, well it’s not too late.  You can use (1) a gravity table to separate the lighter infected kernels – the current best option for farmers, (2) a colour sorter/separator to pull then visually infected kernels – maybe not as good as a gravity table, or (3) a BoMill which is best used by end-users such as food processing facilities.” Flaman Grain Cleaning and handling has all you need to get the crop into the bank.   Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:29:20 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=403 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=402 It seems everybody is forecasting a great crop this year!  Now, we can't control the weather, but we can protect the crop from things like fusarium, otherwise it's value will quickly decline. With the recent warm and wet weather, the fusarium risk is growing in Saskatchewan and ongoing in Manitoba.  Today's risk maps reveal the situation: So, here are some handy charts to help you assess the risk and plan your spray: This spraying requires the safe and accurate handling of chemical, and Flaman has what you need to do this.   Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:17:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=402 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=401 Today's crop assessment map demonstrates a crop developing at higher than normal rates and the complete opposite of last year's lower than normal rates (see below).  This confirms the need for a warning by APAS last week when, "The potential for this year's crop to be a record setting event has been confirmed by the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS).  In a recent press release, APAS issued notice to rail companies to be prepared for what could be a large crop this year.  You can see their actual press release here." This year: Last year:   Tue, 28 Jun 2016 09:45:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=401 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=400 The potential for this year's crop to be a record setting event has been confirmed by the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS).  In a recent press release, APAS issued notice to rail companies to be prepared for what could be a large crop this year.  You can see their actual press release here. APAS said it's anyone’s guess whether it will reach the record-setting levels farmers experienced in 2013 (38.4 million tonnes, according to Statistics Canada), but either way, APAS president Norm Hall wants rail companies to be ready.  “If you remember three years ago when we had the potential of a huge crop, and turned out to be the largest crop on record, the railroads used the excuse that oh, we didn’t know this was coming, we weren’t prepared for it,” explained Hall in an interview with News Talk Radio. So, APAS is asking the railroads to be ready to handle the grain - but they are the end of the system - the system begins with farmers? Are farmers ready to harvest the crop within the small window of opportunity presented by crop development and the weather. Are the combine(s) fast enough? Are there enough trucks ready to move the grain to a bin or bagging area?  Maybe the ground is wet, so is a grain cart ready to move the grain off the field towards a truck, bin, or bagging area?  Is the bagger ready with enough bags? Are the transfers, augers or conveyors able to quickly unload the grain and move it, which allows for the combine to keep moving without having to wait for unloading? And after moving the grain by rail, are the ports and ships ready? APAS has put rail on notice, but what about the rest of the system?   Thu, 23 Jun 2016 09:04:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=400 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=399 There are a wide variety of trailer regulations imposed across Canada - these regulations cover everything from annual inspections, to dimensions, to brake requirements.  Your trailer my conform to your province’s regulations, but what happens when you travel into another province?   You may be completely law-abiding in your province, then travel into the neighboring one and find-out an inspection is required the instant you enter the other jurisdiction.  Or maybe your trailer is fine, but now since  you have attached a trailer to your truck, the truck now requires an inspection.  Or maybe the load this time is heavier than last time, so last time you were OK in the next jurisdiction but this time you are not.   Flaman Trailers has grown to become North America’s largest trailer retailer.  This growth is in part due to, and brings with it a responsibility to be aware of the various provincial regulations regarding trailers.   So, Flaman Trailers VP – Steve Whittington created a “Rules of the Road” presentation to address these issues.   This presentation was first conducted at NATDA (North American Trailer Dealers Association) in 2012 and has been updated to 2016 regulations   “Rules of the Road” is available for free download here   If you have any questions or concerns about trailering, we are happy to help!   Wed, 08 Jun 2016 14:05:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=399 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=398 The Flaman Agriculture division meetings were highlighted by a presentation on “change” by Craig Reynolds, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club.     Clearly the Riders have seen significant change this year and Craig provided some key insights as to how and why change happens. Both business and football have competitive environments were change is sometimes necessary.   The image below features Flaman’s Saskatchewan agriculture team, with Craig standing just left of centre. Thank you Craig for coming to our meeting and sharing with our team! Mon, 28 Mar 2016 13:24:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=398 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=397 We saw geese and blue birds this weekend - I guess spring is coming early.  And it doesn't look like flooding will be an issue - well unless we get a big dump of snow - and we may even be able to reclaim some land from the sloughs that grew over the past few years.  So it's time to get into the spring activities list and Flaman has a lot of good used equipment to fix everything. We have 13 discs, 2 heavy harrows, and 2 rock diggers to reclaim that lost land. We also have augers ranging from 8" to 13", from swing to stick, to well, you name it.  We have 18 used augers on hand, all in good working condition.  See https://www.flaman.com/clearance/listings.php?subCategoryID=30 You can see a full list of our used equipment ad featured products at https://www.flaman.com/clearance/.   Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:09:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=397 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=396 The 10th Annual Frank J. Flaman Foundation Gala is taking place on March 18th, 2016 in Edmonton, AB. (By the way, Frank Flaman founded "Flaman.") The location is new – it will be at the Fantasyland Hotel - and the theme is “The Roaring Twenties!”  There will be prizes for best costumes and the evening is sure to be an extraordinary and unforgettable one.   Frank Flaman funds the administration and overhead costs of the Foundation, so 100% of every dollar donated goes to a charity, event, or someone in need.  To date, over $10-million has been donated to various charities. The Frank J. Flaman Foundation’s and Frank’s mission to help those that need assistance in our community, our country, and around the world.  The Foundation will focus more on the needs of children and families locally in 2016. Read more about "Why Frank Cares" here. The goal is to raise $80,000 at the Gala, with the funds, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of dollars that the Frank J. Flaman Foundation gives each year, being pledged to various charities including the ones mentioned here [https://www.flaman.com/foundation/charities ].   Through these joint partnerships, the Foundation hopes to improve the quality of life for all in need and help to end world suffering.  The Frank J. Flaman Foundation’s “Gala” is the annual main fundraiser for the Foundation.  During this elegant and fun evening, a silent auction takes place as well as dinner and dancing. But this event is not just about raising money, it’s also about showing attendees and supporters how their contributions are making a difference. Representatives from a number of charities are on hand to receive their donations from Frank himself. As well, charitable groups are showcased for everyone to learn about the great work that they do. Why does Frank want to make a difference in the world?  Frank has spent many years learning, reading and researching opportunities in the world and how he can help to end global suffering.  He has discovered two major things: The lack of unsafe water and sanitation are the world’s largest causes of illness. Food security is of utmost importance!  Lack of sustainable food sources leads to malnutrition and death in most parts of the world. And, in the words of Mother Theresa, "If you can’t feed 100 people, then feed just one." So, for over 30 years, Frank has personally funded and helped countless charities, both locally and around the globe.  In 2005, he formally established the Frank J. Flaman Foundation to expand these philanthropic efforts.  In the first two years alone, he brought aid to thousands worldwide and every year following the foundation continues to spread the generosity of Frank and other donors to those in need. The Frank J. Flaman Foundation is funded by Frank’s share of the profits from the Flaman Group of Companies, as well as private donations from others.    The cost per ticket is $150 and per table of 10 is $1350. Also, you can support the event with your donation of silent and live auction items.  “One of a kind” or unique items bring in the most money in an auction.  Examples of items that have been very popular at auctions include sports memorabilia, artwork, gift certificates and rare or different collectibles.  For any item you donate, you will receive a charitable receipt in the amount of the full retail value of the item along with recognition at the event! Contact is Syndy Harriott @ 780-955-3402 or email her at syndy.harriott@flaman.com For hotel reservations, please contact the Fantasyland Hotel (780-444-3000 or 1-800-737-3783).  Ask for the Frank J. Flaman Foundation Dinner or Frank J. Flaman Foundation Gala.  The pricing is $175/night/room.  There is a room block set aside at this special price.  Their address is 17700 – 87 Ave NW.  Edmonton, AB.  T5T 4V4.    Mon, 08 Feb 2016 09:48:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=396 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=395 Why does Frank Flaman want to make a difference in the world?  (By the way, Frank founded "Flaman.")  Frank has spent many years learning, reading and researching opportunities in the world and how he can help to end global suffering.  He has discovered two major things: The lack of unsafe water and sanitation are the world’s largest causes of illness. Food security is of utmost importance!  Lack of sustainable food sources leads to malnutrition and death in most parts of the world. And, in the words of Mother Theresa, "If you can’t feed 100 people, then feed just one." So, for over 30 years, Frank has personally funded and helped countless charities, both locally and around the globe.  In 2005, he formally established the Frank J. Flaman Foundation to expand these philanthropic efforts.  In the first two years alone, he brought aid to thousands worldwide and every year following the foundation continues to spread the generosity of Frank and other donors to those in need. The Frank J. Flaman Foundation is funded by Frank’s share of the profits from the Flaman Group of Companies, as well as private donations from others.  Frank funds the administration and overhead costs of the Foundation, so 100% of every dollar donated goes to a charity, event, or someone in need.  To date, over $10-million has been donated to various charities. The number of organizations that have received support from the Foundation is includes both local and global charities. Frank believes that every one of us can make a difference and that a needy person is a needy person, whether they live just down the street or thousands of miles away.   The Foundation will focus more on the needs of children and families locally in 2016. Charities supported by the foundation include:  Crystal Kids (mentoring children and teens in the urban Edmonton area) E4C Snack Program (offering school lunch programs in Edmonton inner-city schools) Kid’s Kottage (promoting the health and wellbeing of children and their families and helping end child abuse and neglect) Lurana Shelter (meeting the needs of women and children fleeing from domestic violence) Mennonite Central Committee (the foundation assists MCC in their quest to ensure sustainable food sources, adequate housing, education and independent living), Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity (serving the “poorest of the poor” with more than 500 missions in over 100 countries) Operation Eye Sight (with Frank’s donations over 5,000 individuals in the developing world have had their eyesight restored) Oxfam (tackling the root causes of poverty and inequity, and helping people to create self-reliant and sustainable communities) Partners in Health (saving lives, revitalizing communities & transforming global health) Pilgrims Hospices Lottery (Edmonton’s only free-standing voluntary Hospice) Room to Read (transforming the lives of millions of children around the world by focusing on literacy and gender equality) The Salvation Army (largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada) Effect Hope (healing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people affected by leprosy living in the poorest areas) Water Ambassadors Canada (changing lives with clean water) YESS - Youth Emergency Services Shelter (empowering youth from difficult realities) WIN House (Edmonton Women’s Shelter Ltd) ADF - Alberta Diabetes Foundation (Funding life changing diabetes research in Alberta) Change for Children (the Foundation assists Change for Children in promoting action for systemic change and sustainable development.   It aims to support the poor in securing their own food sources, safe water and political autonomy.)   Catholic Social Services (offering over 100 programs to all faiths and cultures in central and north east Alberta) The Frank J. Flaman Foundation also takes volunteers, staff members from the Flaman Group of Companies, and others interested, on mission trips around the world including to Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.   You can see the trip photo albums here.  At these locations, teams work to build schools, medical facilities, and water infrastructure. The Frank J. Flaman Foundation’s “Gala” is the annual main fundraiser for the Foundation.  During this elegant and fun evening, a silent auction takes place as well as dinner and dancing. But this event is not just about raising money, it’s also about showing attendees and supporters how their contributions are making a difference. Representatives from a number of charities are on hand to receive their donations from Frank himself. As well, charitable groups are showcased for everyone to learn about the great work that they do. This year’s gala is March 18th at Edmonton’s Fantasyland Hotel; the theme is “The Roaring Twenties” - there will be prizes for best costumes and the evening is sure to be an extraordinary and unforgettable one.  The goal is to raise $80,000 at the Gala, with the funds, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of dollars that the Frank J. Flaman Foundation gives each year, being pledged to various charities including the ones mentioned above.   Through these joint partnerships, the Foundation hopes to improve the quality of life for all in need and help to end world suffering.  For ticket sales or more information, please contact Syndy at 780-955-3400 or see https://www.flaman.com/foundation/events/   Mon, 08 Feb 2016 09:38:54 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=395 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=394 Canada's fitness information leader – Kathleen Trotter – took 40 minutes off her triathlon bike time when she started eating meat, after being a vegetarian for 18-years. So, she was already in great shape to complete a triathlon, then eating meat gave her an extra boost. Kathleen revealed this during a CTV Morning Live Atlantic interview on February 1st. Kathleen often states "knowledge is power" and during the interview she passed along that "protein is the building block of muscle." On a side note, the more muscle you carry the more calories you burn while doing nothing. Back to the interview. Kathleen stated that when trying to lose weight it can be helpful to pick protein sources that are nutrient dense, are a complete protein, and come at a low caloric cost. Beef is a great nutrient dense and unprocessed option. During the interview she demonstrated that you only need to consume 180 calories of beef to get the same amount of protein as you would from 550 calories of humus, or 700 calories of peanut butter, black beans, or even quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). Another way of looking at that would be, to get the same amount of protein, you need only eat a fraction of the calories by consuming beef. Think of it as the "caloric cost" of the protein your are acquiring. Kathleen also noted that the sugar craving you may get at 3:00 pm, may be due to a lack of protein at lunch. And, if all the details is confusing, just remember that a seasoned triathlete took 40-minutes off her bike time when she started eating meat after being a vegetarian for 18-years. If you want to learn more, go to #beefadvantage or here   Wed, 03 Feb 2016 08:27:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=394 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=393 The mood at the Western Canada Crop Production Show this year was positive. Moisture was a big topic - there is enough and land that has been under water for a few years can be seeded this year.  Some farmers had 30% or more of their low-lying fertile land under water. Crop prices are good. No-one was nay-saying. Flaman had a huge presence at the event, here are some images from our three booths - ag, grain cleaning, and parts/rental/hardware:   Fri, 15 Jan 2016 09:27:39 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=393 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=392 Visit the Flaman booth at Crop Production next week in Saskatoon!  The show features the latest innovations in crop production and a great time to have a coffee with friends.   Last year’s attendance was nearly 19,000!   The Western Canadian Crop Production Show has become Western Canada's premier grain industry showcase by presenting information to producers on the latest technology, services, and products including: Crop Production practices and products Field Equipment Crop inputs and application Commodity marketing Seed bed preparation Seed & Soil information Straw & chaff management Grain handling, processing, storage & transportation Harvest technology Farm Financing & Real Estate You can also attend the affiliated “CropSphere” agricultural conference.  The conference will feature sessions on market outlook, research, and agronomy, along with sessions specific to each crop.  Breakout sessions throughout the day will ensure growers can pick and choose which sessions to attend in order to support and grow their business operations. There will also be keynote speakers and networking opportunities.  See more at https://www.cropsphere.com/   Crop Production 2016 Show Hours Monday, Jan 11: 12pm to 6pm Tuesday, Jan 12: 9am to 5pm Wednesday, Jan 13: 9am to 5pm Thursday, Jan 14: 9am to 5pm   Admission Adults: $14.00 2 day: $24.00   Parking Free onsite parking. Parking lot shuttle is available.   You can visit their website at: https://www.cropproductiononline.com/index.php Thu, 07 Jan 2016 12:17:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=392 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=391 Bloomberg is reporting at here that a number of El Nino-Southern Oscillation indicators suggest that the 2015-16 El Nino has peaked and weather models predict it will decline in coming months, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said on its website on Tuesday. Conditions will return to neutral during the second quarter with a chance of La Nina in the second half of 2016, it said.   La Nina is a cooling in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, sometimes thought of as El Nino’s opposite. The two are extreme phases of a naturally occurring cycle, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Based on the 26 El Nino events since 1900, about 50 percent have been followed by a neutral year with 40 percent by La Nina, according to Australia’s weather bureau.   “Neutral and La Nina are equally likely for the second half,” the bureau said. A repeat of El Nino is the least likely outcome, it said.   The current El Nino is rated as one of the three strongest since 1950. The warming of the equatorial Pacific changes weather worldwide, bringing drought to parts of Asia while the southern U.S. can get more rain. Its effects helped palm oil cap its best year since 2010, while sugar posted its first annual gain in five years.   Roiling Markets   La Nina can also roil agricultural markets as it changes weather. A large part of the agricultural U.S. tends to dry out during La Nina events, while parts of Australia and Indonesia can be wetter than normal. Citigroup Inc. has said that a transition to a strong La Nina may present significant upside potential for grains price volatility.   The previous La Nina began in 2010 and endured into 2012. Conditions typically last between 9 months and 12 months, while some episodes may persist for as long as two years, according to NOAA. Both La Nina and El Nino tend to peak during the Northern Hemisphere winter.   Tue, 05 Jan 2016 08:07:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=391 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=390 30 Dec 2015 The Canadian Press CN, CP must repay grain revenues Railways have 30 days to cough up penalties for exceeding entitlements The Canadian Transportation Agency says the country’s two main railways have exceeded their Western grain revenue entitlements for the 2014- 2015 crop year and must repay those sums along with penalties. According to the transportation agency, Canadian National Railway’s grain revenue of $ 745,068,906 was $ 6,866,595 above its entitlement, while Canadian Pacific Railway received $ 2,137,168 above its revenue entitlement of $ 724,045,774. The agency says CN and CP have 30 days to repay the amounts by which they exceeded their entitlements, in addition to a five per cent penalty of $ 343,330 for CN and $ 106,858 for CP. Regulations stipulate that such payments must be made to the Western Grains Research Foundation, a farmer financed and directed organization set up to fund research to benefit Prairie farmers. Officials with the railways were not immediately available for comment. In the 2014- 2015 crop year, 41,306,191 tonnes of Western grain were shipped — 7.4 per cent more than in the previous crop year. The Canada Transportation Act requires the agency to determine each railway company’s annual maximum revenue entitlement and whether such entitlement has been exceeded. The maximum revenue entitlement is a form of economic regulation that enables CN and CP to set their own rates for services, provided the total amount of revenue collected from their shipments of Western grain remains below the ceiling set by the agency. Entitlements are calculated using a formula containing numerous elements under the act.   Wed, 30 Dec 2015 08:32:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=390 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=389 New Laws for Farmland Ownership Proclaimed Released on December 21, 2015 Amendments to The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, clarifying who can and cannot own farmland in Saskatchewan, have been proclaimed and will come into effect on January 4, 2016. “The people of Saskatchewan provided very clear direction during the consultation process,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said.  “The legislation reflects the views of Saskatchewan residents, provides clarity around farmland ownership and gives the Farm Land Security Board the tools it needs to enforce the rules.” The amendments include: Making pension plans, administrators of pension fund assets and larger trusts ineligible to buy farmland; Defining “having an interest in farmland” to include any type of interest or benefit (i.e. capital appreciation), either directly or indirectly, that is normally associated with ownership of the land; and When financing a purchase of farmland, all financing must be through a financial institution registered to do business in Canada, or a Canadian citizen. Non-Canadian citizens can still own up to 10 acres of farmland, and exemptions can still be granted for economic development initiatives.  These rules were in place previously and will not change. In addition, the Farm Land Security Board (FLSB) will receive new and expanded authority to enforce the legislation, including: At the discretion of the FLSB, any person purchasing farmland must complete a statutory declaration; Placing the onus to prove compliance with the legislation on the person purchasing the land; Increasing fines for being in contravention of the legislation from $10,000 to $50,000 for individuals and from $100,000 to $500,000 for corporations; and Authorizing the FLSB to impose administrative penalties to a maximum of $10,000. The amendments put into law the regulations announced in April. The Ministry of Agriculture conducted consultations on farmland ownership from May 20 through to August 10, with more than 3,200 people participating.  -30- For more information, contact: Sarah Hein Agriculture Regina Phone: 306-787-5389 Email: sarah.hein@gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-527-9102 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 10:12:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=389 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=388 19 Dec 2015 Leader-Post The Canadian Press   First Nations group looking to buy rail line       A troubled rail line and port in northern Manitoba may be sold to a group of First Nations communities in the area.   Denver-based OmniTrax says it has accepted a letter of intent from the group over the sale of the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay rail line.   The company says there’s a 45day period of due diligence before a sale can be completed, and the federal and provincial governments will be asked to support the group buying the assets. OmniTrax took over the rail line and port in 1997.   Churchill is Canada’s only deepwater northern port and relies heavily on grain shipments from western farmers.   Those grain shipments were less than half the normal 500,000 tonnes this year, which prompted OmniTrax to look for a new owner.   Earlier this month, the Manitoba government said it was looking for federal help to ensure the continued operation of the northern line. Manitoba Transportation Minister Steve Ashton met with federal counterpart Marc Garneau in Ottawa. The line is the only land link to Churchill and three other communities from the south.   Omnitrax Canada president Merv Tweed indicated that service could be discontinued if no new buyer were found. He also suggested governments could have the railway operate as a utility, presumably with regulation of rates and some form of subsidy in poor years.   Ashton suggested the long-term survival of the port and railway could depend on expanding port storage facilities to handle potash and other goods.   The northern rail line, which crosses hundreds of kilometres of bog and permafrost, has been plagued by derailments that have intermittently forced the suspension of both freight and passenger services.   OmniTrax had thought of shipping crude oil along the railway, but backed off the plan last year.   The proposal was opposed by First Nations groups, environmentalists and the government of Manitoba.     Mon, 21 Dec 2015 08:21:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=388 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=387 Saskatchewan Water Security Agency Releases Fall Conditions Report Dec. 10 - 2015 [Full report is here ] [Note:  As snowfall can dramatically impact runoff, the report is not a runoff forecast but rather an early indication of what areas are more vulnerable to above or below normal runoff.]   Today, the Water Security Agency (WSA) released the 2015 Conditions at Freeze-up Report.  The report summarizes the water supply conditions during the late fall and early winter period.  This report helps provide a better understanding of the conditions on the ground in preparation for spring runoff in 2016. The majority of the province has normal moisture conditions for this time of year; however, some areas in eastern Saskatchewan still have a higher than normal amount of moisture on the landscape going into winter. The Pipestone, Qu’Appelle, Assiniboine, Red Deer, Torch, and Carrot River Basins all have above normal moisture conditions for this time of year.  Some stream flows in the Qu’Appelle, Pipestone and Assiniboine Basins were at above normal levels at the end of October. While spring and early summer precipitation was well below normal across much of the province, above normal late summer and fall precipitation resulted in near normal precipitation accumulations across most of Saskatchewan between April 1 and October 31, 2015. On October 26, 2015, topsoil moisture conditions were generally described as adequate across the grainbelt with the exception of an area in the northeast and a few pockets in east central areas of the province where conditions are described as surplus.  However, precipitation received during the first three weeks of November has resulted in additional areas with surplus soil moisture conditions. Long range forecasts for this winter are suggesting below normal precipitation. Overall, since 2010, the WSA’s groundwater observation well network has shown an overall increase in groundwater levels throughout the province. The initial Spring Runoff Outlook for 2016 will be issued in early February.   For more information ,visit www.wsask.ca. -30- For more information, contact: Patrick Boyle Water Security Agency Moose Jaw Phone: 306-694-8914 Email: Patrick.Boyle@wsask.ca Cell: 306-631-6997   Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:00:35 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=387 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=386 10 Dec 2015 ALEXANDER PANETTA THE CANADIAN PRESS U.S. firms support Canada in meat battle WASHINGTON Canada is getting the backing of considerable American corporate muscle at a determining moment in an ongoing trade struggle with the United States Congress. About 250 U.S. companies and trade associations have sent a letter to every member of the U.S. Senate, urging them to heed Canadian and Mexican concerns over meat-labelling rules. This comes after the World Trade Organization sided with Canada and Mexico in the dispute, opening the door to the imminent imposition of tariffs on American goods including meat, wine, and frozen orange juice. The letter warns that the U.S. will face US$1 billion in tariffs on a wide range of products unless the chamber does away with a requirement that meat on American grocery shelves be labelled by its country of origin. It’s signed by some of the country’s best-known companies, including Coca-Cola, Kraft and General Mills, as well as trade associations representing everything from livestock-producers to vineyards. “There’s a lot of powerful U.S. paddlers joining Canada in this canoe to get repeal of COOL (country-of-origin labelling),” Gary Doer, Canada’s U.S. ambassador, said of the letter. After a years-long dispute, the issue could be decided by the holidays. Proponents of meat-labelling call it a fair system for letting consumers know where their food comes from. Opponents say it does nothing for food safety — for which there are already inspections. They argue that it’s just disguised protectionism — a system that forces importers to spend extra money to separate foreign and domestic livestock, drives up the cost of imports and makes them less competitive. The World Trade Organization has sided against the U.S., allowing penalties on American products. Now the letter-signers want the Senate to adopt a bill passed in the House of Representatives that does away with the requirement that meat sold in the U.S. be labelled by country of origin.   Thu, 10 Dec 2015 08:25:20 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=386 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=385 On November 27, 2015 the Edmonton Journal published . . . “Today’s the Day.” Those three words have been dominant at Flaman Fitness in the past year. But for the national fitness company, they are not just a slogan, but a powerful message that Flaman wants to spread to all Canadians. “It’s a message of hope that you can start your fitness journey any day,” says Steve Whittington, Flaman Fitness’ vice-president of marketing. “You don’t have to wait for a Monday or New Year’s Day. You just need to start. And it doesn’t have to be this grand gesture of a diet or a detailed workout plan. Just be a little more active each day and eat smarter. And we’re here to help you with that journey.” The company launched the “Today’s the Day” campaign in October of last year and Whittington says customers have responded positively. A large proof of their success is the engagement that customers are having with the resources Flaman provides to help them. More people are coming to their website and reading their fitness blog. But Whittington says customers can now look forward to a new, mobile-friendly website they’re launching shortly. A new section, called Learn, is loaded with fitness resources, including articles, workouts, videos and much more. “Learn is for anyone, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting out,” says Whittington. “You can go here to get inspired and get great information on setting goals and improving your personal health. “People are interested in the support we’re providing,” he adds. “We feel that this new site is o ering much more support for the customer and we hope it will resonate with them.” Whittington believes that being selected for a Reader’s Choice Award in Edmonton again this year is reinforcement of the path the company is on to serve the customer first. And they want their message to reach beyond just their current customers. “We have a health crisis in Canada,” says Whittington. According to 2014 statistics from Health Canada, 54 per cent of adults in the country and 23.1 per cent of youth in Canada are overweight or obese. “As a national fitness brand with the reach that we have, I believe we have an obligation to join the fight to make Canada a healthier place. “Maybe you didn’t run yesterday, but today’s the day you can!” says Whittington. “Every day can be a day that you can start. Fitness shouldn’t be solely about image, it’s about feeling better and living better.”   Here's how the page looked:   Mon, 30 Nov 2015 09:00:36 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=385 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=384 The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association reminded riders last week that effective November 1, 2015 snowmobile registrations have changed to coincide with the snowmobile season, which is July 1st - June 30th as defined in The Snowmobile Regulations. This was done to ensure the proper snowmobile registration fees were being collected.  Prior to this change, some snowmobile owners paid the snowmobile registration fee once but the snowmobile registration spanned over two riding seasons.  This change will close that loophole. Please be advised that you may still pick any expiry date for your snowmobile registration, but the registration term cannot extend past June 30th of any given year.  For example, you could register your snowmobile from November 1st to April 15th. All snowmobiles must be registered and the operator licensed before being driven on public land (i.e. roads (where allowed), ditches, other highway rights of way, provincial parks, Crown land, designated snowmobile trails, rivers or lakes).  And, to clarify, registration is not required to drive on privately-owned land if permission is granted by the owner/tenant. And on a side note, although an ATV cannot be registered, it must be insured with a $200,000 liability policy before it can be operated in public areas. For more information and a link to the “Snowmobile Act” go here The guide from SGI called “Snowmobiling in Saskatchewan” is here   Mon, 30 Nov 2015 08:54:32 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=384 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=383 Manitoba winter fertilizing ban back on Posted Nov. 19th, 2015 Ag Canada Snow’s arrival throughout Manitoba means no more extensions for the province’s farmers to apply winter fertilizer or manure. The province said Thursday its second extension, which was to run until the end of the day, has been rescinded, and the winter nutrient application ban is in place effective immediately, given “recent snowfall accumulations.” The winter nutrient application ban continues until midnight, April 10, 2016 — unless soils can support an earlier date next spring — and applies to all forms of nutrients, including livestock manure and inorganic fertilizer. The province set up the ban in 2008 to prevent nutrients from being applied when the ground is frozen, to reduce nutrient loading in waterways through field runoff. Fri, 20 Nov 2015 08:36:31 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=383 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=382 Wed Nov 18, 2015 11:36am EST Reuters Ethiopia to buy more wheat to avert drought crisis By Aaron Maasho ADDIS ABABA, Nov 18 Ethiopia expects to open a tender to buy additional wheat after purchasing one million tonnes to tackle extreme food shortages due to drought, a senior official said on Wednesday. Failed rains during the spring and summer have sparked food and water shortages in the Horn of Africa nation, which boasts one of the continent's highest growth rates but depends heavily on rain-fed farming. The United Nations says 8 million people in the country of 96 million will need food aid but the number could rise to 15 million by early 2016, owing to shortages exacerbated by the effects of the El Nino weather pattern. "In total, nearly a million metric tonnes have been purchased," government spokesman Getachew Reda told a news conference, adding around $280 million has so far been spent to tackle the crisis. "A significant part of it is going to be used to address this challenge. An equally significant part will also be meant to address inflationary pressures that could result from some misguided moves in the market," Getachew said. El Nino, marked by warming sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, causes extremes such as scorching weather in some regions of the globe and heavy rains and flooding in others. Meteorologists expect El Nino to peak between October and January. Humanitarian agencies say Ethiopia needs $600 million to cope with the crisis. The United Nations says 350,000 children are expected to require treatment for acute malnutrition in the country by the end of 2015. "We are going to be okay for the next three or four months, at least from the reserves that we have," Getachew said, adding there had been no loss of life owing to the drought so far. "We are ready for any eventuality. What that means ... is we will be out in a shopping spree (to buy wheat) once again." (Reporting by Aaron Maasho; editing by Drazen Jorgic and David Evans) Fri, 20 Nov 2015 08:32:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=382 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=381 18 Nov 2015 Calgary Herald JODIE SINNEMA Farm safety breakthrough Proposed rules to ensure safe workplaces, protect workers New sweeping farm safety legislation proposed by Alberta’s NDP government will give farm and ranch workers the same rights and safety protection offered to all other workers in the province. The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, tabled in the legislature Tuesday, will require all farms and ranches to follow basic occupational health and safety regulations starting Jan. 1, with specific details to be hammered out at five public town halls across the province in November and December. Until now, Alberta has been the only province that doesn’t apply such workplace legislation to farms and ranches, leaving provincial investigators unable to enter farm property to investigate serious injuries, deaths or even complaints of unsafe work practices. The new legislation will mean farmers and ranchers must provide safe work conditions and training to everyone doing any commercial work — not regular farm chores — on their property, including children, unpaid workers, friends and family. “We want to ensure these devastating incidents do not go uninvestigated so we may better understand and help producers and the industry manage the risks related to farming operations,” said Labour Minister Lori Sigurdson, while visiting a large grain farm near Gibbons. “The people in this industry deserve our utmost gratitude and respect. They also deserve the same basic workplace protections enjoyed by workers in all industries.” In 2014, 25 people died in farmrelated incidents, up from 16 in 2013 and 10 in 2012. Of the 25 fatalities, 12 were over the age of 65 and two were under 18 years old. For every fatality, there were 25 hospital admissions. Sixty per cent of the fatalities involved machinery. The proposed bill will require Alberta’s 43,000 farms and ranches to purchase insurance coverage to protect workers if they’re injured on the job, and protect the operation if the farmer is sued. Until now, farmers could opt out, leaving about 60,000 workers without pay or access to health or physiotherapy benefits to get them back on the job. “The important changes we’re proposing would give farm and ranch workers the duty to see what went wrong and prevent future incidents,” Sigurdson said. “We are proposing these changes because every worker in Alberta has a right to a safe, healthy and fair workplace.” Under the proposed changes to various bodies of legislation, workers will have the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of being fired. Provincial investigators will be able to enter a farm site to do safety inspections and impose penalties. Workers will be able to join unions and bargain for wages, and they will be paid minimum wage, overtime and vacation pay. Such labour rights and employment standards will be hashed out for spring 2016 with room for some finagling. “We know that harvest, for instance, does not fit neatly into an eight- hour day. And the calving season does not conform to a statutory holiday,” Sigurdson said. “We also know the farm and ranch industry is not the same as the oil and gas industry or any other industry for that matter. One size does not fit all.” She said while farmers and ranchers need to follow occupational health and safety regulations starting Jan. 1, they will be given time to learn the rules, train their employees and come up to speed. No additional government money will be made available beyond the current budget. Mike Kalisvaart, who has a 12,000- acre grain farm near Gibbons and purchases employment insurance for his eight workers, said the new legislation was long overdue. He suspects many farmers are scared of being overregulated and having inspectors on their properties. “I think there are some compromises we’re going to have to make and accept some uncomfortable new rules, but the end result is that I think workers will have more protection and a safer work environment,” Kalisvaart said. He said accidents will still happen. Children drown in swimming pools, despite lifeguards on duty, for instance. Legislation also wouldn’t have prevented the three Potts sisters from suffocating in a truckload of grain in central Alberta in early October, although inspectors would be allowed to investigate if Bill 6 is passed. “It’s not going to prevent all injuries, but it’s going to make safety part of conversations in every farm in Alberta and that can only improve the situation,” Kalisvaart said. John Bocock, an 81- year- old dairy farmer north of St. Albert, agreed. “When people’s health is a concern, maybe it should be tough and ( you) put up with the intrusion into your privacy,” said Bocock, whose employee was covered by insurance about 10 years ago when a tractor rode over him. “I guess if the truth hurts, maybe it ought to.” Grant Hunter, Wildrose’s jobs critic, said the legislation is being rammed in too quickly, without proper consultation. He said differentiated rules need to be made for small family farms versus large commercial operations. Liberal Leader David Swann backed the legislation without hesitation. “This is good for rural Alberta,” Swann said. “This is bringing Alberta into the 21st century.”   Wed, 18 Nov 2015 08:29:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=381 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=380 Today's data from Statistics Canada reveals that September 2015; wheat exports were down slightly from 2014, but up over every other previous year; durum exports were the best ever; and canola was down from historical levels. The long term yearly trends revealed that wheat and durum continued a staircase style climb while canola plunged. Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:41:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=380 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=379 13 Nov 2015 THE STARPHOENIX New agriculture research chair now on the job SASKATOON — The University of Saskatchewan has appointed a former student and adjunct professor as research chair in feed processing technology at the Canadian Feed Research Centre in North Battleford. Rex Newkirk will collaborate with U of S plant and animal scientists to develop new feed and pet food products and new markets for Saskatchewan crops. The former vice-president of research and innovation at the Canadian International Grains Institute in Winnipeg will contribute to the valueadded segment of the province’s agricultural industry, according to a news release. “Professor Newkirk is globally renowned in the processing of a wide variety of crop products to provide a myriad of end products,” College of Agriculture and Bioresources dean Mary Buhr said in a statement. “As the research lead for the U of S Canadian Feed Research Centre, he will drive integrating crop characteristics with processing features and nutritional availability in desirable end products.” Newkirk’s tenure began Nov. 1 and will involve working with the Department of Animal and Poultry Science, the Crop Development Centre, Prairie Swine Centre and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.   Fri, 13 Nov 2015 08:19:34 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=379 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=378 12 Nov 2015 The StarPhoenix ALEX MACPHERSON Pulses campaign may benefit Sask Farmers look to boost market share        A yearlong celebration of pulse crops that began this week could benefit Saskatchewan, which has become the world’s largest lentil producer and a significant contributor to Canada’s $3-billion pulse crop industry.      International Year of Pulses was launched Tuesday in Rome by the Food and Agriculture Organization, a United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating world hunger. The global event is intended to raise awareness about pulses’ importance to health, environmental sustainability and global food security. But it may also create new opportunities for Saskatchewan farmers.      “It is about winning the hearts and minds and stomachs of consumers, not just in the traditional parts of the world that have eaten pulses for many years, but in the whole world,” said Pulse Canada chair Lee Moats, who has been growing pulses at Riceton, near Regina, since 1991.      “If you look at North America, we grow a lot of pulses, but we don’t consume that many. From a grower’s standpoint, this is about increasing the market opportunity.”      Saskatchewan was not always a global leader in pulse production. In the first half of the 20th century, the province’s agricultural industry was dominated by cereals such as wheat and barley. By the 1960s, farmers were experimenting with oilseeds and pulses, a family that includes lentils, peas, chickpeas and beans. According to University of Saskatchewan plant scientist Bert Vandenberg, the crops’ benefits were readily apparent.      “Pulse crops fix nitrogen, and there’s substantial benefits that come with that in crop rotation,” he said. “Plus, you’re breaking disease cycles. It’s basically going back to basic farming principles that have been known for 10,000 years.”      Because pulses were not controlled by the nowdefunct Canadian Wheat Board, farmers could sell them as a cash crop.      The upshot is that Saskatchewan pulse production increased dramatically, from about 45,000 acres in the early 1980s to four million acres, or 10 per cent of the province’s arable land, in 2015, Vandenberg said.      More production conferred yet more benefits on Saskatchewan producers.      Because Saskatchewan grows half the world’s lentils, production problems at home and shortages abroad both guarantee higher prices, Vandenberg said.      “It’s a hedge both ways,” he added.      Moats, who is also a director of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, hopes International Year of Pulses will further expand the market for Saskatchewan pulses.      While farmers in the province are familiar with the protein-rich crops’ benefits, the bulk of their pulses are exported to Turkey, India, Bangladesh and other foreign markets.      A broad conversation about global food production, one that taps into concerns about health and sustainability, could help the North American market grow, Moats said.      “We think that International Year will bring attention to these crops, why consumers should be interested in them and how to use them and incorporate them into their diets. International Year gives (us) a platform at a whole new level.”   Thu, 12 Nov 2015 08:38:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=378 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=377 Used-grain bag rollers make clean-up easy and qualifies for rebate   The Arc Alloy Pro Grain Bag Roller Model 1510 from Flaman, allows you to quickly roll-up your used gran bags – it sort of turns the stretched out empty bag into a round bail.  A bumper pull or skid mount options can be added to the base model.   See it in action at:  https://youtu.be/4Q6rzkWe2bI See it at https://www.flamanagriculture.com/pro-grain-bag-roller-p470 And, it qualifies for a 50% rebate* with a Saskatchewan Environmental farm Plan For details on project eligibility and to download a rebate application, contact the Saskatchewan Financial Programs Branch at 1.877.874 or visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Plastic-Grain-Bag-Roller-BMP *50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000; all work must occur before January 31, 2018   Thu, 05 Nov 2015 10:02:29 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=377 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=376 In their update, the WHO states that the latest IARC review does not ask people to stop eating processed meats but instead "indicates that reducing consumption of these products can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer."  From https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2015/processed-meat-cancer/en/ _________________   Links between processed meat and colorectal cancer WHO statement 29 October 2015 WHO has received a number of queries, expressions of concern and requests for clarification following the publication of a report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) relating to processed meat and colorectal cancer. IARC was established 50 years ago through a resolution of the World Health Assembly as a functionally independent cancer agency under the auspices of WHO. Its programme of work is approved and financed by its participating states. IARC’s review confirms the recommendation in WHO’s 2002 “Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases” report, which advised people to moderate consumption of preserved meat to reduce the risk of cancer. The latest IARC review does not ask people to stop eating processed meats but indicates that reducing consumption of these products can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. WHO has a standing group of experts who regularly evaluate the links between diet and disease. Early next year they will meet to begin looking at the public health implications of the latest science and the place of processed meat and red meat within the context of an overall healthy diet. For more information, please contact: Gregory Härtl WHO Spokesperson Mobile: +41 79 203 6715 Email: hartlg@who.int   Thu, 05 Nov 2015 08:59:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=376 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=375 5 Nov 2015 The StarPhoenix ALEX MACPHERSON Optimism greets new ag minister Policies fit province’s goals Despite his unfamiliarity with the Saskatchewan agriculture industry, incoming federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay could bring good news for the province’s farmers, according to the president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan. “A lot of their ag policies align very closely with a lot of the policies that we were putting out, and their answers were very close to what we wanted to hear,” Norm Hall said, referring to the Liberal party’s agriculture platform. “We’re very encouraged by what the Liberal government was putting out.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed 69-yearold potato farmer and veteran Prince Edward Island MP Lawrence MacAulay as agriculture minister on Wednesday. He replaces Gerry Ritz, the Conservative MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster, who has held the post since 2007. While the agriculture minister has little impact on day-to-day farm and manufacturing operations, his influence on policy is enormous, Hall said. “It’s huge. We’re all under some federal act, and there’s all kinds of updates that need to happen to Canadian laws and acts. In some cases they’re slow coming, and we need to convince government there’s a better way to do it.” Grain transportation and international trade are particularly important for the new government to address because Saskatchewan producers rely on the country’s rail network and trade laws to get their grain into foreign markets, and both are in a state of flux, Hall said. Canada’s Transportation Act is undergoing a major review, while a pair of major free trade agreements — the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership — are being negotiated. Hall expects MacAulay will throw his support behind both issues. “We’re very hopeful about the future for ag under this government,” he said. Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister takes a similarly optimistic view. Although he lacks the in-depth knowledge of Saskatchewan agriculture his predecessor possessed, MacAulay is a farmer and a veteran MP, meaning he should have little trouble acclimating to the role, Lyle Stewart said. “He has quite a record, and a very positive one,” he said. “I’m quite looking forward to meeting him.” Stewart said he hopes MacAulay will support the Trans-Pacific Partnership and pursue the outgoing Conservative government’s challenge of country of origin labelling at the World Trade Organization. The Canadian Transportation Act review is also vital to Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry and broader economy, he added. “We export virtually everything we produce, and the vast majority of it goes west, so rail transportation is critical to our economy. Certainly, having the right rules that motivate the railways to act in a responsible, efficient and highly-motivated fashion is important to us.” Meanwhile, the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan (ACS), which distributes federal dollars to industry-led projects, hopes the new government boosts its contributions to Western Canada. “Funding programs and support for the agriculture sector helps growth, assists with growth, provides opportunities for growth,” ACS executive director Bryan Kosteroski said. “And also provides more opportunities for smaller agriculture companies to grow in Western Canada and in Saskatchewan.”   Thu, 05 Nov 2015 08:52:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=375 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=374 PROVINCE ANNOUNCES INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO SELL AGRICULTURAL CROWN LAND Released on November 4, 2015 Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart today announced a new incentive program to encourage the sale of eligible occupied agricultural Crown land.  The program, which comes into effect immediately, offers purchase incentives on the sale of the land to current lease-holders. “As a government, our priority is administering land that has a higher public good from an ecological, environmental, heritage or economic perspective,” Stewart said.  "The government still owns a lot of land that does not serve these purposes.  We want to sell eligible agriculture crown land to lessees.” All agricultural Crown land including cultivated, grazing and hay land that is deemed to have no public and low environmental benefit will be eligible for the program.  The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that approximately 600,000 acres of land will be sold under this program.  From now until March 31, 2016, a 15 per cent discount will be applied to all sales.  The incentive drops to 10 per cent on April 1, 2016 and five per cent on January 1, 2017. This new incentive program is similar to the Agricultural Crown Land Sale Program that was in place from November 2008 through December of 2014, which sold more than 500,000 acres of Crown land. If a lessee does not purchase the land, they may continue leasing.  However, rental rates on cultivated lands and previously cultivated lands will increase for the 2016 cropping season by approximately 15 per cent over the formula rate and by 30 per cent over the formula rate for the 2017 cropping year. "During our recent review of farmland ownership rules, a large majority of producers told us they opposed large institutions owning farmland,” Stewart said.  “The provincial government is probably the largest institutional owner of farmland and owning farmland is not a business the government needs to be in. “Our first priority for sale is cultivated lands as they are easily identifiable and the least likely to have any ecological or environmental value because they are already broken.  This program allows Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers, individuals who have managed the land for the better part of a century, to purchase this land and realize the benefits of ownership.” Land that is designated as having high ecological value under The Wildlife Habitat Protection Act (WHPA) is not eligible for sale and discounts will not be applied to land classified as having moderate ecological value.  Lands classified as low are eligible for the incentive program.  Sales associated with public tenders and Treaty Land Entitlement are not eligible for the program.  Any parcel of land that has previously been determined as ineligible for purchase will remain as such. Lessees interested in purchasing their leased agricultural Crown land can contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/crown-land-sale. Background: Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is offering a purchase incentive program to encourage the sale of eligible occupied agricultural Crown land  All eligible agriculture Crown land is available for the incentive o Eligible is defined as: all current Crown land, held by a lessee that has no higher public value (i.e. sand and gravel, oil and gas, heritage or environmental concerns) or third-party interests; o Land that has been designated low ecological value under The Wildlife Habitat Protection Act.  Phase 1: 15% purchase incentive (Now to March 31, 2016)  Phase 2: 10% purchase incentive (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)  Phase 3: 5% purchase incentive (January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017)  Lessees are not required to purchase their lease land.  If Lessees decide to not purchase their sale incentive eligible agriculture Crown lease, they should be aware that rental rates will be increasing on cultivated and previously cultivated lands in the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons, o 2016 rental rates: formula rate + 15% o 2017 rental rates: formula rate + 30%  Note: These increases will not apply to native prairie pasture land (never been broken), former Federal community pasture lands or lands under lease to grazing co-ops.  Crown land not eligible for incentive: o Land designated under The Wildlife Habitat Protection Act as having high or moderate ecological value; o Crown land sold through public tenders; o Crown land sold through Treaty Land Entitlement;  For more information: contact Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or visit agriculture.gov.sk.ca/crown-land-sale Thu, 05 Nov 2015 08:50:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=374 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=373 Extract from . . . . Moderation is key when weighing cancer risk of meat  LESLIE BECK Special to The Globe and Mail Last updated Monday, Nov. 02, 2015 3:18PM EST       Last week’s headlines tying some types of meat to colorectal cancer left many people wondering whether they should banish them from their diet altogether.   Is it finally time to give up that juicy steak? Should you trade in cold cuts for tuna?   To recap, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a subsidiary of the World Health Organization, ruled that processed meat causes colorectal cancer and red meat (e.g., beef, pork, lamb, goat) probably does.   The term “processed meat” refers to meats preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding preservatives.   Ham, bacon, corned beef, pastrami, salami, bologna, sausages, hot dogs, bratwursts, frankfurters and beef jerky are processed meats.   So are turkey (and chicken) sausages, smoked turkey and turkey bacon. However, most studies have looked only at processed red meats.   While the IARC’s conclusion means there is an established and scientifically valid association between red and processed meats and the risk of cancer, there’s no need to panic.   Just because something raises the risk of cancer doesn’t mean it will cause cancer.   Dose matters – how much meat you eat, how often you eat it and for how long you’ve been eating it. And, it’s important to note, other dietary and lifestyle choices will affect the risk, too.   You don’t have to stop eating red meat. It is a good source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, iron and zinc. That said, if you eat red meat frequently and in large portions, you should cut back.   Based on an expert review of 7,000 studies that was published in 2007, the American Institute for Cancer Research advises eating no more than 18 ounces (500 grams) of red meat each week. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends a stricter limit of three servings – three ounces each – per week.   Leslie Beck, a registered dietitian, is based at the Medisys clinic in Toronto.     Mon, 02 Nov 2015 15:21:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=373 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=372 From Ag Canada A new report classifying processed meats such as hot dogs and bacon as “carcinogenic” to humans doesn’t set out a cause-and-effect link between meats and cancer, industry groups caution. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a research arm of the World Health Organization, on Monday published a report placing processed meats in its Group 1 category, which includes substances such as tobacco and asbestos with “sufficient evidence” of links to cancer. The IARC on Monday also put red meat, such as beef, pork and lamb, in its Group 2A — where glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, was recently also classified as a “probable” carcinogen. (The IARC’s Group 2B, of “possible” carcinogens, recently saw 2,4-D herbicide added to the list.) In its response Monday to the report, the Canadian Meat Council emphasized that the IARC defines an agent that “may cause cancer at some level, under some circumstance,” as a “cancer hazard.” However, the CMC said, actual “cancer risk” gauges the likelihood of experiencing cancer after being exposed to a “cancer hazard,” and the IARC identifies such hazards even when the risks are “very low.” Such findings aren’t unusual for the IARC, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association said in a separate release, saying the agency “has found hazards in about half of the agents it has reviewed.” For its 2A classification for red meat, the CCA said, the IARC’s review of existing epidemiological studies “concluded that there is limited evidence in human beings for the carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat,” and “no clear association was seen in several of the high quality studies and residual confounding from other diet and lifestyle risk is difficult to exclude.” Colorectal cancer was the IARC report’s “principal focus” relative to red meat, the CCA said. The report had cited 10 cohort studies with a “statistically significant dose–response relationship,” with a 17 per cent increased risk per 100 grams per day of red meat. Given that the American Society of Clinical Oncology (has estimated a person with an “average” risk of colorectal cancer has about a five per cent chance of developing colorectal cancer overall, consuming 100 g per day of red meat would increase the risk of colorectal cancer by just under one per cent in absolute terms, the CCA said. The meat industry has previously estimated Canadians, on average, eat only about 50 g of fresh red meat per day. Thus, the CCA said, “if there is an increase in the potential risk of colorectal cancer from red meat consumption, by these estimates it is small and must be considered relative to the very significant nutritional benefits that red meat provides.” “It is regrettable that, in arriving at its split decision, the IARC panel reportedly chose to disregard certain studies which present high quality evidence to the contrary,” CMC president Joe Reda said. “Furthermore, the agency did not balance its verdict by taking into account either the proven benefits of meat or the substantive implications of removing meat from the diet… Risks and benefits should both be considered before recommending what people eat and drink.” — AGCanada.com Network   Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:22:56 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=372 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=371 Five questions about the WHO’s cancer-causing meat announcement answered    Carly Weeks   The Globe and Mail   Published Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 2:10PM EDT   Last updated Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 2:37PM EDT       Bacon causes cancer and a New York strip steak probably does too. On Monday, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer announced that processed meat is carcinogenic and that red meat, including beef, veal, pork and lamb, probably causes cancer. The announcement has many rethinking what they eat and whether they can ever enjoy a guilt-free hot dog or hamburger again. It’s critical to look beyond the headlines to answer those questions.   What happened?   The IARC decided to study processed and red meat on the advice of an international advisory committee that highlighted the mounting evidence linking both to cancer. This month, 22 scientists from 10 countries met in Lyon, France, to figure out once and for all what those risks are.   The group looked at more than 800 studies from around the globe. The relationship between meat and colorectal cancer was the most widely studied. In their assessment, the researchers gave the most weight to prospective studies – ones that followed a group of participants for a period of time to track their health outcomes.   After reviewing all of the information, the working group concluded that there is enough evidence to classify processed meat as carcinogenic. Processed meat refers to meat that has been cured, smoked, salted or otherwise processed to increase flavour and shelf life: anything from bacon to ham to lunch meat to pepperoni.   Specifically, the group ruled that processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer. A person who consumes 50 grams of processed meat a day (roughly equivalent to a hot dog, two pieces of bacon or a few slices of smoked turkey) has an 18 per cent increased risk of developing that type of cancer.   The story was slightly different with red meat. The working group found that while there is evidence that red-meat consumption raises the risk of colorectal cancer, the currently available data are not sufficient to definitively declare red meat as carcinogenic. The group also pointed out that some studies have found that red meat may increase the incidence of pancreatic and prostate cancer.   Although red meat, such as beef, pork and lamb, contains important vitamins and nutrients, the IARC said consumption leads to the formation of N-nitroso compounds, which are carcinogenic, in the colon. Cooking meat can also produce certain carcinogenic chemicals.   More study is needed to figure out the exact underpinnings of the relationship between meat and cancer, but enough evidence is in to determine that it is a risk.   Does this mean processed meat carries the same risk as tobacco?   It is incorrect and misleading to equate the dangers of smoking and processed meat. What they now have in common is that they are both in Group 1, IARC’s list of known carcinogens. Group 1 carcinogens are those for which the evidence clearly shows that they cause cancer. Red meat belongs to Group 2A because there is limited evidence that it probably causes cancer.   The risks associated with tobacco products are much greater than processed meat, however. The Global Burden of Disease Project estimates that 34,000 people die of cancer every year as a result of consuming processed meat. Compare that with the more than one million people who die from cancer worldwide annually as a result of tobacco. Not to mention the millions of others who die as a result of tobacco-induced respiratory diseases, heart disease and other problems.   So now do I have to break up with bacon and steak?   Not necessarily. Declaring that something is carcinogenic lets people know that it poses a risk. It doesn’t mean we should banish the item in question. As the American Cancer Society points out, there are plenty of cancer-causing substances that are unavoidable, such as radiation, to which we are exposed through the soil as well as X-rays and other medical procedures, as well as estrogen, which occurs naturally in the human body.   Another known carcinogen on the IARC’s Group 1 list? Wood dust. Of course, that doesn’t mean anyone who has ever walked through a lumberyard or endured a major home renovation is going to develop a disease as a result.   The key is finding a balance of how to manage potential risks, says Sian Bevan, director of research at the Canadian Cancer Society. “It’s important to remember it’s a relative risk,” she said. “An individual’s personal risk [for colorectal cancer] is already relatively low.”   Cancer Research UK, a London-based charity, crunched the numbers to provide some much-needed perspective. According to the organization, 61 out of every 1,000 people in the United Kingdom will develop colorectal cancer during their lives. For those that eat the least amount of processed meat, that number is 56 out of 1,000. Using the results of a study conducted in 2011 by the World Cancer Research Fund, the rate for people who consumed the highest amount of processed meat is 66 out of 1,000. In other words, eating a diet rich in bacon, ham, salami and other processed meats does pose a higher risk, but it isn’t the equivalent of a cancer diagnosis.   What about “natural” processed meats?   You’ve probably seen a new crop of hot dogs and bacon in your grocery store with the word “natural” emblazoned on the packaging. According to the labels, those types of products are made using such easy-to-pronounce ingredients as sea salt, vinegar and cultured celery extract. However, that doesn’t mean those products have a lower cancer risk or are otherwise healthier. The “natural” preservatives are still a source of nitrates and nitrites, compounds that have been linked to an increased cancer risk.   Cancer isn’t the only concern   Keep in mind that cancer is just one negative health outcome. Choosing salty, fatty, highly processed meat products can also raise the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disease and a host of other health issues.   That’s why groups such as the Canadian Cancer Society are preaching moderation – sure, you can enjoy a nice steak dinner, but don’t forget about fruits, vegetables, fish and grains.   So what might a moderate balanced diet look like? The society recommends people limit their consumption of red meat to three times a week and to reserve processed meat for special occasions.   Mon, 26 Oct 2015 13:13:44 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=371 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=370 2016 Government of Saskatchewan Agriculture Scholarship Announced Released on October 23, 2015 Today, Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced the 2016 Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship. “This year’s scholarship theme, Stewards in Sustainability, is designed to get young people thinking about the relationship between agriculture and the environment,” Stewart said.  “With this scholarship, passionate youth will have the opportunity to pursue careers in the many professions that the industry has to offer.” Interested students can apply for the scholarship by submitting a creative, three minute video or well-researched 1,000 word essay based on topics surrounding agriculture and sustainability.  These topics include technology’s role in agricultural sustainability, sustainable production practices, youth’s role in sustainability and environmental success stories. "This scholarship is such a generous and amazing opportunity for students who are starting their agricultural education,” winner of the 2015 Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship Morgan Heidecker said.  “Simply completing the application myself -- which was in the form of a video -- made me realize how excited I am to pursue my future career in the agriculture industry!  I'd definitely recommend that anyone who's interested in it apply!" One winning scholarship of $4,000 and three runner-up scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded to students in Grade 12 and recent graduates entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies in 2016 . The application deadline is March 1, 2016. For more information on the Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship and to view last year’s winners, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/thinkag/prepare-for-career/scholarships. -30- For more information, contact: Trelle Kolojay Agriculture Regina Phone: 306-787-5155 Email: trelle.kolojay@gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-527-0521 Mon, 26 Oct 2015 08:37:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=370 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=369 Reuters Mustard prices rise on back of weak harvest From canada to India, there is a squeeze on mustard that has put producers in a pickle. Prices of the yellow condiment dabbed on hotdogs and pretzels have leaped to their highest level in seven years this autumn as growers in Western canada, which supplies three-quarters of the world’s traded mustard seed, turn in their smallest crop in nine years.In India, the price of a contract representing both mustard seed and rapeseed, related crops grown in the same areas, has surged by a fifth to record highs in the past three weeks over fears that unseasonably hot weather will prevent sowing that would normally begin later this month. The higher prices threaten to drive up costs for Kraft Heinz Co., maker of Grey Poupon, and Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, maker of French’s, which hold more than 40 per cent of the market share for North America’s fourth-favourite condiment by sales according to some estimates. but it is smaller producers like barhyte Specialty Foods in Pendleton, Ore., that are feeling the most immediate pinch. It lost customers after raising its price on organic brands to cover the cost of buying extra supplies from canada. “We took a big spike this year,” said chief executive chris barhyte, whose company makes private label mustard as well as its own Suzie’s brand. Although the bulk of his mustard seed comes from domestic farmers, he increased purchases from canada to meet heightened demand for organic products that now make up roughly 40 per cent of his overall needs. Prices for canadian organic seed were nearly 30 per cent higher than in past years, he said. While farmers savour rising prices and food makers bemoan higher costs, those hurting most may be the middlemen who buy crops from farmers on the spot market to meet forward sales. Some exporters are “panic buying” due to scarcity, said bob Waldbauer, director of mustard seed sales at broadGrain commodities in dafoe, Saskatchewan. “It’s not a matter of price, it’s a matter of supply.” He declined to name any specific firms. The biggest exporter to the United States is Viterra Inc., a canadian grains trader owned by Swiss mining and trading firm Glencore Plc, according to data from PIerS. company representatives did not respond to requests for comment. To be sure, ructions in the niche mustard market barely register amid the meltdown engulfing larger commodities. U.S. imports of mustard seed came to just $52 million last year, almost all of that from canada, and the entire U.S. retail market is worth about $430 million, according to euromonitor. consumers may barely notice, as seeds make up only 15 per cent of the average retail price for a bottle of mustard, said Walter dyck, seed division manager at Wisconsin-based mustard manufacturer Olds Products company. The crop is a mere blip on the canadian Prairies, where farmers planted 75 times more wheat than mustard this year. The problem emanates from canada, where farmers sowed only 325,000 acres (131,523 hectares) of mustard this year, less than half the 2003 record high. It has fallen out of favour with many farmers for relatively lower returns. In addition, dry weather cut yields, producing only 109,300 tonnes of mustard this year, down 45 per cent from last year’s output, according to Statistics canada. Processors have recently paid farmers 45 to 50 canadian cents per pound for yellow mustard seed on the spot market, where they are likely to source about half their supplies this year, dyck said. “It’s really, really tight.” The impact is felt most keenly in the United States, where local production covers barely a tenth of domestic demand. The rest is imported from canada, with shipments up 15 per cent this year, according to U.S. International Trade commission data. big, diversified food companies have been partly protected from this year’s rise, thanks to extensive advance purchases, but next year may be a different story, as high spot prices influence a new set of supply contracts. “clearly when the price goes up, things change. demand and price go hand in hand,” said elliott Penner, president of French’s Food company, which commands 30 per cent market share with sales of $132 million, according to euromonitor. Kraft Heinz’s Grey Poupon, which is second in the market with 11.5 per cent, is also competing for more seeds, and launched a strategy this year to boost mustard sales. Kraft Heinz declined to comment. conAgra Foods Inc, whose Gulden’s brand is third at 6 per cent, said it had not experienced any disruption in production. Fri, 23 Oct 2015 08:30:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=369 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=368 CNS Canada — September was a very busy month for grain handlers in Western Canada, as farmer deliveries into the commercial pipeline hit their highest levels ever. Producers made deliveries of 5.879 million tonnes of the major grains and oilseeds during the month, topping the previous monthly record of 5.819 million tonnes set two years earlier in September 2013, according to Statistics Canada data that goes back to 2001. The major grains and oilseeds included in the total are wheat, durum, oats, barley, rye, flaxseed and canola. Canola deliveries hit a monthly record of their own, at 2.384 million tonnes. That compares with the previous record, of 1.956 million that was also hit in September 2013, according to the StatsCan data. Canada grew a record 18.5 million-tonne canola crop in 2013, which accounted for the heavy deliveries at the time. However, official production numbers in 2015 are considerably more modest, with StatsCan currently forecasting the 2015 canola crop at 14.3 million tonnes. Wheat was also moving out of producers’ hands at a very brisk pace in September, with the monthly deliveries of 2.846 million tonnes the third highest on record. The large wheat deliveries also came despite the fact that Canada’s 2015 wheat crop, at 26.1 million tonnes, was well off the previous record of 37.5 million tonnes set in 2013. Farmers delivered 570,210 tonnes of durum, 311,416 tonnes of oats and 278,140 tonnes of barley during the month. None of those were a record in their own right, but deliveries were still well above the averages.   Fri, 23 Oct 2015 08:23:40 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=368 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=367 Released on October 20, 2015 Today, Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart introduced amendments to The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act.  The legislative amendments will clarify who can own farmland and will provide the Farm Land Security Board (FLSB) with more authority to enforce the Act. “This summer, we asked the people of Saskatchewan to share their views to help us inform our decision on farmland ownership,” Stewart said.  “They did, and as a result we are making changes that will keep farmland accessible to Saskatchewan’s farmers and ranchers.  I am pleased to announce that we are clarifying the rules around farmland ownership in the province.” Legislative amendments to The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act will enshrine the regulations introduced in April as law. Amendments including: Making pension plans, administrators of pension fund assets and trusts not eligible to buy farmland; Defining “having an interest in farmland” to include any type of interest or benefit (i.e. capital appreciation), either directly or indirectly, that is normally associated with ownership of the land; and When financing a purchase of farmland, all financing must be through a financial institution registered to do business in Canada, or a Canadian resident. In addition, the FLSB will receive new and expanded authority to enforce the legislation, including: At the discretion of the FLSB, any person purchasing farmland must complete a statutory declaration; Placing the onus to prove compliance with the legislation onto the person purchasing the land; Increasing fines for being in contravention of the legislation from $10,000 to $50,000 for individuals and from $100,000 to $500,000 for corporations; and Authorizing the FLSB to impose administrative penalties to a maximum of $10,000. “Our government understands that to many in the province, farmland is not just an asset,” Stewart said.  “It is a connection to our history and who we are as people.  Farmers and ranchers want the opportunity to own the land they farm.” Through the consultations, the views of more than 3,200 individuals, businesses and organizations were heard.  Overwhelmingly, the majority voiced support for making pensions and large investment trusts ineligible to purchase farmland, and limiting the ownership of farmland to Canadian residents and 100 per cent Canadian-owned corporations. The complete results of the consultation are available at www.saskatchewan.ca/farmland. Following passage of the legislation and regulations, the new rules are expected to come into effect by the new year. -30- For more information, contact: Sarah Hein Agriculture Regina Phone: 306-787-5389 Email: sarah.hein@gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-527-9102 Tue, 20 Oct 2015 15:41:45 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=367 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=366 Most of farm file’s handlers to return to Commons Trudeau's Liberals have former ag minister, critics on roster From https://www.agcanada.com/daily/most-of-farm-files-handlers-to-return-to-commons Most federal parliamentarians with experience in the agriculture and agri-food portfolio will be back in the House of Commons under a new majority Liberal government. As of Tuesday morning, prime minister-elect Justin Trudeau’s Liberals were elected or leading in 184 of 338 seats, for a decisive majority following Monday’s federal election. Stephen Harper’s Conservatives return to opposition, elected or leading in 99 seats. Thomas Mulcair’s New Democrats are demoted to second opposition, elected or leading in 44 seats, followed by the Bloc Quebecois in 10, and the Green Party, whose leader Elizabeth May hung onto the party’s lone seat. The Liberals, who’d had just 34 seats after the 2011 election, will return to power with a largely rookie caucus, but their returning veterans carry years of experience on the agriculture file. Ralph Goodale, the Liberals’ agriculture minister from 1993 to 1997 and minister for the Canadian Wheat Board from 1993 to 2003, easily held his riding of Regina-Wascana on Monday night by a spread of more than 10,000 votes over the Tories’ Michael Kram. Goodale, who’d started his federal political career in 1974 as a rookie MP for then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau, returned to Regina in 1986 as leader of the provincial Liberals. He rose through cabinet during the Chretien administration and handled the finance file during Paul Martin’s short stint as prime minister (2003-06). Paul Martin’s parliamentary secretary for agriculture and agri-food will also return to Ottawa. Wayne Easter, the MP for the Prince Edward Island riding of Malpeque since 1993, easily held his seat by a 10,003-vote margin over Tory candidate Stephen Stewart. Easter, who led Canada’s National Farmers Union (NFU) for 11 years before entering politics, was the parliamentary ag secretary from 2003 to 2006. On the opposition benches, he served as the Liberals’ critic for agriculture and the CWB (2006-11) and for international trade (2011-13). The Liberals’ incumbent agriculture and agri-food critic since 2013, Nova Scotia MP Mark Eyking, also returns to the Commons, handily winning his riding of Sydney-Victoria by over 24,800 votes over NDP contender Monika Dutt. Eyking, who with his wife Pam farmed and earned the Outstanding Young Farmers of Nova Scotia award before he entered politics, also served as Martin’s parliamentary secretary for agriculture and agri-food (2003-04) and for international trade (2004-06). On the second opposition bench, Eyking also served as critic for foreign affairs (2007) and rural affairs (2010-11). Among other files of interest to farmers, the Liberals’ critic for international trade, Toronto MP Chrystia Freeland, will return in the redrawn riding of University-Rosedale, while their transport critic, David McGuinty, held his riding of Ottawa South. Opposition The Conservatives head back to the opposition with most of their bench strength on the agriculture file intact, led by their incumbent agriculture minister Gerry Ritz. Ritz on Monday easily held his western Saskatchewan riding of Battlefords-Lloydminster by a spread of more than 14,600 votes over NDP challenger Glenn Tait, a grain farmer involved in both the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and the NFU. Other Tory MPs well known for their work on the ag file will also return to the Commons on the opposition side, among them southern Ontario MP Bev Shipley (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex), the incumbent chair of the Commons’ standing committee on agriculture. Previous ag critics and standing ag committee members such as Larry Maguire (Brandon-Souris, Man.), Blake Richards (Banff—Airdrie, Alta.), Bob Zimmer (Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, Alta.), Larry Miller (Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, Ont.), Earl Dreeshen (Red Deer—Mountain View, Alta.), David Anderson (Cypress Hills—Grasslands, Sask.) and Randy Hoback (Prince Albert, Sask.) will also return for the Tories. Harper’s minister of state for small business, tourism and agriculture (2013-15), veteran Quebec MP Maxime Bernier, also held his riding of Beauce by a spread of more than 20,000 votes over Liberal contender Adam Veilleux. Former parliamentary ag secretary (2006-07) Jacques Gourde held his riding of Levis-Lotbiniere by a spread of almost 18,000 votes over the Liberals’ Claude Boucher. Tory MPs who lost their seats Monday include former parliamentary ag secretary Pierre Lemieux (Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, Ont.) and former New Brunswick ag minister Rodney Weston (Saint John-Rothesay, N.B.). The Tories’ incumbent transport minister, Lisa Raitt, held her southern Ontario riding of Milton; the party’s incumbent minister for international trade, Ed Fast, also hung onto his B.C. riding of Abbotsford. NDP critics out Monday’s election also cost the federal New Democrats their lead agriculture critic. Malcolm Allen, who had represented the Niagara-area riding of Welland since 2008, lost in the redrawn riding of Niagara Centre by over 2,300 votes against Liberal contender Vance Badawey. Pat Martin, the veteran NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre since 1997, who served as critic (2011-13) and assistant/associate critic (2007-11) for the Canadian Wheat Board, was also unseated, losing by a spread of almost 9,000 votes against Liberal contender Robert-Falcon Ouelette. The NDP’s remaining caucus, while light on experience in the agriculture file, still includes its incumbent deputy ag critic. Ruth Ellen Brosseau, who won the riding of Berthier-Maskinonge as a rookie for the NDP in 2011, held the riding Monday night by almost 9,000 votes over Bloc Quebecois contender Yves Perron. Don Davies, the NDP’s critic for international trade, hung onto his riding of Vancouver-Kingsway on Monday night; the party’s transport critic, Toronto MP Olivia Chow, lost her riding of Spadina-Fort York to Liberal contender Adam Vaughan. The Bloc Quebecois, while also light on ag experience in its slightly larger new caucus of 10 MPs, still includes veteran Louis Plamondon, a former Progressive Conservative MP who helped found the Bloc in 1991 and served as its ag critic briefly in 2004. Plamondon, who sat on the Commons standing ag committee for the Tories (1984-86) and again for the Bloc from 2002 to 2004, easily held his riding of Becancour-Nicolet-Saurel against Liberal contender Claude Carpentier by a spread of over 8,000 votes. — AGCanada.com Network   Tue, 20 Oct 2015 08:22:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=366 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=365 17 Oct 2015 National Post - (Latest Edition) By Damon van der Linde Financial Post dvanderlinde@nationalpost.com Twitter.com/DamonVDL fowl or fair With TPP in place, Ottawa vows to crack down on chickens smuggled into Canada from the U.S. It seemed like just another unassuming day at the chicken warehouse — until the authorities moved in. They had come for chickens that were passing themselves off as low-grade poultry. It was a lie. United States Department of Agriculture agents raided the warehouse last year in upper New York State and found the evidence they were looking for: pallets stacked with chicken ready for export to Canada. Chicken that could have eventually found its way to Swiss Chalet rotisseries and supermarket deli counters across the country. The crime? These chickens weren’t labelled as broiler chickens — the meaty and juicy birds we roast up or fry for the dinner table — they were slapped with stickers calling them something else: spent fowl. Spent fowl are chickens, too. But they’re tough and scrawny hens. It’s not their fault: They were born to lay eggs or to breed chicks, so their meat — a.k.a. mechanically separated chicken — isn’t much good except as an ingredient in chicken hot dogs and pot pies. That’s why Canada lets it in tariff free. Now, broiler chickens — that’s the market Canada’s supply-managed poultry producers have locked up, subjecting the tastier fowl to import quotas or tariffs of more than two times the meat’s original value. Or at least they thought they did — until investigators realized that the lock was broken: U.S. broilers were being snuck across the border disguised as spent fowl. And that’s just one of several ways that Canadian poultry producers say a market they were promised a tight grip on is being infiltrated by grey-market foreign fowl. And it appears to be happening at a remarkable scale: Farmers say the industry is hemorrhaging more than $100 million a year due to importers circumventing the country’s quota system. They do it by intentionally mislabelling chicken as something else and using tactics that range from clever loopholes to outright fraud. “These types of actions are like tax evasion versus tax avoidance: One’s illegal and one’s a smart business practice,” said trade expert Adam Taylor, director of ENsight Canada, a government relations firm. Now, with the federal government committing in the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, announced earlier this month, to permit an increase in chicken imports of 2.1 per cent, it’s also promising to finally crack down on those who keep finding new ways to get around the rules of the supply-management system, which farmers say have been unenforced for years. “We accept it as a great first step,” says Mike Dungate executive director of the Chicken Farmers of Canada. “This has been a problem for a long time and something needs to be done.” At the heart of the matter is how the Canadian Border Service Agency classifies what actually counts as “chicken” when it comes to the quota system. For instance, there’s an import classification that includes value-added products like TV dinners, which might come packaged with veggies and rice along with some chicken. If the package is less than 87 per cent chicken, it qualifies as a general “meat product” and the chicken quota does not apply. If it’s is more than 87 per cent chicken, the quotas kick in: the current trade rules state that only 7.5 per cent of Canadian domestic consumption can be imported with little to no duty. This year, if the national total of imported chicken exceeds 80.2 million kilograms, any further imports will be slapped with a whopping 238 per cent tariff. If they’re spotted, that is. Some importers have been able to slip past the punitive tariffs by getting creative. A distributor might take a box of nothing but chicken wings, or chicken breast, and throw in a packet of marinade or sauce heavy enough that it equals 13 per cent of the total weight. That keeps it from facing quotas. “(Importers) say it’s no longer chicken,” Dungate says. “This is where we would argue the ludicrousness is.” But the thing is, the sauce would almost always have to be left as a separate item, rather than actually being put on the meat: in that kind of quantity, Dungate says, it would be far too much sauce for consumers to want to eat. “People don’t want their wings drenched in sauce ... just in order to get it in freely traded,” he said. As part of the TPP agreement, the federal government has promised to modify the definition of these combined products so that chicken products with added sauce packets are no longer able to avoid the tariffs. But, apparently that’s only for products with sauce packets. And Dungate says he has already seen importers developing new methods so that the added weight looks like something other than a “packet” — by simply putting the weighty sauce in a different sort of container. “Now, they put the chicken in a plastic tray and cover it with a film and in another one there is the sauce,” he says. “The know absolutely what they’re doing.” Taylor says that when it comes to import quotas, businesses will always look for creative ways to slip through. And when they figure out a successful manoeuvre, it takes some time for authorities, and the national industry, to catch on. “One man’s trade circumvention is another’s clever business practice… that’s often the debate,” he said. But Dungate says the spent fowl ruse is the most difficult one to detect in protecting against illegal chicken imports. In one instance, he says a Canadian meat distributor received a pallet of broiler chickens from an importer, and noticed that one label had been stuck on top of another. “It was not quite adhered and they pulled it back and saw it labelled ‘spent fowl’ out of the U.S and approved by the United States Department of Agriculture,” he said. Presumably it had been properly relabelled as more expensive broiler chicken only after it was safely across the border. Unlike the sauce trick, these are the ploys that get exposed strictly by accident. But it’s happening at such a scale that the Chicken Farmers of Canada say they’ve discovered that there is more spent fowl meat recorded as being brought into Canada than is produced in the entire United States. In 2012, the amount of spent fowl imported to Canada was equivalent to 101 per cent of U.S. production — that is, all the mechanically separated chicken produced for American consumption and export — and this year that amount has already reached more than 84 per cent. “That would mean that the Americans would not be eating (any) Chicken McNuggets,” said Pierrette Ringuette, a Senate Liberal who tabled a motion in 2014 to study the trade between the U.S. and Canada under NAFTA. Dungate also says a lot of what is being brought in as spent fowl is labelled as breast meat — the most valuable cut of a chicken. He says in 2012, 48 per cent of spent fowl imports were breast meat, while this year it’s up to 72 per cent. He says that looks very suspicious, given that breast meat is not a traditional cut for spent fowl, since the birds have so little meat on them. “How is it that we could be importing more than they produce? This is why we think there is a huge amount of fraud,” he said. To put an end to this practice, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs says imported spent-fowl meat will require certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to verify that the product actually is what its label says. But that requires thorough co-operation from the U.S. side. The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association says a number of spent-fowl producers are willing to help out, but the American group says that all it can say about these supposedly subversive imports is what it has heard from Canadians. “All we know is that there have been suggestions or accusations this has happened,” said association president Jim Sumner. “We have no idea who is doing it, but we have asked our government to investigate and to make sure this is not happening because it would be fraudulent if it was.” Dungate claims that these unsavoury imports have already cost Canada 9,000 jobs in the poultry industry, but notes that the objective is to find fixes that are sustainable for enforcing the quotas in the long term. “We’re not trying to add a level of red tape to our business. If we just try to tackle one specific issue, it’ ll pop up someplace else and it’ ll just keep on moving,” he said. “We’re prepared to ... suck it up until we get a permanent solution.” The CFC has already invested more than $250,000 in a joint effort with Trent University to develop a DNAtesting device — it works like a hole punch for poultry —that can determine whether meat is spent fowl or broiling chicken. That would allow customs agents to spot imposter chickens at the border. But Ringuette, the New Brunswick Senator, says she would have liked to see more decisive action on the part of the government to address rules that have existed since NAFTA came into effect in 1994. “If the current government cannot enforce NAFTA, how can they commit to enforce the TPP and that we will believe them?” she said. “As far as I’m concerned, (chicken farmers) have been extremely patient.” That may be because investigating a fraudulent chicken can be a lot harder than you’d think — not merely a matter of pointing the finger at the producer named on the label. When the USDA charged that American spent-fowl exporter for the mislabelled chicken in upstate New York, the company argued that the stickers were also bogus: It hadn’t used those kinds of export labels in years, and the slaughter dates they had written down on them were for a week that the plant had been closed for cleaning. The charges were dropped. “Clearly somebody had gotten ahold of some old labels, put in a slaughter date, had no idea this plant was closed down and got caught,” said Dungate. No one el s e was ever charged for that chicken.   Mon, 19 Oct 2015 09:30:44 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=365 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=364 From: 16 Oct 2015 National Post - (Latest Edition) By Peter Kuitenbrouwer Financial Post   Land lovers Agribusiness sector sprouts with Canadian farmland boom     Residential real estate booms in Vancouver and Toronto overshadow another property boom that is underway in Canada: the price of farmland.   A hungry planet with a growing population needs food. Canada has lots of space to grow it, and that makes the country’s farmland more and more desirable.   Figures from Farm Credit Canada show that the value of farmland rose 14.3 per cent in 2014, and 22.1 per cent in 2013. The boom hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board made waves in 2013 when it bought about 50,000 hectares of Saskatchewan farmland.   Anyone wanting to get in on this action should be forewarned: several provinces in Canada have very restrictive rules on trade in farmland, to preserve the land for the next generation of local farmers. Small wonder, then, that the inaugural edition of Chambers Canada ranks lawyers and firms in a new practice area, agribusiness.   In 2013 Quebec strengthened its 1979 Loi sur la protection des terres agricoles du Quebec, a law to protect farmland. The new rules require the commission to examine the impact of foreign bids for farmland on the price of farmland and the economy of the region. And the commission can permit a maximum of 1,000 hectares of Quebec farmland a year to fall into foreign hands. Even that is an illusory goal: the commission so far this year has granted applications for only 31.42 hectares.   “In a world that needs more food and energy, agriculture has become more of a focus,” says Danielle Drolet, a lawyer in the Quebec City office of McCarthy Tétrault LLP. The firm is ranked Band 2 for agribusiness in Chambers Canada.   “The new act is more challenging and it takes a long time,” Drolet adds. The commission this month granted an application she made in December 2013. “I think it’s really important to maintain the opportunities for the next generation but at the same time we should have reasonable access to farmland, if it is for farming.”   After the CPPIB land grab, Saskatchewan ordered a review of rules on purchase of farmland by non-residents of Saskatchewan.   “Nobody contemplated that they would be buying up the quantity of farmland that they did,” says Jeff Grubb, who works in the Regina office at Miller Thomson LLP. The firm has a Band 1 ranking for agribusiness. “The price of farmland in Saskatchewan was a bargain and people were saying, ‘ We want to get in on that.’   “In the last 10 years a number of parcels of land have sold to Chinese and Indians,” adds Grubb, who has represented buyers at the province’s Farmland Security Board. “They will send people who will take up residency.”   His advice to farmland shoppers: “Get your Canadian citizenship and away we go.”   British Columbia and Ontario have no restrictions on foreign buyers of their farmland. Wendy Baker, in the Vancouver office of Miller Thomson, instead deals with clients who seek to remove farmland from B.C.’s Agricultural Land Reserve. In May the B.C. government fired Richard Bullock as chair of its Agricultural Land Commission, and replaced him with former Saanich mayor Frank Leonard.   “The commission was very interested in maintaining the integrity of the ALR,” Baker says, adding that she does not know yet whether the new management will be more permissive, as Bullock has suggested.   Along with farmland, foreigners show increased interest in farm operations. Bruce King, a lawyer at Pitblado LLP in Winnipeg, represented an Asian entity that bought “a significant portion of a significant hog operation” in Manitoba. Chambers ranks Pitblado as Band 3 for agribusiness.   In Manitoba, non-residents and foreign entities may own only up to 16 hectares of farmland; King says that on one hand, those rules make sense. “The rule came in place when people asked, ‘How are the sons and daughters of Manitoba farmers going to be able to own land?’” he says. “But who knows whether that philosophy should exist today? Right now the trend in farms is less family farm. Shouldn’t those people selling and retiring be able to sell at the highest possible price? Perhaps we should let foreigners pay market price, and not just Canadian buyers.”   Agribusiness is at the core of what makes Manitoba tick, King says. Grain companies and farm equipment manufacturers represent a great number of jobs.   “Manitoba is not boom or bust, it’s just steady as she goes,” he says.   Still, agribusiness is big business in every province in Canada. There are mergers and acquisitions, commodities exchanges, foreign investment, financings, and lots of regulation. Which means that there is lots of business for lawyers.   “It’s less glamorous than hightech, but people still need advice,” says Karl Delwaide, a lawyer in Montreal at Fasken Martineau LLP who cut his teeth in agricultural law as a Quebec civil servant. Chambers ranks Fasken as Band 2 for agribusiness. “There are a lot of rules. Not very many lawyers in downtown Montreal understand the laws. We represent companies who have difficulties.”   The end of the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly created many unique opportunities for investment on the prairies, notes Scott Exner, a McPherson Leslie & Tyerman lawyer based for years in Regina, and now based in Calgary. The firm is ranked as Band 2 practitioner for agribusiness.   Global Grain Group, or G3, coowned by Bunge Ltd, registered in Bermuda, and a Saudi Arabian company, this year paid $250 million for a 50.1 per cent stake in the Canadian Wheat Board.   “The Middle East is looking to invest in Canada to own grain handling facilities for grain to ship to the Middle East,” Exner explains.   Exner has helped arrange other major deals; he helped Saskatchewan farmers set up West Central Road and Rail to get their grain to market after the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool went public in the 1990s; West Central sold out to AGT Foods this past summer.   “The reason they invested was to keep their community alive,” Exner says.   In the end, they did more than just that: farmers who had bought West Central shares for $100 each cashed out at $310 to $340 per share.   But anyone investing in farmland or farm operations should have a long-term view, Exner says.   “In agriculture you’ll never get 80 per cent return in one year, but you’ll get steady returns.”   Band 1 Miller Thomson LLP   Band 2 Fasken Martineau LLP Fillmore Riley LLP MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP McCarthy Tétrault LLP   Band 3 Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Pitblado LLP Stikeman Elliott LLP       Fri, 16 Oct 2015 08:51:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=364 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=363 October 15, 2015 Warm and relatively dry weather earlier in the week allowed many producers to return to the field.  Ninety-one per cent of the 2015 crop is now combined, up from 84 per cent last week.  The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is 93 per cent combined, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report. Regionally, producers in the southwest are furthest advanced, having 96 per cent of the crop combined.  Producers in the southeast have 95 per cent combined.  Eighty-eight per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central and northwest regions; 87 per cent in the east-central region and 83 per cent in the northeast. Ninety-five per cent of durum, 93 per cent of barley, 91 per cent of spring wheat, 89 per cent of canola, 85 per cent of soybeans, 78 per cent of chickpeas, 63 per cent of canary seed and 61 per cent of flax have been combined. Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to just over an inch in some areas of the province. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 10 per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate, five per cent short and one per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as four per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and two per cent very short. Strong winds blew remaining swaths around and shelled out some standing crops over the weekend. Most livestock producers are indicating they have adequate amounts of hay, straw, greenfeed and feed grain for their winter feeding supplies. Farmers are busy harvesting and completing fall work.   Thu, 15 Oct 2015 11:45:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=363 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=362 Bloomberg, October 13 2015 The wheat market is seeing a flurry of business, signaling buyers may be locking in supplies as concerns develop about Russia’s next crop. Major importing countries including Egypt, Algeria and Saudi Arabia have all bought wheat in international tenders in the past week, lured by prices that are about 14 percent lower than at the start of the year. While record crops worldwide have meantbargain prices this year for buyers, wheat costs in Chicago, Paris andRussia’s port city of Novorossiysk have all increased from the lows reached in late August or early September. Russia, set to overtake the U.S. and Canada this season as the world’s biggest wheat exporter, has seen less than 40 percent of the normal amount of rain in the past 30 days across large swathes of its central and western growing regions, World Ag Weather data show, and much of Ukraine is in similar shape. While Black Sea-region farmers are still planting crops for next year’s harvest, and there’s plenty of time for a recovery in moisture, the concern has been enough to bring some buyers to the market. “We’ve just started to see some risks looming for the 2016 crops,” Benjamin Bodart, a director at CRM Agri-Commodities in Newmarket, England, said by phone on Monday. “We’re not anywhere near a tight supply situation, but probably some major importing countries just took the opportunity to book forward some commodities.” Egypt, the world’s biggest wheat importer, bought 180,000 metric tons in a tender on Friday, with supplies coming from Russia and Romania. Algeria, the largest buyer from France, purchased at least 675,000 tons, Reuters reported, citing traders in Europe. Saudi Arabia’s state grains agency bought 740,000 tons of hard wheat, according to a statement on Monday.Wheat prices on the Chicago Board of Trade, the global benchmark, traded at $5.075 a bushel by 7:05 a.m. local time on Tuesday, about 9.5 percent higher than a four-month low reached in early September. Futures on Euronext in Paris, which traded at the lowest in almost a year on Sept. 4, are up almost 9 percent since then, while Russian prices climbed 8.4 percent since late August, according to pricing from the Moscow-based Institute for Agricultural Market Studies. Even though prices have rebounded from recent lows, there are still plenty of wheat supplies around to stave off a larger rally, Bodart said. Global wheat stockpiles this season will reach the largest on record, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates. Ample supplies will send the world’s food import bill this year to a five-year low, according to the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization in Rome.In other markets, corn for December delivery fell 0.4 percent to $3.7925 a bushel in Chicago while soybeans for November delivery increased 0.7 percent to $8.9375 a bushel. Soybean meal for December delivery gained 0.7 percent to $311.50 for 2,000 pounds. Thu, 15 Oct 2015 08:50:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=362 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=361 Reuters - Oct 15, 2015 Asia is losing some of its appetite for rice in favor of wheat, a trend that is nowhere more pronounced than South Korea where bread and pastries have become a new staple. From working mothers, who find toast more convenient to prepare for breakfast, to city dwellers flocking to new eateries for baguettes, South Koreans are at the forefront of an Asia-wide trend that has seen wheat demand climb at nearly twice the rate of rice consumption since 2008. And while Asia is largely self sufficient in rice, demand for bread and noodles from Mumbai to Manila has made Asia the largest and fastest growing market for wheat imports, shipping in more than 40 million tonnes annually for the past five years or 25 percent of world imports. "I eat bread with coffee almost every morning," said Lee Seung-Hee, a 47-year-old working mother of two, who often gives her children bread as a snack between meals. "My husband likes to have rice meals, so I try to cook rice for him. But when I'm too busy, I just give him bread." South Koreans spent an estimated 6.36 trillion won ($5.37 billion) last year on bread, sandwiches, bagels and pastries, according to SPC Group, owner of the Paris Croissant and Paris Baguette chains, which has even opened two stores in the French capital Paris as part of global expansion. Meanwhile, South Korea's rice consumption hit a record low of 65.1 kg per person last year, while flour consumption was the highest since 2006 at 33.6 kg, according to industry and official data. "Housewives are increasingly having bread and coffee for brunch late morning instead of rice and kimchi," said Kang Byung-Oh, a business professor at Chung-Ang University, referring to the spicy local side dish. SPC Group, which runs Asia's biggest bread making plant and has about 5,000 bakeries in South Korea, said the local bread market has grown at an average of 15 percent per year since 2005. "You can find this trend across Asia, as Asian countries become westernized...Food products from wheat flour are quick, convenient," said Koh Hee-Jong, an agriculture and life science professor at Seoul National University. NOODLES Rising wheat consumption has been focused on large cities where an emerging middle class is exposed to a proliferation of convenience foods from pizzas to sandwiches. In Indonesia, noodle consumption has helped increase wheat demand in the world's second-biggest importer by more than 60 percent since 2005 to nearly 8 million tonnes annually. Even in India, the world's second-largest wheat grower, consumption is projected to surpass output by more than 5 million tonnes this year, sparking the largest imports in eight years. Indian wheat demand is especially strong in the Northern Plains where it is grown, but is rising in the south where naan bread and chapattis vie with traditional rice consumption. Bangladesh is expected to import around 3 million tonnes of wheat a year to help meet 4 million tonnes of local demand. "We used to take rice three times a day. Now we are taking rice only once a day," said Humayra Ahmed, a bank employee and mother of two children in Dhaka. China has also seen wheat demand soar and consumed a record 118 million tonnes in 2014. Along with record pizza sales and noodle consumption, demand for cakes and pastries is also increasing. "It's a symbol of lifestyle, consumers pair them (cakes and pastries) with coffee and chatting, and hanging out with friends," said Linda Li, senior research analyst at Mintel China. PRODUCERS With wheat production relatively low in some countries in Asia - South Korea only produces about 1-2 percent of its consumption - there is little alternative but to import more. Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Canada, the United States and Europe have been the chief beneficiaries of Asian wheat demand, seeing collective exports swell by over 40 percent since 2005. But the relentless climb in wheat consumption does place a strain on exporters in places such as Australia to keep up. "When you look at wheat consumption, it is to a very large degree driven by general increase in consumption as well as swap out of rice and other staples," said Ole Houe, an analyst at brokerage IKON Commodities in Sydney. "We need to produce a record crop every year just to meet the demand."   Thu, 15 Oct 2015 08:44:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=361 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=360 Winnipeg/Mumbai | Reuters — Prices for Canadian pulses typically ease toward the end of the year but a recent dry spell in distant India, the world’s top producer and consumer, is driving them up. Back-to-back drought years for the first time in three decades has eroded India’s output of pulses and boosted imports. Global prices of chickpeas, yellow peas and lentils have as a result hit record highs in what is a windfall for farmers in Canada, Australia, Russia, Myanmar and the U.S.. Lee Moats, who farms near Riceton, southeast of Regina, said he was selling red lentils for 50 per cent more than a year ago, and was holding back crops in the hope that prices will climb higher. “India is a very large pulse importer, and there is a shortfall, and that’s where Canada comes in,” he said. Canada is the top supplier of pulses to the Asian country, which is expected to import one million tonnes more this year. Bids to buy Canadian red lentils and yellow peas are far higher than normal for this time of the year, typically a period when prices ease with new supplies, said Chuck Penner, analyst at LeftField Commodity Research in Winnipeg. Prices should get a further boost with Canada’s 2015 pea output projected, by Statistics Canada, to drop 17 per cent from a year ago to 3.16 million tonnes. Exports from Aug. 1 to Oct. 4 rose five per cent to 906,000 tonnes, data from the Canadian Grain Commission shows. “Things are going to get even tighter… We are going to have to hit the brakes hard in terms of what we can supply to India,” Penner said. India’s appetite Pulses are a key source of protein in India, which has been struggling to increase its output to meet local demand. Imports could rise to 5.5 million tonnes this year, said Nitin Kalantri, a miller from the state of Maharashtra. This would cost India $4.5 billion, versus the $2.6 billion it spent to import 4.5 million tonnes in the year ended March, he added (all figures US$). India, which consumes nearly 22 million tonnes of pulses annually, sources yellow peas and lentils mainly from Canada and the U.S., chickpeas from Australia and Russia, and green gram and pigeon peas from Myanmar. This year, India suffered a poor summer harvest and there are worries the drought will hit winter-sown chickpea after growing regions received as much as 40 per cent less rainfall. Canadian farmers are likely to plant more pulses next spring, assuming they will provide better returns than grains and canola, said Darren Lemieux, head trader for Simpson Seeds, a special crops processor and exporter at Moose Jaw, Sask. — Rod Nickel and Rajendra Jadhav report for Reuters from Winnipeg and Mumbai respectively.   Thu, 15 Oct 2015 08:39:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=360 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=359 Crop Report: Issue 24, October 13, 2015   Weekly Provincial Summary  Provincially, harvest in Manitoba is over 95% complete. Edible beans and field pea harvest is 100% complete, spring cereal crops are 99% complete, canola 98% complete, flax and soybeans 85% complete, sunflowers 50% complete and grain corn 45% complete. Crop yields in Manitoba are generally at or slightly above 10 year average yields. However, lower than average yields for various crop types were reported in some areas of the province, largely due to extreme weather events during the growing season including May and June frost events, wind resulting in lodging, hail and extremes in moisture. Quality for majority of crop types is average. Cereal crops harvested later in the season saw a decrease in quality due to poorer weather conditions at harvest. Germination and stand establishment of winter cereal crops this fall is rated very good to excellent. Fall field work, including tillage, soil testing, post-harvest weed control and fertilizer applications of anhydrous ammonia is on-going.   Southwest Region Growing conditions were favourable in 2015 across most of the Southwest Region. With an early spring, seeding operations started earlier than the previous year. There were cooler weather conditions in early May followed by normal temperatures. However, frost events near the end of May and first week of June across most of the region resulted in crop damage leading to reseeding of impacted acres. Total rainfall over the growing season starting May 1 ranged from 76 to 156% of normal. Precipitation was often timely, which benefited crops. The biggest weather story of the year was the F2 category tornado that touched down near Tilston. Normal to above normal September temperatures allowed most of longer season crops to reach maturity.   Overall, harvest is nearly complete in areas south of Highway #1; there may be the odd, later sown field remaining. Harvest operations north of Highway #1 is 80 to 85% complete as precipitation over the last two weeks slowed progress. There was 15 to 30 mm of rain in areas along Highway #16 last week and on the weekend.   Winter cereals were good this year due to good growing conditions. There were some reports of frost injury in early June, but most fields recovered very well. Most of the winter wheat harvest was done by mid to end of August. Yield range was 60 to 80 bu/acre. Quality was good due to less fusarium head blight infection. The fall rye crop was average with yields in the 50 to 60 bu/acre range.   Spring wheat harvest is nearing completion with yield reports of 50 to 60 bu/acre. Quality loss is noted in some spring wheat samples; however, the majority of the crop was graded as either #1 or #2 CWRS with protein levels averaging 13 to 14.5%. There is still less than 3% of spring wheat to be harvested in areas of north of Highway #1 due to poor harvest conditions. Most of these fields will be downgraded to feed grade due to mildew and sprouting. Barley yields range from 70 to 80 bu/acre with good quality. Oats yields are average to above average with good quality. Yields range from 95 to 100 bu/acre.   The canola crop struggled early in the season as frost at the end of May and first week of June resulted in reseeding of a significant number of canola fields in the Southwest Region. There were also some reports of canola being reseeded due to flea beetles. However, canola yields were generally very good to excellent. Non-reseeded canola is completely harvested with average yields of 40 bu/acre. Approximately 10 to 15% of the reseeded canola remains left to be harvested in northern areas of the region. Reseeded canola yielded approximately 50 bu/acre. The latest harvested canola also has higher moisture levels in the 11 to 13% range and will need to be dried prior to long term storage. Many canola fields had blackleg infection, but sclerotinia was minimal. Quality of the canola crop is good to excellent with majority grading #1 CAN. Minimal downgrading due to green counts occurred this year.   Flax harvest continues with progress at 60 to 70% complete, with yields of 30 to 35 bu/acre. Quality is good to excellent. Field peas were very successful in the Southwest Region this year. Most fields yielded 45 to 50 bu/acre with good quality.   The soybean harvest experienced better progress later in the week as moisture levels approached dry levels. The soybean harvest is 70 to 75% complete with yield reports continuing at well above long term averages at 40 to 45 bu/acre.   Sunflower and grain corn harvest has just nicely started with no reported yields.   Established winter wheat and fall rye continue to respond favourably to recent rainfall and periods of above normal temperatures. Most fields are in the 2 to 3 leaf stage, 1 tiller stage of development.   Early in the year, hot dry weather prevailed but most areas received timely rains starting in July which benefited hay fields and pastures. Feed supplies are considered adequate in most areas. Some areas report that feed quality is less than average and supplementation to improve feed quality will be required. Greenfeed and silage crops have average to above average yield and quality; in some cases making up the difference for poor hay crops. Straw supplies are adequate.   The recent rainfall allowed for excellent conditions for the application of anhydrous ammonia which began across much of the region last week. Subsoil moisture conditions are reported to adequate. However, some areas that received heavier precipitation amounts report excess moisture conditions. Water supplies are adequate.   Northwest Region Favourable harvest weather including drying winds and warm temperatures in the Northwest Region generally resulted in completion of harvest operations. Some fields of flax and soybeans are still remaining; harvest of hemp is just beginning. The favorable weather allowed major progress to be made in fall tillage operations and fertilizer applications. Wheat harvest is generally complete in the region. The average yield for hard red spring wheat is 45 to 50 bu/acre with about 25% of the crop grading #1 CWRS, 55% grading #2 CWRS, and 20% grading #3 CWRS or less. Some producers are reporting high protein wheat and heavy bushel weights.   The canola harvest is also wrapping up at 95% complete. Those acres remaining were reseeded due to spring frost or delayed emergence due to dry spring conditions. Reported canola yields averaged approximately 45 to 50 bu/acre. The quality of canola harvested is average for the region with 70% #1 CAN and 30% #2 CAN. Approximately 70% of the soybean crop is harvested. The average yield is estimated at 35 to 50 bu/acre, with 75% grading #2 CAN and 25% grading #3 CAN. Harvest of the field pea crop is complete with an average yield of 45 bu/acre grading #2 CAN. The flax crop is approximately 80% complete with an average yield of 25 bu/acre. Most of the flax is grading #2 CW. The major limitation to crop production for 2015 in the Northwest Region was an early season frost resulting in reseeding of canola. Some canola was also affected by dry conditions in the spring which delayed germination and emergence. These reseeded acres and delayed emerging fields were later staged than the rest of the canola crop. Producers were able to limit disease and insect pressure due to appropriate application of fungicides and insecticides to susceptible crops at the most beneficial stage. Some second cut hay harvest still continues due to lack of frost in some areas of the North ‎Parkland. Producers are still cutting meadows in native hay lands as well. Silage harvest is still occurring due to wet conditions delaying operations. Many producers still have cattle on pastures with the warmer weather a allowing for extended grazing. Water supplies are adequate.   Central Region Rainfall over the weekend resulted in 10 to 25 mm of precipitation across most of the Central Region. Unusually warm weather allowed for excellent harvest, field work and fertilization progress. Fall frosts had minimal impact on quality, as crops had matured prior to the frost. Isolated areas in the northwest are still wet, limiting harvest progress, as well as fall field work. The winter of 2014/15 saw lower than normal snow accumulation. Spring melt was early, and runoff lower than normal for much of the region. Wet conditions last fall delayed the start of seeding in the northwest part of the region, including the Plumas and Glenella areas, but for many producers seeding started in April. The majority of cereals were seeded by the first week of May. All areas reported dry conditions early in the season and some producers faced the dilemma of choosing to seed shallow into dry soil, or deeper into moisture. Pastures and hay fields were also slow to recover. However, rainfall later in May was very welcome. Spring growth in general was slow due to cool temperatures through much of May. Very little pre-seed burnoff was done, accounting for some weed issues in the less competitive crops. Snow, sleet and wind in the third week of May was followed by frost at the end of May. Damage to crops resulted in reseeding of canola, and also some soybeans. Heavy rains resulted in crop damage of some degree in much of the region, and hail hit several times through the growing season. Herbicide applications were a struggle due to adverse weather conditions; both weed control and crop tolerance issues resulted. An extended dry period in August limited fill in some crops, dependent on crop stage. Strong winds at intervals through the growing season had a bigger impact than normal, and lodged crops caused many harvest challenges. Smoke from forest fires in July and late August tempered some of the hottest temperatures. The resulting haze may have had some impact on length of bloom period in canola. The late August haze slowed drying time for morning dews, and limited harvesting hours. Harvest presented challenges as wet conditions caused problems for some producers. Lodged crops were a much bigger concern than in most years. The majority of the winter wheat, spring wheat, oat and barley crops were generally good quality. Later rains resulted in some downgrading, but to a fraction of the crop as compared to 2014.   Winter wheat and fall rye came through winter well. Most fields were reported to be in excellent and good condition, with only a fraction of acres rated as fair. Minimal acres were re-seeded; a result of poor germination due to dry conditions last fall. Harvest of winter and spring wheat started in August, with the majority complete by late August/early September.   Winter wheat yields ranged from 55 to 90 bu/acre, averaging 60 to 70 bu/acre. Proteins were average to good. Quality was generally good, with average to low fusarium damaged kernel levels. Some downgrading occurred due to mildew and sprouting when poor harvest conditions prevailed. Hybrid and fall rye had some excellent yields, ranging from 60 to 100 bu/acre. There were few if any reports of lodging in winter wheat, fall and hybrid rye. Spring wheat yields ranged from 45 to 90 bu/acre, with most reporting 55 to 70 bu/acre average. Variability in quality was due to excess moisture causing downgrading at harvest. There is much lower with little if any impact from fusarium head blight. Protein levels were good to excellent. CPSR and general purpose wheats ranged from 50 to 100 bu/acre, averaging 60 to 70 bu/acre, with lower proteins on the higher yielding fields. On average, proteins were higher than last year. Lodging was a significant issue in many of the spring wheat fields. Although some yields were lower than expected, yields were remarkable for the extent of lodging. Barley yields ranged from 70 to 90 bu/acre, with the majority averaging 70 to 85 bu/acre. Quality is good. Oats ranged from 90 to 140 bu/acre, averaging 110 to 125 bu. Less of the crop was downgraded this year; majority is grading #3 CAN or better. Downgrading that did occur was due to mildew where rain during harvest was an issue. There were higher number of thin kernels noted in some fields, but the majority of acres had good to excellent bushel weights. The oat crop was better than anticipated, following the extensive lodging problems or delayed harvest due to green stems. Canola yields were good to excellent, although the average yield is down from last year. The crop struggled early on; seed sat in cold ground for an extended period making it more susceptible to flea beetles and seedling diseases. Cutworms were an issue in some fields. Some fields were reseeded due to the early season stresses, with the late May frost having the biggest impact. Many fields had problems with blackleg. Sclerotinia had a somewhat bigger impact than last year, and in combination with lodging due to strong winds in July, harvest was a challenge. Yields were variable, ranging from 15 to 60 bu/acre, averaging 40 to 45 bu/acre. Many yields benefited from the crop being swathed late, or straight cut. Excess water and quality is excellent for the most part, with the crop grading #1 CAN. Minimal if any downgrading due to green count this year, although there were some reports of sprouts where swaths sat for extended periods.   Flax yields range from 18 to 37 bu/acre; average is expected to be in the 25 to 33 bu/acre range. Quality is good. Peas ranged from 40 to 60 bu/acre; average 50 bu/acre. Harvest is complete.   Edible bean harvest is complete. Yields are lower than last year, averaging 1500 lbs/acre, with most ranging from 1200 to 2000 lbs/acre. Quality is good. White mould was reported, but no significant yield or quality loss.   Soybean harvest is essentially complete. Yields vary from 15 to 60 bu/acre, averaging 35 to 40 bu/acre. Higher yields were obtained in areas receiving timely rains. A stretch of hot dry weather limited pod fill in some cases. White mould was reported, with minimal impact to yield or quality. Phytophthera was evident in almost every field, although impact was limited. Root rots related to fusarium, pythium and rhizoctonia were also evident. There was also little if any impact from soybean aphid, but cutworms were an issue in some fields early on, and some reseeding took place.   Sunflower harvest continues. Yield reports to date range from 1500 to 3000 lbs/acre, with average expected to be in the 1800 to 2200 lb/acre range. Sclerotinia had some impact with some lower test weights reported. Desiccation prior to harvest continues to increase, improving quality and yield with earlier harvest. Grain corn harvest continues. Early yields range from 100 to 140 bu/acre, with average yields to date in the 100 to 120 bu/acre range. Kernel moisture levels range from the low 20% to 30% for the later maturing hybrids, but are declining. Many will wait for dry down before harvest to limit the cost of drying. Corn silage is wrapping up; average yields of 12 to 15 tons/acre.  Potatoes ‎in the MacGregor area yielded 320 to 350 cwt and in the Carberry area, yield is 400+.   Winter wheat seeded acres are flat to lower in the region; there are fewer acres in some areas but increased in others. There is pressure on winter wheat acres, including excellent yields seen in hard red spring, general purpose and CPSR wheats. However, producers continue to include winter wheat into rotation to spread out work load and feed supply requirement. Germination and stand establishment is good to excellent this year. Crop development ranges up to the four leaf stage.   Impact of disease in most crops was minimal in 2015. Root rots were evident in many crops, both early in the season, and later when soils dried out. Sclerotinia was evident in all susceptible crops, generally at lower levels, but with some impact to yield. Most of the later canola fields were not treated with fungicide. Blackleg lesions were evident in many canola fields, and levels are increasing every year. Aster yellows were almost non-existent in canola. Leaf spotting diseases including brown spot and bacterial blight were evident in soybeans, and bacterial blight in edible beans. Fusarium head blight was not the issue in cereals as it was in 2014.   The main insect problems this year were flea beetles, cutworms and grasshoppers. Isolated spraying continued to the end of August for grasshoppers. There were some wireworm problems early in the season. Some diamondback moth larvae feeding and some lygus damage were noted. Minimal insecticide applications were necessary. High numbers of beneficial insects were seen in many fields. Soil testing continues. Results are variable, but there are many reports of very low soil test nitrogen and phosphorous. In the case of phosphorous (P), there are several reasons: tighter rotations leaning to big phosphorous-use crops, changes in seeding implements that limit the amount of P safely applied with seed, changes to crops in rotation (i.e. soybeans) that are very sensitive to seed-placed P but are big users of P, and trend to higher average yields while applied P levels remain the same.   Fall cultivation continues with excellent progress made in much of the region; majority of harvested fields have seen one tillage pass, except in the northwest areas. Post-harvest weed control has wrapped up with recent frosts. Fall fertilizing has begun, but progress is slower than normal, mostly due to warmer than normal temperatures. Good conditions allow for anhydrous ammonia applications. Many have waited for soil temperatures to cool and harvest to be completed. There continues to be an increase in fall phosphate fertilizer applications, due to low soil test P levels, as well as equipment limitations for spring seed-placed or side-banded applications at ‘seed-safe’ levels.   Manure applications are made as conditions allow. The percentage of crop residue burned is very low this year. Demand for straw continues to be good, and much of the straw is baled. Excellent choppers improved the ease of returning straw to the soil.   Hay fields are in fair to good condition. Alfalfa hay saw average yields of 1.25 tonnes/acre for first cut, 0.6 tonnes/acre for second cut and 0.4 tonnes/acre for third cut. Brome/alfalfa hay had average yields of 1.5 tonnes/acre for first cut and 0.6 tonnes/acre for second cut. Other tame hay had an average first cut yield of 1.25 tonnes/acre. Wild hay had an average first cut yield of 0.8 to 1.0 tonnes/acre. Greenfeed had an average yield of 2.0 tonnes/acre. There is an adequate to good supply of almost all classes of feed, including straw, for most of the region. Some shortages will be seen, including around Lake Manitoba due to continuing wet conditions. Quality of feed is good, with some issues due to maturity and rain during harvest periods. Cattle will be coming off summer pasture soon. Some cattle were moved to harvested crop land; others will be moved to second or third cut hay fields for fall grazing. Late fall corn grazing should start mid to late November, to be supplemented with hay. Pastures in the south and west areas of the region are rated as fair to poor due to dry conditions; northwest area pastures are rated as good. Dugouts range from 60 to 100% full.   Eastern Region Over the weekend, rainfall occurred across most districts of the Eastern Region. Rainfall accumulations ranged from 10 to 26 mm with higher accumulations occurring in northern areas. Rainfall events were accompanied by winds up to 70 km/hr with gusts to 100 km/hr. Some lodging of sunflower and corn crops awaiting harvest occurred but damage appears to be minimal. Harvesting and other field operations are expected to resume later in the week. Producers in the Eastern Region are mostly caught up with their field work. Manure application is on-going when weather permits. Topsoil moisture conditions for both crop land and hay/pasture land across the region are rated as adequate. Winter wheat had an average yield of 63 bu/acre with the crop grading 45% #2 CWRW, 45% #3 CWRW and 10% CW Feed. Producers expressed concern with generally lower than expected yields and sometimes higher than expected levels of fusarium head blight infection. The acres seeded to winter wheat this fall has dropped by approximately 35% compared to the fall of 2014.   Spring wheat had an average yield of 52 bu/acre with the crop grading 10% #1 CW, 80% #2 CW, 5% #3 CW and 5% CW Feed. While fusarium head blight was present, it was not considered a significant quality issue. Oats had an average yield of 100 bu/acre with the crop grading 60% #2 CW, 30% #3 CW, 5% #4 CW and 5% Feed. Canola had an average yield of 42 bu/acre with 100% of the crop grading #1 CAN. The soybean harvest in the Eastern Region is virtually complete with only a few fields remaining to harvest. Soybeans have an average yield of 39 bu/acre with 100% of the crop grading #2 CAN. Corn harvest is around 35% complete with average yields of 145 bu/acre; 100% of crop grading #2 CW thus far. Sunflower harvest is approximately 60% complete; average yield to date of 1750 lbs/acre with grading still to be determined. Quality problems are anticipated, particularly with confectionary types. Significant levels of head rot were noted in many sunflower fields. Alfalfa hay saw average yields of 2 tons/acre for first cut, 2 tons/acre for second cut and 1 ton/acre for third cut. Brome/alfalfa hay had average yields of 2.25 tons/acre for first cut and 1.75 tons/acre for second cut. Other tame hay had an average first cut yield of 1.75 tons/acre. Wild hay had an average first cut yield of 1 ton/acre. Greenfeed had an average yield of 2.5 tons/acre. Currently, hay supplies are rated at 15% surplus and 85% adequate. Straw, greenfeed and feed grain supplies are all rated as adequate. Overall, winter feed supplies in most areas are good with producers having a surplus of hay. With the rains this past summer, hay quality is down from last year. Most cattle are still out on pasture, and some producers have moved calves home or to market.   Interlake Region Overall, the 2015 cropping year was considered average in the Interlake Region. Weather events such as thunderstorms and hail throughout the season caused crop loss through reduced stands or shattering of standing/swathed crops. In some areas of the region including Eriksdale, Ashern and Moosehorn areas, dry conditions resulted in poor crop germination, limited pasture use and reduced hay yields. However, excess moisture impacted many acres in the region, including Arborg, Riverton, Teulon, Selkirk and Woodlands areas. Drier conditions were experienced in the Eriksdale, Ashern and Moosehorn region.   Over the past week, above seasonal temperatures along with minimal rainfall allowed producers to continue and finish up harvest in some areas. Harvest is estimated to be 95% complete in the Interlake Region. Soybeans, sunflowers, and grain/silage corn are all that is remaining to be harvested . Winter wheat averaged 60 to 70 bu/acre with proteins ranging from 10.5 to 11.0%. Most winter wheat was graded #2 CWRW with very few samples showing any fusarium head blight. Spring wheat yields varied throughout the region. South Interlake had many producers reporting 60 to 70 bu/acre while north Interlake reports came in at 40 to 60 bu/acre with proteins ranging from 13.5 to 16.0%. Most spring wheat graded #2 CW due to environmental conditions during harvest. Barley and oats came off good this year with barley averaging 70 to 80 bu/acre, and oats averaging 90 to 110 bu/acre with the majority grading a #2 CW. Overall, there was very little disease pressure in cereal crops this year. Canola yields ranged from 30 to 40 bu/acre with some reports of yields going as high as 50 to 60 bu/acre in certain areas. Majority of canola was graded #1 CAN. Flax yields ranged from 10 to 25 bu/acre. Peas came in at 50 to 60 bu/acre and all graded a #1 CAN. Soybean yields range from 30 to 40 bu/acre with no grading issues noted. Harvesting of sunflowers is still ongoing with no reports on yields and grain corn harvest is expected to start later in the week.   Fall tillage is on-going but with recent rain events progress will be slowed for a few days. Rains over the Thanksgiving weekend brought many of the soils in the Interlake Region up to field capacity for moisture. Some corn silage has yet to be harvested; second and third cut alfalfa is virtually complete. Cattle are being moved home or to market from summer pastures.        Tue, 13 Oct 2015 15:55:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=359 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=358 The Globe and Mail is reporting that: The former Canadian Wheat Board is expanding its grain network under new owners – and a new name – with the construction of a year-round shipping terminal in Hamilton. G3 Canada Ltd. said on Tuesday the 50,000-tonne port facility at the western edge of Lake Ontario will load wheat, soybean and corn grown in Southern Ontario onto Great Lakes ships and rail cars destined for G3’s ports in Trois-Rivières and Quebec City and buyers overseas. Grain “production in Ontario has been growing at a pretty dramatic rate and we’ve been eyeing this [new terminal] as a key component in our eastern origination strategy for some time now,” said Karl Gerrand, chief executive officer of G3. The terminal will compete with Richardson International Ltd. and Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd., which have terminals at the port, and other well-established agriculture companies in the region. Mr. Gerrand said G3’s terminal, which will cost more than $50-million and is expected to be ready for the 2017 harvest, will offer rail service using the shortline Southern Ontario Railway to connect with the two major Canadian railways to Quebec so shipments will not halt when the St. Lawrence Seaway closes for the winter. “We felt it was a real plus to be able to operate year-round,” Mr. Gerrand said in an interview from Winnipeg, where G3 has moved into CWB’s offices. . . . . In addition to seven grain elevators in Western Canada and four in Quebec, G3 has a port terminal in Thunder Bay, Ont., and is the early stages of designing and building a grain terminal at the Port of Vancouver. Another four grain handling facilities are being built in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Mr. Gerrand said the Hamilton terminal completes the Southern Ontario grain pipeline, and the company will focus on expanding its reach in the Prairies with new inland terminals in Saskatchewan and Alberta that will feed the planned Vancouver terminal, which serves Asian markets. Mr. Gerrand said the company is not considering a purchase of any Viterra grain assets that Glencore is believed to be trying to sell. Tue, 13 Oct 2015 11:32:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=358 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=357 Alberta Crop Conditions as of October 6, 2015 Producers were able to make good use of a few days of good harvest weather this past week before being shut down again by cool, wet conditions on the weekend. Over 72% of the province has now been harvested, up 15 percentage points from last week. A further 17% of crops in the province are in the swath with 11% remaining standing. In 2014, 82% of harvest in the province had been completed. Most areas received between 15 – 50 mm of rain this past week end with light snow reported along the foothills. Hard frosts were reported on several days which should be beneficial in killing off green growth and enhancing dry down. Reported yields for all crops continue to improve in all regions. The provincial yield index improved to 87% of the 5 year yield average, up 3.5 index points from 2 weeks ago. Yields remain below long term averages but better than originally anticipated reflecting the good soil moisture conditions early in the season and the willingness of producers in all regions to use good soil moisture conservation production practices. Crop quality has declined due to the slowness of the harvest progress though generally is in line with the longer term 5 and 10 year averages. 76% of the spring wheat is grading #1 or #2 CWRS with 8% grading Canada Feed. Long term 10 year averages are 71% grading #1 & #2 with 9% grading Canada Feed. 82% of canola is expected to grade 1 Canada versus the 10 year average of 79%. The crop condition ratings of the 2015/16 fall seeded crops are: 8% Poor; 27% Fair; 49% Good; 16% Excellent. Provincial soil moisture ratings continue to improve as a result of the continuing precipitation. Surface moisture is rated 60% good or excellent while sub soil moisture is rated at 51% good or excellent. Regional Assessments: The 2015 Alberta Crop Report Series provides summaries for the following five regions: Region One: Southern (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost) Harvest is virtually completed with the exception of some late harvested crops such as sugar beets, grain corn, flax. The regional 5 year yield index sits at 82.0%, the lowest of all regions and 5 index points below the provincial average. Spring wheat yields at 84% of their 5 year average, durum at 78%, barley at 87%, canola at 79%. 55% of surface soil moisture and 48% of sub soil moisture rated good or excellent. Approximately 75% of fall seeded crops are grown in this region. Crop conditions are rated 8% Poor; 24% Fair; 48% Good; 20% Excellent. Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen) Harvest progress advanced by more than 20 percentage points this past week to 61% complete & 20% swathed. The regional 5 year yield index sits at 90.8%, up more than 1 index point from last report. Spring wheat yields at 90% of their 5 year average, durum at 74%, barley at 92%, canola at 93%. 66% of surface soil moisture and 72% of sub soil moisture rated good or excellent. Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost) Harvest progress advanced by 14 percentage points for the week to 58% complete & 32% swathed. The regional 5 year yield index showed another big increase this week and sits at 85.7%, up 4.5 index points. Spring wheat yields at 86% of their 5 year average, barley at 78%, canola at 89%. 70% of surface soil moisture and 57% of sub soil moisture rated good or excellent. Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca) Harvest progress advanced 11 percentage points for the week to 52% complete & 31% swathed. The regional 5 year average yield index increased more than 6 index points to 86.0% this week due to significant yield improvements for all crops, but specifically barley and canola. Spring wheat yields at 88% of their 5 year average, barley at 80%, canola at 87%. 33% of surface soil moisture and 14% of sub soil moisture rated good or excellent. Region Five: Peace River (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview) Harvest progress is second highest of the regions with 85% complete, up 17 percentage points for the week. 8% swathed. The regional 5 year yield index rose almost 3 index points to 94.4% based upon yield improvements to all crops but particularly a 1 bushel/acre increase to canola since last reported. Spring wheat yields at 85% of their 5 year average, barley at 97%, canola at 100%. 44% of surface soil moisture and 38% of sub soil moisture rated good or excellent.   Fri, 09 Oct 2015 15:40:36 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=357 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=356 The government of Saskatchewan = "applauding today’s announcement " - see https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/october/05/tpp-deal The Government of Alberta = "we need to review in detail" - see https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=3863239B3C676-ABDC-3083-2BD033C7D3D9951B The Government of Manitoba = no official release posted - see https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:29:55 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=356 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=355 Agriculture Minister issues statement on Trans-Pacific Partnership Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier issued the following statement in response to the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade negotiations: “Alberta is a trade-focused province and we support the responsible growth of trade opportunities for our export sectors. This is a wide-ranging agreement that we need to review in detail before we know what the overall consequences are for Albertans.” Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:24:27 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=355 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=354 Crop report for the period September 29 to October 5, 2015   Released on October 8, 2015   Wet and cool weather over the weekend has slowed harvest progress for many producers, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report.  Eighty-four per cent of the crop is now in the bin, up from 74 per cent last week.  Twelve per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut.   The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is 83 per cent combined and 12 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut   Regionally, producers in the southeast are furthest advanced, having 94 per cent of the crop combined.  Producers in the southwest have 92 per cent combined.  Eighty-one per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region; 75 per cent in the east-central region; 74 per cent in the northeast and 73 per cent in the northwest.   Eighty-six per cent of barley, 85 per cent of durum, 84 per cent of spring wheat, 81 per cent of canola, 79 per cent of soybeans, 61 per cent of chickpeas, 47 per cent of flax and 45 per cent of canary seed have been combined   Crop yields vary from region to region but are generally within the average range.  Average yields are reported as 37 bushels per acre for spring wheat, 32 bushels per acre for durum, 59 bushels per acre for barley, 34 bushels per acre for canola and 32 bushels per acre for peas.   Of the hard red spring wheat that has been harvested so far, 27 per cent is expected to fall into the 1CW grade, 41 per cent into 2CW, 23 per cent into 3CW and nine per cent into CW feed.   Rainfall last week ranged from trace amounts to nearly two inches in the southwest.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 14 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and eight per cent short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and four per cent very short. Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:52:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=354 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=353 Released on October 7, 2015 Views of More Than 3,200 People Heard Through Consultation Process Today, the Ministry of Agriculture announced the results of the farmland ownership consultations, held from May until August. “The purpose of the consultations was to inform government on how best to approach farmland ownership, and the results are clear,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said.  “The vast majority of respondents do not support pension plans or foreign investors purchasing farmland in Saskatchewan.  They do, however, support our government in taking a stronger role in enforcing farmland ownership rules." Some of the results of the consultations include: Seventy-five per cent of respondents opposed allowing investors such as Canadian pension funds to purchase farmland in Saskatchewan; Eighty-seven per cent of respondents did not support foreign ownership of farmland and 69 per cent did not support foreign financing; and Eighty-five per cent supported giving the Farm Land Security Board (FLSB) a greater role in enforcing compliance of farmland ownership rules. The vast majority (95 per cent) of the respondents were Saskatchewan residents, and 62 per cent of all respondents were farmers.  The remainder were farmland owners and interested Saskatchewan residents.  Only five per cent of respondents were from outside of Saskatchewan. “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey,” Stewart said.  “These results will ensure that we make decisions which help guarantee the long-term success and sustainability of our province’s agriculture industry.” The complete results of the consultation are available at www.saskatchewan.ca/farmland.  Identifying information and offensive language has been removed from the written comments.  A Summary of Results from Public Consultations is also available.   Next steps will be announced later this fall. Wed, 07 Oct 2015 15:05:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=353 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=352 Released on October 5, 2015   Premier Brad Wall is applauding today’s announcement from Atlanta of an agreement, and Canada’s participation in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), one of the most ambitious free trade agreements in history.   Negotiations involving 12 nations have just concluded on the TPP, which will represent a market of nearly 800 million consumers and a combined GDP of $28.5 trillion.  Member countries include Canada, the United States, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Chile, Peru and Brunei.   “This is a huge deal for Canada as a trading nation and Saskatchewan as a trading province,” Wall said.  “The agreement builds on the strengths of the other free trade deals Canada has struck and opens up new opportunities for our exporters in the fast-growing and lucrative pacific markets.”   Saskatchewan exported more than $25 billion in goods to TPP countries in 2014, or 71 per cent of our international exports.  The premier said the TPP increases access to those markets for our exporters and keeps them on a level playing field with their competitors.   “International trade has always been vital to our province’s economy and our government’s Growth Plan calls for us to double our global exports by 2020,” Wall said.  “Agreements like the TPP and Canada’s free trade deals with the European Union and Korea will help us reach that goal.”   From 2007 to 2014, Saskatchewan’s total exports to the world increased by 77 per cent to more than $35 billion a year. Saskatchewan’s agricultural exports more than doubled in that same period.   Wall said the TPP agreement will open new markets and increase Saskatchewan exports even further.   “Our agricultural producers are looking forward to having an even stronger presence in pacific markets, in particular Japan,” Wall said.  “The TPP will encourage major growth and investment in our value-added agriculture sector through better access to these markets for our processed products, such as canola oil and meal, malt barley, beef and pork.”   Wall called on all the federal party leaders to commit to honouring the agreement if they are elected on October 19.   “This trade agreement is now in place with 11 of our most important trading partners representing 800 million people,” Wall said.  “It would be disastrous if Canada were to pull out now and leave Canada and Saskatchewan on the outside looking in when it comes to selling our exports to these countries.  I urge all the parties and leaders to support this important agreement when it comes before Parliament following the election.” Mon, 05 Oct 2015 09:44:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=352 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=351   The Globe and Mail is reporting this morning that . . . A broad-cross section of Canadian businesses – from cattle ranchers and grain exporters to small-scale manufacturers – applauded Canada’s signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership, a monumental trade deal that will open up new export opportunities in a number of fast-growing markets along the Pacific Rim. The deal – signed Monday following negotiations that stretched over the weekend between 12 nations representing 40 per cent of global GDP – has the potential to dramatically reshape Canada’s trade landscape. It will gradually reduce steep tariffs on a number of Canadian exports to mature markets such as Japan and Australia, as well as emerging markets such as Malaysia and Vietnam, even as it opens up Canada to imports from those countries. Outside of a few sectors in Canada that will face bruising new competition from Japanese and U.S. companies – such as Canadian dairy farmers, domestic automobile-makers and car-parts manufacturers – many businesses were hopeful that the TPP deal would give their businesses and sectors new momentum, even if details were thin on Sunday evening. “From our perspective, agreements that work to remove tariffs and other barriers to our products are good news,” said Wayne Guthrie, a senior vice-president for sales and marketing at Canfor Corp., one of Canada’s largest forestry companies. “About $1-billion in Canadian forest products were subject to tariffs last year, so we are hopeful the TPP will improve access and eliminate unfair treatment of Canadian products in key Pacific markets.” For many exporters in Western Canada, the best part of the new trade deal was clearly better and cheaper access to Japan, the world’s third-largest economy after the United States and China – the latter of which is not part of the TPP. Betty Lou Pacey, who founded a firm that offers optical fiber lights and other lighting products in Vancouver, said that just last week she had a meeting about hiring new staff – including one who could speak Japanese. “I do feel that it will provide opportunities for us to grow as a company,” Ms. Pacey said of the new trade deal. For ranchers in Alberta, too, TPP offered the prospect of reduced tariffs and better access to 127-million Japanese consumers, many of whom are wealthy and discriminating buyers of seafood and beef. For Doug Sawyer, a fourth-generation cattle farmer near Pine Lake, Alberta, the trade deal promised a chance to catch up with cattle ranchers in Australia, which had already struck a bilateral partnership with Japan that reduced the steep tariffs that protected Japan’s dwindling number of ranchers – who produce extremely high quality, intensely marbled wagyu beef. “This is a huge deal for the beef industry,” said Mr. Sawyer, who also sits on the foreign trade committee of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. “Before our exports were to Calgary. That was a big ‘to do,’ ” he said with a laugh, before noting that roughly 50 per cent of what Canadian beef producers put on the market is exported around the world. “At present, we’re selling about $100-million a year into Japan at a 38.5-per-cent tariff. As the deal progresses, and the tariffs come down, we feel we could double or triple that,” he said. The Mining Association of Canada welcomed the deal, saying it provide greater access for metals and minerals producers. The sector exported an average $158.6-billion (U.S.) per year to members of the TPP deal. Canadian exporters face tariff walls in key countries, including 40 per cent in Vietnam and 50 per cent in Malaysia. “This will be beneficial to Canada’s mining sector,” association president Pierre Gratton said. “I am not expecting any downside.… The risks to our sector would come from Canada pulling out.” But not all Canadian industries looked forward to TPP coming into effect. For some producers in Canada’s protected dairy sector, the deal could spell disaster. It is for this reason that Canadian dairy farmers and auto-makers lobbied intensely against the bill, as did Japan’s farmers – who fear their smaller operations would be bankrupted by large U.S. agri-businesses flooding their market with cheaper, inferior products. But Yuen Pau Woo, a fellow at Simon Fraser University’s Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies, notes – like Mr. Sawyer, who is already behind Australian competitors – that even if the fine print of the trade deal is not yet known, Canada would likely be left behind if it had been frozen out of the TPP. “It is impossible to know if Canada negotiated a good deal or not until we see the final TPP agreement. But we will almost certainly be worse off outside the deal than in it because of the erosion of our NAFTA preferences,” said Mr. Woo. Of course, not every industry sees immediate benefit from the TPP. At Burnaby, B.C.-based Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Ltd., the world’s largest auction house for used industrial equipment, CEO Ravi Saligram said TPP could “buoy the overall Canadian economy” as businesses make new investments and build new infrastructure to handle the increase in trade, but that it wouldn’t have a clear impact on Ritchie’s. “We don’t expect it will have an immediate or direct impact on our business,” Mr. Saligram said. “Cross-border transactions in used machinery, which Ritchie Bros. specializes in, are impacted most by non-tariff trade barriers such as differing emission standard certifications, and it’s still unclear whether these barriers would change with the new proposed trade agreement.” And although the biggest markets for Canadian grains, pulses and oilseeds remains China and India, not signing the TPP agreement would still have left producers on the Prairies out of fast-growing markets such as Vietnam and Malaysia, as well as at a disadvantage selling into mature economies such as Japan and the U.S. “We cannot afford to be left out,” said Jean-Marc Ruest, Winnipeg-based Richardson International Ltd.’s senior vice-president for legal and corporate affairs. Mon, 05 Oct 2015 08:40:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=351 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=350 CNS Canada — Despite an upward revision of nearly a million tonnes in Statistics Canada’s latest report [this morning’s], most analysts expect canola production will keep climbing further.   StatsCan on Friday morning released its updated grain/oilseed production estimates, with data collected through surveys taken between Sept. 3 and 13.   Canola production numbers came in at 14.3 million tonnes, which compares to 13.3 million in the previous report. Canada grew 16.4 million tonnes of canola in 2014.   Jonathon Driedger of FarmLink Marketing Solutions, near Grunthal, Man., described the report as pretty uneventful.   “Most numbers came in line with what the trade was expecting. Probably in the case of canola the number is pretty close to the recent number StatsCan has put out with their different methodology,” he said, referring to the agency’s September report which took into account satellite data and environmental factors along with survey responses.   Another analyst agreed with the notion that canola will likely keep increasing in subsequent reports.   “The next report is going to be closer to 15 (million tonnes) than 14.5, I can guarantee you,” said Wayne Palmer of Agri-Trend Marketing in Winnipeg. Mike Jubinville of ProFarmer Canada said he thinks the StatsCan survey likely missed the period when yields started to increase as a result of the late summer rain.   “The last third or half of this harvest is probably where some of the bigger yields are. This survey was from the 3rd (of September) to the 13th, so it didn’t capture that.”   Most of the other crop estimates, he said, were in line with what he expected, except for barley.   “StatsCan boosted the harvest area by 138,000 acres, which is a bit unusual,” he said, adding that if anything, he thought barley would have lost acreage. Canada grew 7.1 million tonnes of barley last year.   StatsCan pegged barley production in today’s report at 7.6 million tonnes, compared to 7.3 million in the previous report.   All-wheat production also rose by a significant margin. StatsCan pegged it in today’s report at 26.1 million tonnes, which compares to 24.6 million in the previous report. Last year Canada grew 29.4 million tonnes of all wheat.   Keith Ferley of RBC Dominion Securities in Winnipeg said he was a little surprised by the increase but doesn’t expect it to rise much further in any subsequent reports.   “The cereals didn’t respond in the dry western regions as well as the canola did, because the rains came too late for them,” he explained. For Jubinville’s part, he thinks all-wheat production numbers could still keep climbing.   “I won’t be surprised if the yield average gets bumped up more… we could see a 27 million (-tonne) wheat crop,” he said.   — Dave Sims writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting. Follow CNS Canada at @CNSCanada on Twitter.     Table: A quick summary of Statistics Canada’s latest crop production estimates for 2015-16, in millions of tonnes. Pre-report estimates and final 2014-15 figures included for comparison. Fri, 02 Oct 2015 11:00:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=350 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=349 Released on October 1, 2015 Warm and relatively dry weather has allowed many producers to return to the field following last week’s rain delay.  Seventy-four per cent of the crop is now in the bin while 19 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report.  The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is 71 per cent combined and 20 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Regionally, producers in the southeast are furthest advanced, having 88 per cent of the crop combined.  Producers in the southwest have 85 per cent combined.  Seventy per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region; 66 per cent in the east-central region; 57 per cent in the northwest and 59 per cent in the northeast. Eighty-seven per cent of mustard, 79 per cent of durum, 77 per cent of barley, 72 per cent of spring wheat, 70 per cent of canola, 46 per cent of soybeans and 33 per cent of flax have been combined. The majority of the province did not receive any rainfall this past week. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as five per cent surplus, 86 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and one per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as three per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short and three per cent very short. Many areas received frost this past week, although damage is minimal in most cases as crops were mature.  Weather-related quality issues continue to cause concern in most areas.  While overall yields are reported to be about average, they vary from region to region. The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products.  It is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing. Farmers are busy harvesting and hauling grain and bales. Fri, 02 Oct 2015 08:51:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=349 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=348 CNS Canada — Prairie farmers are in the final stages of harvesting the 2015 wheat crop, and while yields continue to beat earlier expectations, there’s a distinct quality difference between crops harvested early and those harvested late. “In our country, all of the grain was top grade, but anything that was left out at this stage is probably a No. 3,” said Bill Craddock, a Manitoba farmer and local trader. That sentiment is even more pronounced in Saskatchewan and Alberta. “The first half of harvest had quality patterns in the top tier,” said market analyst Jon Driedger of Farm Link Marketing Solutions. However, while the early-harvested wheat was generally hitting No. 1 or No. 2 quality levels, the last half was hit by rain and a good portion of that will grade No. 3 or lower. The question now is how much will be pushed all the way down into feed-grade and how much is still salvageable for milling quality, said Driedger. “The longer this drags out, the worse it gets.” However, grade spreads for the good-quality early-harvested wheat are not widening out as much as could be expected, with the trade still feeling it will be able to work with the supplies available, he said. The supply of good-quality grain is still better than last year when there was more widespread degradation, said Neil Townsend, director of market research services at G3 Canada, formerly CWB. Fri, 02 Oct 2015 08:43:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=348 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=347 Environment Canada published their long range forecast maps today.  The below maps reveal higher probability of above average temperatures (yellow and red colors) for each of the next 3-month windows (the three maps), with about average precipitation (represented by the white/no-color regions) in the following three maps.             Wed, 30 Sep 2015 19:39:58 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=347 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=346 CNS Canada — Yields are generally beating earlier expectations as the harvest progresses across Western Canada, which should lead to upward revisions to canola and wheat when Statistics Canada releases its latest production survey results Friday. However, those numbers still may be underreported, and further revisions are expected in subsequent reports. “As the harvest is moving along, we’re seeing harvest results come in better than what people were thinking prior to getting in the field,” said Jon Driedger, senior analyst with FarmLink Marketing Solutions. “StatsCan is notorious for revising crop estimates higher long after the fact,” he added. Pre-report trade estimates for canola range from roughly 13.5 million to 15.2 million tonnes, which would compare with the August estimate of 13.3 million tonnes and the model-based forecast released in September of 14.4 million. In 2014-15 Canadian farmers grew 16.4 million tonnes of canola. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the final number came in above 15 (million),” said Driedger, although he was uncertain if the October report would be that large. All-wheat production is forecast at anywhere from 24.7 million to 26.5 million tonnes, which compares with the August estimate of 24.6 million and the year-ago level of 29.4 million tonnes. Of that total, durum production is estimated at 4.5 million to 5.1 million tonnes. Canadian farmers grew 5.2 million tonnes of durum in 2014-15. While drought conditions caused concerns early in the growing season, “weather conditions improved as we went along… with better yields even in some of the worst-hit areas,” said Neil Townsend, director of market research services for G3 Canada, formerly CWB. Townsend attributed the better-than-expected crops in part to improved varieties and genetics. — Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting. Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:56:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=346 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=345 David Parkinson - ECONOMICS REPORTER The Globe and Mail Published Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2015 8:34AM EDT The Canadian economy posted its second straight month of impressive growth in July, strengthening the case that the country’s economic fortunes have turned a corner following a trying first half of the year. Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s real gross domestic product grew by 0.3 per cent month-over-month in July, building on the 0.4-per-cent growth posted in June. The two-month upturn marks a sharp reversal from the first five months of the year, when the economy contracted each month, bogged down by the impact of the oil shock and an unusually harsh winter. After a cumulative GDP decline of 0.9 per cent over the first five months of 2015, the economy has now rebounded by nearly 0.8 per cent over the past two months of data. Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:15:51 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=345 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=344 CNS Canada — Producers who opted against selling mustard earlier in the season are now relishing the spot market, which is reaching fresh highs not seen since 2008 against contract prices. Delivered elevator prices are between 45 to 46 cents per pound for yellow mustard, 31 to 33 for brown, and 34 to 36 for oriental, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. Those prices are the highest they’ve been against contract prices in seven years, said Walter Dyck of Olds Foods Products. “I think the market is moving now because it anticipates a small crop,” he said. “I think that caught a lot of people by surprise.” This year’s production is estimated at 109,400 tonnes, compared with 198,000 in 2014, according to Statistics Canada. Farmers only have limited amount of land they can put into oilseeds, so this may have just been one of those years where it was tricky for producers to work mustard into their rotation, Dyck said. There was also a shortage of certified planting seed in Canada this year. Despite minor complications, the mustard harvest has been progressing well in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:09:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=344 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=343 Bloomberg is reporting that: South Africa cut its forecast for wheat production by 3.3 percent for this season as poor conditions in the biggest growing region reduced yields, the Crop Estimates Committee said. Local growers may reap 1.64 million metric tons in the 2015 season,  Marda Scheepers, a senior statistician for the Pretoria-based committee, said by phone Tuesday. This is less than the 1.67 million-ton median estimate by five analysts in a Bloomberg survey and smaller than the CEC’s August prediction of 1.69 million tons. This would be the smallest harvest since the 2011 season. Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:06:49 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=343 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=342 CNS Canada –– Cash wheat bids across Western Canada posted solid gains during the week ended Friday, as advances in U.S. futures and improving basis levels provided support. Average Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat prices were up by C$6-$7 per tonne across the three Prairie provinces, according to price quotes from a cross-section of delivery points. Bids ranged from about $228 per tonne in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, to as high as $242 per tonne in southern Alberta. Quoted basis levels varied from location to location, but improved by C$2 on average to sit at $40 above the futures when using the grain company methodology of quoting the basis as the difference between U.S. dollar-denominated futures and Canadian dollar cash bids. When accounting for the currency exchange rates by adjusting the Canadian prices to U.S. dollars, CWRS bids ranged from US$171 to $182 per tonne. That would put the currency adjusted basis levels at about US$12-$23 below the futures. Looking at it the other way around, if the Minneapolis futures are converted to Canadian dollars, CWRS basis levels across Western Canada range from C$16 to $30 below the futures. Average Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) bids were up by C$7-$9 per tonne. CPSR prices came in at about $188 per tonne in Manitoba, $199 in Saskatchewan and $210-$213 in Alberta. Soft white spring (CWSWS) wheat prices were up by C$12 per tonne on average. Prices ranged from $213 to $214 per tonne in Alberta. Winter (CWRW) wheat prices were up by C$7-$10 per tonne. Prices ranged from about $188 to $195 per tonne, with the best levels in Alberta. Average durum (CWAD) prices increased by C$5-$9 per tonne. Average bids in southern Saskatchewan, where the bulk of the crop is grown, were up $5 at $321 per tonne. The December spring wheat contract in Minneapolis, off of which most CWRS contracts in Canada are based, was quoted at US$5.2275 per bushel on Friday, up 11.75 cents from the week prior. Kansas City hard red winter wheat futures, traded in Chicago, are more closely linked to CPSR in Canada. The December K.C. wheat contract was quoted Friday at US$5.0025 per bushel, up 18 cents from last week. The December Chicago Board of Trade soft wheat contract settled at US$5.0775 on Friday, 21 cents stronger compared to the week prior. The Canadian dollar closed at US75.1 cents on Friday, down by about half a cent relative to its U.S. counterpart compared to the previous week. — Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting. Follow CNS Canada at @CNSCanada on Twitter. Table: The weekly snapshot of average published prices for Sept. 28, 2015. Futures prices (US$ per tonne) vary slightly due to changes while data is collected. Cash bids (C$ per tonne) have currency conversion included in the basis. Source: AGCanada.com. CWRS Future.  . Basis.  . Net Manitoba 193.56 34.32 227.87 Sask North Central 194.01 33.84 227.84 Sask South 193.41 34.24 227.65 Alberta South 193.09 49.12 242.21 Alberta Central 193.45 46.81 240.25 Peace 193.56 42.90 236.46 CPSR Future Basis Net Manitoba 185.55 3.01 188.56 Sask North Central 185.04 13.68 198.72 Sask South 185.62 12.32 197.95 Alberta South 185.79 27.39 213.18 Alberta Central 186.41 26.70 213.11 Peace 187.34 22.55 209.89 CWSWS Future Basis Net Alberta South 188.77 25.54 214.31 Alberta Central 189.23 25.26 214.49 Peace 188.77 24.47 213.24 CWRW Future Basis Net Manitoba 185.59 8.16 193.75 Sask North Central 184.40 3.28 187.68 Sask South 185.62 5.98 191.60 Alberta South 185.79 6.74 192.53 Alberta Central 185.96 9.59 195.55 Peace 185.74 7.38 193.12 CWAD     Net Sask North Central.   .     322.93 Sask South     325.96 Alberta South     329.72 Alberta Central     326.16 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 08:32:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=342 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=341 26 Sep 2015 Ottawa Citizen TOM SPEARS   Researchers tout 'smart' fertilizer Chemical coating 'reads' the signals from plants and releases nutrients She never planned to study fertilizers. Maria DeRosa, a chemistry professor raised in Ottawa, dreamed of designing drugs that deliver themselves directly to targets inside the human body. Maria DeRosa in her lab at Carleton U holds a handful of soil. A decade later she is proudly showing off the results that came when a colleague persuaded her to take a sharp turn, and to deliver "smart" fertilizers to farm crops instead. DeRosa, from Carleton University, and Carlos Monreal of Agriculture Canada, have designed a way to make fertilizer release its nutrients when crops need them, and lock them up tight when crops don't need feeding. This prevents fertilizer from washing away unused and polluting lakes and rivers. And the clue to it all was realizing that plants send out signals into the soil, and that DeRosa and Monreal could eavesdrop on them. The soil under a wheat or canola field is a complex place. "The soil has microbes and all sort of things going on that are living there," DeRosa said. For instance, a whole community of tiny fungi and bacteria interact with plant roots to help the plant absorb nutrients. And when wheat or canola need nitrogen, they release chemicals that appear to be a sort of signal — possibly to the soil microbes, telling them to deliver the plant food. Monreal says ordinary soil contains millions of organisms — bacteria, viruses, insects, worms, fungi — all interacting in a complex world that we don't yet understand. Some of them help plants absorb nutrients. "We have the Hubble Telescope and we're all the time looking at the stars and galaxies. We're very good at that," he said. "But we invest so little to study what is under our feet, because it's hidden and we don't think about it." Still, the signal was a clue to feeding plants when they need it most. Monreal and DeRosa gave the fertilizer a chemical coating. This is the part that qualifies as a smart fertilizer: Chemicals in the coating, called aptamers, react to the "feed me" signal from wheat and canola, and they make the coating break down. This releases the plant food when the plants need it. It can be adapted for microscopic fertilizer particles or for much larger ones. It's estimated that farmers in Canada lose $1 billion a year in fertilizer that never reaches the crops, DeRosa said. "I didn't even realize (at first) that this was a problem." Yet when fertilizer washes into a body of water, it stimulates the growth of weeds and algae blooms. At Agriculture Canada in Ottawa, Monreal is studying the signals that comes from plants, hoping to find out how many kinds there are. There's a lot still to learn. What about home garden applications? "Sure, tomatoes! Everyone wants to know," DeRosa said. So far, the research is just on grains, which use fertilizers on a much bigger scale. But she advises that patience will pay off for gardeners eventually. "The mechanism should be the same." The technique hasn't been commercialized yet, but the pair have been working with industrial partners along the way, and expect patenting and commercial production will follow. "At the beginning this was science fiction and now we're starting to say: 'Hey, this could actually work'." But she is also excited to think that the lessons from a wheat field could lead to drug delivery and more uses of smart chemicals, such as delivering a drug to a cancer cell and not to a healthy cell. "From a science point of view the applications are so broad." Mon, 28 Sep 2015 08:42:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=341 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=340 Saskatchewan's current crop report is full of the phrase "average but some quality issues."  Progress is ahead of average. Details here Summary below: CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 15 TO 21, 2015 Released on September 24, 2015 Cool and wet weather during the week slowed down harvest operations.  Sixty per cent of the 2015 crop is now combined and 28 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report.  The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is 56 per cent combined and 27 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Regionally, producers in the southwest are furthest advanced, having 81 per cent of the crop combined.  Producers in the southeast have 79 per cent combined.  Fifty-two per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region; 47 per cent in the east-central region; 32 per cent in the northwest; and 34 per cent in the northeast. Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to nearly two inches in northern regions.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 11 per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and one per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as three per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and two per cent very short. Some areas experienced frost, although damage is minimal in most cases as crops were mature.  However, weather-related quality issues such as bleaching and sprouting continue to cause concern in some areas.  While overall yields are reported to be about average, they vary from region to region.  Crop damage this past week was mainly attributed to rain, wind and flooding. Provincially, seven per cent of the pasture is reported to be in excellent condition while 52 per cent is in good condition, 34 per cent fair, six per cent poor and one per cent in very poor condition. The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products.  It is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing. Farmers are busy with harvest operations, fall spraying, machinery repairs, and hauling grain and bales.   Fri, 25 Sep 2015 09:01:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=340 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=339 Posted Sep. 24th, 2015 by Dave Sims CNS Canada –– Canada’s 2015-16 flax crop could be about 30 per cent bigger than last year’s, according to an expert in the industry. “A million tonnes is what they’re talking about for Canada,” said Richard Zacharias, general manager of Prairie Flax Products near Portage la Prairie, Man. While the majority of the crop still has to come off, samples Zacharias has seen so far have left him optimistic. “The quality is good, the yields are good; they’ll be average to above-average,” he said. The yields he’s seen lead him to think the crop could average 30 bushels an acre, he said, which would be up slightly from last year’s output. According to Prairie Ag Hotwire, a bushel of flax is selling for $12, slightly softer than a year ago. “The market is probably going down a bit because it was really a big crop this year, so once you get a larger supply the demand obviously is eased a bit, so prices do tend to go down a little,” Zacharias said. “It is certainly not going up, that’s for sure.” One saving grace has been the decline in the Canadian dollar. “Seventy per cent of our sales are in U.S. dollars,” said Zacharias. Flax’s three main uses are in the bakery sector, pet food and animal feed. While the flax harvest is well underway, Zacharias said more half of it is still on the field — partly because of how well it handles the cold. “You can actually harvest it after a dead frost; it doesn’t get damaged.” Fri, 25 Sep 2015 08:57:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=339 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=338 MB Crop Report: Issue 21, September 21, 2015   Weekly Provincial Summary  •Above normal temperatures allowed for excellent harvest progress over the past week in Manitoba, with harvest of spring cereal crops nearing completion. •Harvest of canola, flax, edible beans and soybeans continues. Sunflower harvest has also started in the Central and Eastern Regions, and grain corn harvest is expected to start shortly in some areas of the province. •Seeding of winter wheat is almost complete, and the earliest seeded winter wheat has emerged. Acreage seeded to winter wheat will be consistent from last year in some regions and higher in other regions.   Southwest Region In the Southwest Region, seasonal temperatures over the weekend allowed harvest activities to resume after rainfall amounts of 10 to 15 mm occurred mid-week.   Spring cereal crop harvest in the Southwest Region is 95 to 100% complete; areas that received heavier precipitation amounts still have some cereal acres to harvest. There is quality loss noted across all spring cereal crops due to staining, sprouting, as well as lower bushel weights.   The canola harvest is progressing as 40 to 50% of acres are complete in areas north of Highway #1 and 80% complete south of Highway #1. Reseeded canola is swathed and it is anticipated harvesting of those fields will begin later this week. Overall to date, canola yields range from 35 to 60 bu/acre, with most fields yielding 40 to 45 bu/acre. On fields that were not reseeded, yields are generally above average.   Flax fields continue to be desiccated in preparation for harvest. The odd field has been harvested with no yield reports to date.   Soybean maturity is in the R7 (seed fill to capacity) to R8 (brown pod/mature) stage of development, with most early varieties mature. Some initial harvest has begun on the earlier maturing varieties with yields in the 35 to 40 bu/acre range.   Sunflowers and grain corn continue to mature without any major disease issues.   Winter wheat and fall rye seeding saw good progress after the rain last week. Acreage seeded to winter cereals is up over last year’s acreage.   Some light field work and weed control measures are occurring in harvested fields.   Second cut alfalfa continues to be harvested with yields average to above average with variable quality depending upon rainfall. Corn silage harvest has begun in the more southern areas of the region with above average yields reported. Water levels in dugouts are at approximately 85 to 90% of capacity.   Northwest Region Unsettled weather conditions prevailed through the north half of the Northwest Region during most of the week, causing a delay in harvest progress throughout most of that area. There were reports of light frost in some parts of the region but no reported crop injury. Over 50 mm of precipitation were recorded in parts of the Swan Valley. More favorable harvest conditions returned to the region on the weekend allowing harvest to resume.   Overall, harvest is approximately 65% complete for the region. In the southern part of the region (north of Ste Rose), producers have mostly field corn and soybeans left to harvest. The rest of the region is waiting on canola, flax, soybeans and grain corn. Average quality is reported for most crops harvested in the region.   In many cases, fall field work operations are caught up to harvest and many tilled fields have good growth of weeds and volunteer plants. Soil moisture conditions are adequate in most parts of the region but are excessive in The Pas and in some localized areas around McCreary and the Swan Valley.   Corn silage harvest has started where the correct stage has been reached or where crops have dried down due to frosts. Producers are still harvesting second cut alfalfa in some areas. Pastures are slowing in growth. Water supplies are adequate.   Central Region Average to above average temperatures were seen through much of the week in the Central Region, and the beautiful weather allowed harvest to progress over the weekend. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 mm fell over much of the region on Thursday, slowing harvest temporarily. Standing water remains in some fields from earlier rains, and heavy dews are common. Light frost was reported on Saturday above the escarpment, but is not expected to have caused significant damage to crops remaining to be harvested. Rain would be welcome in much of the southwest part of the region, above the escarpment.   Only a few cereal fields remain to be harvested in the Central Region. Majority of the canola harvest is also complete, with the last reseeded fields swathed and drying down, or standing and waiting for conditions to allow for straight cutting. Canola yield continue to be variable, ranging from 10 to 15 bu/acre in areas that experienced excess moisture, to 40 to 50 bu/acre.   Most pea fields are harvested with yields in the 40 to 50 bu/acre range. Flax harvest continues; yield reports range from 18 to 35 bu/acre. Potato digging continues.   Desiccation of sunflowers is mostly complete. Harvest has begun on the earliest fields; early yields of 2000 to 3000 lbs/acre are reported. Corn is maturing and drying down. Some fields benefitted from recent rains. Corn silage harvest has begun.   Edible bean harvest continues as conditions allow, with average yields. Soybean harvest has begun, with less than 10% of acres completed. Early yields range in the 35 to 50 bu/acre range. Areas that received higher rainfall amounts are lower in yield, and fields in the southeast areas that were impacted by hail in August are yielding 10 bu/acre or slightly higher.   There is good regrowth of perennial weeds post-harvest, allowing for control measures to be made in preparation for next year.   Fall tillage is underway where conditions allow. Many fields have firmed up after the recent heavy rains. There are still a number of fields that are too wet to work properly; some will need more drying time. Dry areas have received enough rainfall to work reasonably well. Soil testing continues. Fall fertilizing has started, but slowed as the soybean harvest picks up.   Fall rye and winter wheat are seeded; crops are germinating and starting to emerge. Additional moisture will be welcome above the escarpment to support fall development. At this point, seeded acres are expected to be flat to slightly above last year’s acres.   Hay harvest is mostly complete for second cut in southern areas, with reasonable yield and quality. Some third cut is being done, with more to follow, in the west. In the northwest part of the region, second cut haying is mostly being delayed until close to a frost to avoid cutting during the critical fall period. Pasture growth has slowed or stopped, dependent on moisture conditions. Low lying areas of fields, sloughs and field perimeters are being utilized wherever possible to extend the grazing period. Hay and pasture in areas above the escarpment would benefit from significant rain, and most are rated fair to very poor. The same areas report adequate to less than adequate livestock water supply.   Eastern Region The weather in the Eastern Region last week was warmer than the previous week. Reports of 3 to 7 mm of precipitation fell in the region on Thursday, temporarily slowing down harvest. There is no standing water in fields but there remain occasional wet spots that producers are avoiding. Overall, harvest progress was made, with the focus on finishing canola and spring cereal crops.   Spring wheat harvest is 95% complete with an average yield of 55 bu/acre and average quality. About 95% of the oat crop is harvested with an average yield of 110 bu/acre and average quality. About 80% of the canola is harvested with an average yield of 40 bu/acre and average quality.   The majority of soybeans are in the R8 growth stages with some later fields still at the late R7 stage. Isolated reports have come in of some soybean harvesting in northern parts of the region with initial yield reports of 45 bu/ac with good quality. If weather is favourable, soybean harvest will become more general this week.   Sunflowers are in the R9 growth stage and desiccation has occurred in some fields. There was one field of sunflowers harvested in the northern part of the region; no yield reports yet. Head rots continue to be noted, with crop damage and yield loss to be determined once harvest begins.   Corn is in the late dent (R5) to maturity (R6) growth stages.   Field work and winter wheat seeding resumed as fields dried from the previous week’s precipitation.   Pasture conditions are rated at 60% good, 20% fair and 20% poor. Second cut grass hay was coming down on the weekend and some producers are having access issues to some fields to get first cut grass hay. Currently, hay supplies are rated at 20% surplus and 80% adequate. Straw, greenfeed and feed grain supplies are all rated as adequate. Pastures are in good condition with a couple producers stating to feed bales. Availability of livestock water is also adequate.   Interlake Region In the Interlake Region, trace amounts of precipitation were recorded in the area, averaging from 1 to 6 mm. Warm temperatures and windy conditions allowed producers to continue harvesting throughout the week. Field conditions are still wet in areas with producers having a difficult time crossing some fields.   Estimated harvest progress is approximately 55 to 65% complete. Harvest of spring cereal crops is nearly complete in the Interlake Region. Quality of grain is declining as cereals that are left to harvest have sprouting and mildew issues.   Canola harvest is nearly complete, but some late seeded crops are still in swath waiting to mature. Some canola has been desiccated and left standing for straight cutting.   Alfalfa seed harvest should start this week as fields mature. Soybean harvest could start this week as crops reach maturity. Sunflowers will be desiccated this week as maturity is reached.   Winter wheat seeding is nearly complete as some producers had a later start due to delay of canola harvesting. Fall tillage is on-going as fields dry.   Pastures are in good shape for this time of year due to frequent rains in July and August, as well as no killing frosts to date. Greenfeed crops yielded well; corn for silage looks promising. Mon, 21 Sep 2015 16:42:54 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=338 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=337 CNS Canada — Wheat and canola production are expected to be higher than in previous estimates, but still lower than in 2014, according to a new Statistics Canada model for field crop production estimates. The model-based report, released Thursday, pegs this year’s spring wheat production at 18.4 million tonnes, higher than previously forecast in the Aug. 21 Production of Principal Field Crops report, which estimated spring wheat production at about 18 million. Despite the increase, wheat production will still be down 13 per cent from 2014. Canola production is expected to hit 14.4 million tonnes, compared with Aug. 21 estimate of 13.3 million. However, canola will still see an 11.6 per cent decrease from 2014. At this point, traders are shrugging off the new information, but it could act as an influencer moving forward. The report, using data collected up to the end of August, confirms what the market had expected, said Jerry Klassen, manager of the Canadian office for Swiss-based GAP SA Grains and Products. “I don’t think this is having too much of an impact overall, I think it confirms we’re down from last year. “For now I think the trade is fairly comfortable with that production number.” The new model-based principal field estimates are calculated with a system developed by StatsCan and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The report isn’t more or less accurate than StatsCan’s previous crop production report; it’s just a different way of collecting the information, said Cindy Carter, senior analyst for StatsCan’s crops unit. “They’re looking at having this model replace the September survey in the future.” The method incorporates coarse-resolution satellite and agroclimatic data and incorporates information from StatsCan’s field crop reporting series. Klassen said traders will balance the survey-based and model-based numbers and use both to come up with a yield estimate. “It helps give us an idea, if there was significant discrepancies on the survey — it’s one more piece of information that can be used.” The model-based report puts soybean production across Canada at 5.9 million tonnes, up 2.1 per cent from 2014, while grain corn is expected to total 12.7 million tonnes, up 12.5 per cent. Barley production is pegged at seven million tonnes, up 0.5 per cent from 2014, while oat production is forecast to rise 10.9 per cent to 3.2 million tonnes. — Jade Markus writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting. Follow her at @jade_markus on Twitter. Includes files from AGCanada.com Network staff. Table: A quick summary of Statistics Canada’s model-based principal field crop estimates as of Aug. 31, 2015, released Sept. 17, 2015. Survey production estimates and last year’s crop production are included for comparison. Production in millions of tonnes.   Model.  . Survey.  . 2014-15 Spring wheat.   . 18.4 18.0 21.3 Durum 4.8 4.5 5.2 Oats 3.2 3.3 3.0 Barley 7.0 7.3 7.1 Canola 14.4 13.3 16.4   Thu, 17 Sep 2015 11:20:34 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=337 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=336 SK CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 8 TO 14, 2015 Released on September 17, 2015 by Gov’t of SK   Harvest is advancing despite delays due to wet field conditions.  Warm and dry weather is needed before many producers can return to the field. Fifty-two per cent of the 2015 crop is combined and 30 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report.  The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is 42 per cent combined and 33 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Regionally, producers in the southwest are furthest advanced, having 75 per cent of the crop combined.  Producers in the southeast have 73 per cent combined.   Forty per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region; 37 per cent in the east-central region; 30 per cent in the northwest and 29 per cent in the northeast. Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to more than an inch in some southwestern and northeastern areas.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 11 per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, six per cent short and one per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as five per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short. Strong winds have blown swaths around and lodged and shelled out some standing crops.  Some parts of the province received frost, but damage is minimal in most cases as crops were mature. Of the crops that have been harvested so far, 86 per cent of field peas, 76 per cent of lentils and 70 per cent of durum are estimated to fall within the top two quality grades.  However, weather-related quality issues such as bleaching and sprouting remain a concern in many areas.  While overall yields are reported to be about average, they vary from region to region. The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products.  It is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing. Farmers are busy with harvest operations and hauling bales.   -30-   For more information, contact: Shannon Friesen  Agriculture Moose Jaw Phone: 306-694-3592 Email: shannon.friesen@gov.sk.ca Thu, 17 Sep 2015 11:15:27 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=336 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=335 Statistics Canada has released a crop estimate using a new modeling method - see below: Model-based principal field crop estimates, August 31, 2015 Released: 2015-09-17 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/150917/dq150917c-eng.htm?cmp=mstatcan   Model-based principal field crop estimates, which provide yield and production estimates for Canada's principal field crops, are now available. The estimates are calculated with a new and innovative approach developed by Statistics Canada in close partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This method uses a model that incorporates coarse resolution satellite data from Statistics Canada's Crop Condition Assessment Program, data from Statistics Canada's Field Crop Reporting Series and agroclimatic data. This is the first release of crop estimates produced according to this methodology. The modelled yield estimates constitute a supplemental release in advance of the September publication of the Field Crop Reporting Series. Based on a modelling approach, production of wheat and canola at the national level (see note to readers) is estimated to be lower in 2015 than in 2014, while soybeans, corn for grain, and barley and oats are anticipated to rise over last year. Wheat At the national level, spring wheat production is estimated to be 18.4 million tonnes in 2015, down 13.0% from 2014. This estimated decrease in production is mainly the result of a lower estimated average yield. The average yield is anticipated to be 40.5 bushels per acre, down 11.7% from the 45.9 bushels per acre reported in 2014. The harvested acreage for 2015 is reported to have edged down 1.5% compared with 2014. Spring wheat production is anticipated to decrease in Saskatchewan (-19.8%) and Alberta (-23.3%). Estimated average yields in Saskatchewan are anticipated to be down 14.0% compared with 2014 to 34.9 bushels per acre. In Alberta, the estimated average yield is expected to decrease 20.1% from 2014 to 41.4 bushels per acre. In contrast, Manitoba spring wheat production is estimated to increase 26.2% in 2015. This gain was boosted by an estimated higher yield of 52.2 bushels per acre, a 7.0% increase over 2014, and a reported 18.0% increase in harvested area. Average yields for durum wheat at the national level are estimated to decline 24.5% from 2014 to 30.9 bushels per acre. Despite much lower estimated yields, national production is estimated to decline 8.0% from 2014 to 4.8 million tonnes as a result of a 22.1% increase in reported harvested acreage in 2015. Canola At the national level, canola production is estimated to be 14.4 million tonnes in 2015, down 11.6% from 2014. This estimated decrease in production is a combined result of both lower average yields and anticipated harvested acreage. Estimated average yields for 2015 are down 7.2% from 2014 to 32.6 bushels per acre. Anticipated harvested acreage will be down 4.9% in 2015, another factor in the decrease in the production estimate. Estimated average yield, reported harvested acres and production are all forecast to decrease in Saskatchewan and Alberta, two major canola-producing regions. Canola crops have been affected by a late frost in May and by drought and hot conditions for much of the growing season in the two provinces. On the other hand, increased production is anticipated in Manitoba as a result of higher estimated yields combined with a slight increase in reported harvested area. Soybeans At the national level, soybean production is estimated to be 5.9 million tonnes in 2015, up 2.1% from 2014 despite a reported decrease in harvested area in Quebec (-9.0%) and Ontario (-4.6%). Soybean yields are estimated to increase in all provinces in 2015. Production is anticipated to increase by 22.6% in Manitoba to 1.4 million tonnes in 2015, the result of both increased yield (+17.0% to 37.8 bushels per acre) and reported harvested acreage (+4.8% to 1.3 million acres). Corn for grain At the national level, corn for grain production is estimated to increase 12.5% from 2014 to 12.7 million tonnes in 2015. Corn for grain yields are estimated to increase in all provinces in 2015. Higher yields and reported harvested acreage will lead to increased production in Ontario (+13.4% to 8.6 million tonnes) and Quebec (+13.3% to 3.4 million tonnes). In Manitoba, production is estimated to decline 0.5% to 693 000 tonnes. This will be the result of an 8.2% decrease in anticipated harvested acres, which will offset an estimated yield increase of 8.4% to 121.2 bushels per acre in 2015. Barley and oats At the national level, barley production is estimated to increase 0.5% from 2014 to 7.0 million tonnes in 2015. An 8.1% increase in reported harvested area (5.6 million acres in total) is anticipated to offset a 7.0% decrease in estimated average yield (57.8 bushels per acre). At the national level, oat production is estimated to increase 10.9% from 2014 to 3.2 million tonnes in 2015. The rise in production is forecast to be the result of an 18.4% increase in reported harvested acres (2.6 million acres in total), while estimated average yield is anticipated to fall 6.3% to 79.6 bushels per acre.   Thu, 17 Sep 2015 09:30:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=335 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=334 Chicago | Reuters — A U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) unit is reviewing its procedures after posting incorrect crop data online on Wednesday, an error that temporarily pressured grain prices. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) inadvertently issued the wrong data on crop acreage around 5 a.m. CT and posted corrected data four hours later. The agency is investigating why the error occurred and reviewing procedures “to make certain there are checks to avoid any future errors of this sort,” FSA spokesman Kent Politsch said. Some traders said the error eroded their confidence in USDA, which is considered the gold standard for data on crop production, supplies and demand. “The whole thing was funny, embarrassing, very much so for the FSA,” said Ted Seifried, vice-president of the Chicago brokerage Zaner Group. The erroneous data showed that U.S. farmers reported they could not plant 1.622 million acres of corn as of Sept. 3, down from 2.301 million acres reported in August, and 848,000 acres of soybeans, down from 2.173 million in August. The numbers pushed down futures prices as traders projected the declines in so-called “prevented plantings” would translate into increased production. One trader said the drop in prices automatically triggered his pre-placed order to exit a position in wheat futures. The market later recovered before trading back down to the trigger price, indicating the order was probably executed earlier than it would have been had FSA not issued the incorrect data, he said. After 9 a.m. CT, the FSA issued corrected data, which increased prevented plantings to 2.352 million acres for corn and 2.219 million for soybeans. The agency removed the incorrect data from its website after it was posted and intentionally delayed the release of the correct data so that users were aware it was coming, a USDA official said. Still, officials may face criticism for the error next month at an annual USDA data users’ meeting in Chicago. “USDA deserves the embarrassment of this colossal mistake,” tweeted Bill Nelson, analyst for Doane Advisory Services in St. Louis. October is the first month in which USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) considers FSA acreage data when making its own acreage estimates for a monthly crop report. Lance Honig, chief of the crops branch for NASS, said he feels “every bit as confident in the FSA data as I did before today… They took very quick action to correct it.” — Tom Polansek reports on agriculture and ag commodity markets for Reuters from Chicago. Additional reporting for Reuters by Michael Hirtzer in Chicago. Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:19:06 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=334 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=333 China consumes a lot of the world's commodities.  This graphic demonstrates how much of the world's various items China consumes.  After seeing this, it is easy to see why the global markets get scared when China starts to falter. Tue, 15 Sep 2015 09:46:52 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=333 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=332 CNS Canada — Cash wheat bids across Western Canada posted solid gains during the week ended Friday, as U.S. futures recovered from their five-year lows and Canadian basis levels showed some improvement. Average Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat prices were up by C$9 to $13 per tonne across the three Prairie provinces, according to price quotes from a cross-section of delivery points. Bids ranged from about $221 per tonne in southern Saskatchewan, to as high as $233 per tonne in southern Alberta. Quoted basis levels varied from location to location, but improved by C$5 on average to sit at $36 above the futures when using the grain company methodology of quoting the basis as the difference between U.S. dollar-denominated futures and the Canadian dollar cash bids. When accounting for the currency exchange rates by adjusting the Canadian prices to U.S. dollars, CWRS bids ranged from US$167 to $176 per tonne. That would put the currency adjusted basis levels at about US$14 to $23 below the futures. Tue, 15 Sep 2015 09:06:23 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=332 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=331 Reuters— A U.S. government weather forecaster on Thursday said El Nino conditions would gradually weaken through the Northern Hemisphere spring after peaking in late fall or early winter. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center said the likelihood that El Nino conditions would persist through the Northern Hemisphere winter was about 95 per cent, up from a more than 90 per cent chance in last month’s forecast. There has been a growing consensus among forecasters for a strong El Nino, the warming of Pacific sea-surface temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization said last week that this year’s phenomenon could be the strongest on record and was likely to peak between October and January. The weather pattern can roil crops and commodities prices. Japan’s weather bureau said earlier on Thursday that there was a strong possibility that El Nino would stretch into the winter. El Nino conditions would probably contribute to a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season and to above-normal seasons in both the central and Eastern Pacific hurricane basins, the CPC said. It added that across the contiguous U.S., the effects of El Nino were likely to remain minimal during the early Northern Hemisphere autumn and increase into the late fall and winter. The CPC said this month that “all models surveyed” predicted that El Nino would last into the Northern Hemisphere spring, up from an 80 per cent chance it estimated last month. The El Nino phenomenon would mean increased likelihood of rain for parched areas of drought-stricken California later in the fall, although the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington would probably not get much relief. Fri, 11 Sep 2015 08:33:52 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=331 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=330 Reuters — PotashCorp is prepared to launch a hostile takeover offer for German potash mining rival K+S under certain conditions, German newspaper Handelsblatt reported Tuesday. Handelsblatt cited financial sources as saying Saskatoon-based PotashCorp had talked to brokerages in Canada about such plans. PotashCorp declined to comment. Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:07:06 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=330 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=329 Last week’s crop report (here https://www.saskatchewan.ca/~/media/news%20release%20backgrounders/2015/sep/crop%20report%20for%20the%20period%20august%2025%20to%2031.pdf ) contains the phrase “Overall, producers are indicating that yields and grades are average” in every district’s report, then follows with some higher or lower. Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:02:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=329 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=328 Crop Report: Issue 19, September 08, 2015 Weekly Provincial Summary   Harvest 2015 continued across Manitoba over the past week, but wet weather over the weekend temporarily halted harvest progress. Harvest operations have since resumed in areas that received lower rainfall amounts and where field conditions allowed. Winter wheat seeding is underway in the Central and Eastern Regions of Manitoba. Fall field work, including tillage, baling of straw, and soil testing is on-going.   Southwest Region Thundershower activity in some areas of the Southwest Region slowed harvest progress over the week and into the weekend. Rainfall amounts were variable; Shoal Lake and Oakburn areas recorded over 100 mm of precipitation while most other areas received 15 to 50 mm.   The spring cereal harvest in the Southwest Region ranges from 20 to 70% complete, with the slowest progress noted in the more northern areas. Early spring wheat and barley yields continue to be reported at above long term averages. Quality loss is now being noted in all spring cereals due to staining and sprouting. There are some reports of lodging issues, with differences observed between spring wheat varieties.   Canola crop maturities advanced with the earliest canola fields having been swathed, while most later and reseeded fields are being swathed. The canola harvest has, for the most part, not yet begun in the northern parts of the region. Some producers tried to harvest canola but very little has been done. There are green seed issues where swathing occurred during high temperatures. In some fields canola is testing dry to almost dry, but stalks remain tough.   Soybean growth and maturity continue to advance with maturities in the R6.5 (seed fill to capacity) to R7 (pod and leaf yellowing) stage of development. Sunflowers are in the R6 to R7 stage. Corn is in the R4 to R5 stage.   The field pea harvest is complete with most yields at above long term averages. Flax fields continue to dry down with little evidence of any significant disease issues.   Second cut alfalfa continues to be harvested with yields average to above average. Greenfeed silage continues to be harvested with average to above average yields. Recent rains helped pastures as most are in fair to good condition depending on management. Some cut hay and greenfeed quality will be impacted by the recent rainfall. Water levels in dugouts are at 85 to 90% of capacity.   Northwest Region Harvest operations in the Northwest Region moved forward until the weekend when unsettled weather stalled harvest progress. Rainfall amounts of 12 to 51 mm are reported from most parts of the region. Soil moisture conditions are adequate in most parts and excessive in some localized areas.   Overall, harvest is about 40% complete for the Northwest Region. The wheat harvest is approximately 95% complete. Hard red spring wheat yields are extremely variable and range from 25 to 70 bu/acre. Most reports on wheat quality range between #1 and #2.   Overall, approximately 50% of the canola crop is swathed in the Northwest Region. Early seeded canola crops are mostly swathed, while much of the later seeded canola will be swathed over the coming week weather permitting. Approximately 15% of the canola crop is combined, with most progress made around the Dauphin area.   Approximately 25% of the corn crop is at the blister stage of growth, 50% is at the milk stage, and 25% at the dough stage. All soybean acres are podded. About 85% of the flax crop is at the boll stage of growth and 15% is mature. In many cases, fall field work operations are caught up to harvest.   Haying is wrapping up in the North Parkland and Valleys North areas. Some producers will be harvesting second cut after the first frost. Last week’s high humidity and small showers throughout the area delayed finishing harvest. Many producers are contemplating corn harvest for silage, but most likely will not begin for a few more weeks due to stage of development. Pastures are slowing down rapidly in growth but water supplies are adequate.   Central Region In the Central Region, temperatures continued to range from high 20s to mid 30s for the early part of the week, dropping to more seasonal values on Friday and through the weekend. Rainfall accumulations were heavy in the east half of the region, with much of the area reporting 60 to 90 mm. There is standing water in many fields due to the heavy rains, and field work will be at a standstill for most of this week. Western areas of the region received 10 to 35 mm, increasing from west to east.   Excellent harvest progress was made in many areas of the region where possible this past week, until showers started on Friday. Swathing of canola continues and combining started up again on Monday in areas of lowest rainfall. Many producers continue to select fields for harvest, limited often by wet conditions. Grain drying and aeration is occurring to bring harvested grain to safe storage moisture levels.   Cereal crop harvest ranges from 80 to 100% complete. Quality of cereals remaining in the field is declining, with downgrading due to mildew and sprouting.   There is a wide range in canola development, with swathing continuing. Combining of canola is well underway, ranging from 45 to as much as 90% complete. More canola is being straight cut, with positive results to date. The lodged crop resisted shattering losses from recent strong winds. Early yield reports are variable, with the best looking stands yielding in the 40 to 50 bu/acre range, while the fields that struggled with excess rain are as low as 10 to 15 bu/acre.   The backs of the heads of earliest seeded sunflowers‎ are yellow, and bracts are brown; desiccation will likely start this week.   Edible bean harvest is underway with yields reported as average. There are a few soybeans fields that reached 95% brown (mature) in eastern areas. Soybean harvest will begin when fields dry up; on lighter soils that could be later this week. Pea fields are mostly ripe and many are already harvested. Some harvest is delayed due to wet field conditions. Early yield reports in the 45 to 50 bu/acre range.   Some flax has been harvested; the few yield reports to date range from 18 to 25 bu/acre.   There is good regrowth of perennial weeds post-harvest, allowing for control measures to be made in preparation for next year’s crops.   Fall tillage is underway. Many were waiting for rain before starting due to the dry topsoil conditions. Soil testing has begun.   Fall rye and winter wheat is being seeded, some in advance of the previous weekend rains. Additional acres will be seeded into good soil moisture. Hay harvest is mostly complete for second cut in southern areas, with reasonable yield and quality. A third cut in the southern areas may be possible. The wettest areas in the northwest part of the region report poor quality second cut hay. Most of the remainder of second cut hay is being delayed to avoid cutting during the critical fall period. Low lying areas and sloughs are being cut for feed ‎where access is possible. There is still decent forage growth on most pastures. Pastures are rated in good to fair condition.   Eastern Region In the Eastern Region, the weather last week was hot and humid until the weekend when temperatures dropped as significant rainfall occurred on Friday and Saturday. Rainfall accumulations for the week across the region ranged from 25 to 80 mm with most occurring on the weekend; accumulation levels were highest in central and southern districts. Weekend rains halted harvesting and field work in all districts, although limited progress was made on Monday in a few drier fields in some northern areas. Northernmost districts in the Eastern Region have made little harvesting progress so far this season. Standing water in field low spots is still evident throughout the region.   Spring wheat harvest is 85% complete with an average yield of 55 bu/acre and average quality. About 60% of the oat crop is harvested with an average yield of 110 bu/acre and average quality. About 50% of the canola is harvested with an average yield of 40 bu/acre and average quality.   Soybeans are in the late R6 to mid R7 growth stages. Sunflowers are in the R8 and R9 growth stages and desiccation has occurred in some fields. Corn is in the dent (R5) growth stage. Recent hot weather accelerated maturity progress in long seasoned crops. Frequent rainfall and increased humidity levels resulted in head rot symptoms in sunflower crops.   Some seeding of winter wheat occurred as canola stubble becomes available and soil conditions allow for field operations. Pasture conditions are rated at 60% good, 20% fair and 20% poor. Some third cut alfalfa is coming off while some producers are having a challenge putting up first cut grass hay. Pastures are in overall good condition with low spots under water. Currently, hay supplies are rated at 20% surplus and 80% adequate. Straw, greenfeed and feed grain supplies are all rated as adequate. Availability of livestock water is also adequate and dugouts are full.   Interlake Region Warm and humid conditions were experienced throughout the Interlake Region last week. The weather conditions however did bring a weather system with precipitation and strong winds during the weekend period. Isolated storms resulted in rainfall amounts over 40 mm in the Moosehorn and Woodlands region. Most other parts of the region received 15 to 35 mm of rainfall. Wet conditions made travelling across many fields in the south Interlake quite difficult as producers try to continue harvesting.   Harvesting is estimated to be 35 to 55% completed. South Interlake is further ahead of harvesting than the North Interlake. Harvest progress has slowed due to weather conditions. Last week, producers continued to harvest canola and spring cereals. Due to the tough moisture levels, producers are using both grain bin aeration as well as grain dryers to manage moisture levels in their harvested grains.   Canola continues to be swathed and harvested throughout the region. Some fields that were desiccated for straight cutting have been left standing for over 15 to 18 days.   Soybean leaves have started to change color and drop. Flax crops are starting to mature. Corn and sunflowers continue to mature.   Some of the early harvested fields have been cultivated.   The variable showers throughout the region last week hampered haying operations. Most greenfeed crops are harvested, and good yields are reported in second cut hay. Corn has yet to be silaged, but yields look promising.   Desiccation of the alfalfa seed crops is continuing.   Pastures are still holding out well due to intermittent rains during the past several weeks. Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:00:29 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=328 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=327 Crop Report: Issue 18, August 2431, 2015 Weekly Provincial Summary  Sporadic rainfall and high humidity levels slowed harvest progress and haying operations across Manitoba.  The recent weather is also resulting in quality loss in some crop types. A strong weather system passed through several areas of the Central Region the morning of August 28.  Heavy rains and small to large-sized hail resulted in varying amounts of crop damage. Harvest of winter cereals is complete with average to above average yields and good quality. Spring wheat, barley, oats, canola and field pea harvest continues as field and weather conditions allow. Minimal acres of winter wheat and fall rye are seeded to date.   Southwest Region In the Southwest Region, little to no rainfall over the past week helped producers continue with harvest. Rainfall amounts did vary with the majority of the rain coming on Thursday evening in scattered thundershowers. Rainfall amounts for the week ranged from 5 to 25 mm. Harvest progress varies throughout the Southwest Region. In the south and southwest areas of the region, harvest is 50 to 60% complete. In areas north of Highway #1, harvest is approximately 30% complete with approximately 10% of the spring wheat crop harvested, and the majority of barley acres harvested.  Harvest of winter cereals is complete across the region. Winter cereal yields are average to slightly above average, and good quality. Spring wheat yields are average to above average with good quality. Barley yields are also reported as average to slightly above average with good quality. Canola that wasn’t reseeded because of spring frosts is swathed. Some canola has been harvested, with reports of average yields and higher levels of disease in some of the earlier crop.  Reseeded canola is starting to be cut and majority of the crop will be ready to be cut by the end of the week. The soybean crop is advancing well and recent rains will help crop in the later stages of development. Most of the crop is in the R6 stage with some of the early crop beginning maturity. Sunflowers are in the R6 stage with early seeded sunflowers in the R7 stage. Reports of heavy disease pressure in some areas. Most corn is in the grain filling stages, ranging from R2 to R3. Flax is turning with the odd early field being desiccated. Pastures benefited from recent rains; however, overgrazed pastures may be under pressure to make the month of September for grazing. Silage of cereal crops is being done and yields are average to above average. Second cut hay is being done with most areas reporting average yields and good quality. Dugouts are about 80% full.   Northwest Region Harvest operations in the Northwest Region moved ahead slowly over the past week. High humidity and heavy dew in the mornings, along with light sporadic showers, contributed to the slow harvest progress. Early seeded canola crops that were not reseeded because of frost are being swathed. Reseeded canola fields are at least ten days away from swathing. In many cases, fall field work operations are caught up to harvest. Soil moisture conditions are adequate in most parts of the region and excessive in some localized areas. The wheat harvest is the furthest advanced at this point in the region; estimated 70% of the hard red wheat crop is combined. Reported hard red spring wheat yields are extremely variable and range from 25 to 70 bu/acre. Very little canola has been harvested. Approximately 40% of the canola crop has been swathed. Approximately 45% of the corn crop is in the blister stage of growth, 50% is at milk stage, and 5% at dough stage. For soybeans, 100% of the crop is podded. About 85% of the flax crop is at the boll stage of growth and 15% is mature. Rain in many areas late Sunday evening has halted haying, greenfeed and silage operations. Harvest will resume once weather and field conditions allow. Second cut hay harvest saw average yields and native hay will continue to be harvested. Cereal silage is complete showing average yields. Water supplies are adequate in most parts of the region.   Central Region The Central Region saw normal to above normal temperatures during the week with minimal precipitation accumulations.  However, on Friday morning a strong weather system moved through some areas of the region. Large hail was reported through the Altona and Plum Coulee areas; hail fell for up to fifteen minutes with stones ranging from marble to baseball in size.  Hail was also reported in other areas including St.Claude, Glenboro to Rathwell, south of Carman, and from Miami to Winkler. Damage occurred to crops such as corn, edible beans, soybeans and canola. Rainfall amounts up to 33 mm were also associated with the system. Harvest had resumed early to mid-week after the previous weekends’ rain/cool conditions, but field activity was limited with heavy dews and high relative humidity through the week. Smoky conditions resulting from forest fires in Washington State moderated temperatures but did prolong drying of morning dews. Producers are limited by wet conditions when selecting fields for harvest. Artificial grain drying and aeration is occurring as some grain is being harvest at tough moisture levels. Cereal crop harvest has progressed and is starting to wind down. Progress is slow in lodged fields. Wheat harvest is 40 to 90% completed with the Red River Valley the most advanced. Fusarium head blight levels are reported to be generally low in both winter and spring wheat, and quality is generally good. Quality of the wheat remaining in the field is declining, with downgrading due to mildew and sprouting. Much of the canola crop is swathed. Combining of canola is well underway in the Red River Valley, with progress estimated at 60% complete. More canola is being straight cut, with positive results to date. Early yield reports are variable, with the best looking stands yielding in the 40 to 50 bu/acre range, to yields as low as 10 to 15 bu/acre. Field pea harvest is delayed due to wet field conditions.  Early yield reports are in the 45 bu/acre range.  Flax is at the boll stage and starting to turn. There is limited swathing or harvesting done, although some fields are complete in the Roland area. No yield reports to date. The back of the heads of earliest seeded sunflowers‎ are yellow; desiccation may start in ten days to two weeks. The most recent rains will benefit corn. Most soybean fields are finished flowering. Some of the earliest seeded fields are seeing leaf colour change. Edible beans are starting to turn; some fields have been cut with minimal acres harvested to date. Some fields have been cultivated, following harvest. Soil testing has begun. The second cut hay harvest is mostly complete in the southern areas, with reasonable yield and quality. The wettest areas in the northwest report poor quality second cut hay, which is still being harvested. Some fields are not advanced enough to take another cut, and producers are waiting to see if there will be enough growth to warrant that second operation. Low lying areas and sloughs are being cut for feed ‎where access is possible. Pastures are rated in good to fair condition.   Eastern Region In the Eastern Region, the weather last week was very humid with temperatures climbing from seasonal to hot as the week progressed. With localized rainfall events throughout the week and on the weekend, harvest progress was limited. Some harvesting resumed on Wednesday or Thursday in districts where field access was possible. Some field rutting is noted and standing water in field low spots is also still evident throughout the region. The precipitation may impact quality of crops. Warm season crops are showing signs of excess moisture stress in some fields. Winter wheat harvesting is complete with an average yield of 70 bu/acre and average quality. Spring wheat harvest is 75% complete with an average yield of 60 bu/acre with average quality. About 40% of the oat crop is harvested with an average yield of 110 bu/acre with average quality. About 35% of the canola is harvested with an average yield of 45 bu/acre with average quality. Soybeans are in the R6 growth stage. Sunflowers are in the R7 growth stage with corn in the milk (R3) growth stage. Pasture conditions are rated at 80% good, 10% fair and 10% poor. There still are hay swaths laying in wet field conditions and dry weather is needed for producers to resume haying. Most producers have their straw baled. Pastures benefited from the rains. Livestock are starting to graze hay fields that were cut earlier. Currently, hay supplies are rated at 20% surplus and 80% adequate. Straw, greenfeed and feed grain supplies are all rated as adequate. Availability of livestock water is also adequate and dugouts are full.   Interlake Region Hot temperatures and humid conditions delayed harvest in many parts of the Interlake Region. Scattered showers earlier in the week brought 5 to 25 mm of rainfall to the region. Damage from last week’s hail storm in Teulon ranged from 10 to 90% hail damage, depending on individual fields. Spring cereal harvest is slow due to wet, humid conditions. Harvesting of cereals is estimated to be 45 to 50% complete with many acres in the North Interlake remaining to be harvested. Canola continues to be harvested and swathed. Combining is slow due to wet field conditions in the Teulon and Selkirk areas. Earlier seeded soybeans finished flowering and are starting to change color. The number of aphids decreased significantly making an insecticide spray not needed. Corn is in the blister (R2) stage and sunflowers are in the R6 to R7 stage. Recent rains stalled haying operations. However, pastures benefitted and second growth on hayfields looks good. There is also reduced grasshopper and alfalfa weevil damage due to the intermittent rains. Progress is being made with ensiling of greenfeed crops. Silage corn looks good. Tue, 01 Sep 2015 16:50:47 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=327 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=326 PROVINCE ANNOUNCES NEW AGRICULTURE DRAINAGE REGULATIONS   Released on September 1, 2015 First Phase in the Development of an Agricultural Water Management Strategy Today, Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency Herb Cox announced new drainage regulations in Saskatchewan. The new regulations are the first phase of an agricultural water management strategy that recognizes the benefits of drainage and the importance of mitigating negative impacts. “We recognize drainage is an important water management tool for producers and these new regulations will help us streamline the approval process to help producers become compliant while mitigating damage downstream,” Cox said. “These new regulations are part of the development of a risk based agricultural water management strategy that will improve the overall process, including applications and investigating complaints, and will help prevent future issues.” The key changes in the new regulations are:    ensuring that impacts related to flooding, water quality and habitat loss are addressed as part of the drainage works approval process;    allowing landowner agreements as evidence of land control;    simplifying and streamlining the application approval process;    no longer exempting works constructed before 1981 from requiring an approval; and    enabling the use of “qualified persons” in the design of higher risk drainage works.   These drainage regulations fulfill a commitment made in the 2014 Speech from the Throne. This is the first significant change to drainage regulations in 35 years. The new drainage regulations were created after extensive online and industry stakeholder consultations. More than 500 public participants and 15 industry and environmental groups provided input into the creation of the new approach to drainage in Saskatchewan. The new regulations are the first step in a phased-in approach to bring all drainage in the province into compliance over the next 10 years. These changes facilitate the start of the overall approach to the agricultural water management strategy. The next phase of the agricultural water management strategy will be the development and refining of policies and program delivery which will be used in a series of pilot projects and then expanded to the rest of the province. The pilot projects are based in the Souris Basin near Stoughton and the Assiniboine Basin near Canora. Local producers, watershed authorities and representatives in those areas have committed to working with the WSA to implement the new agricultural water management strategy and to help bring existing drainage projects into compliance. The WSA will continue working with stakeholders on this strategy to develop policies on mitigation, application processes and informational materials. “Drainage is one of the major issues facing rural Saskatchewan so we are pleased that the government is implementing regulations meant to address deficiencies with the current system,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb said. “We have been awaiting this announcement and look forward to working with the government on the implementation of these regulations and further refinement of the agriculture water management strategy as it is phased in over the next few years.” Tue, 01 Sep 2015 09:25:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=326 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=325 Alberta Crop Conditions as of August 25, 2015 Showers or rain was reported in virtually all areas of the province last week affecting harvest progress. Harvest is estimated at slightly less than 10% complete with an additional 12% in the swath, up from 6% combined and 6% swathed the prior week. The 5 year average for this date is 11% swathed and 4% combined. Frost was reported in northern regions in the August 21-22 time period. Damage is yet to be determined but most crops should be beyond the stage for significant damage to be expected with the possible exception of canola. Crop yield estimates continue to improve as more harvest information becomes available. Yield averages improved in 4 of the 5 regions with the Peace being the only region to decline. Yield estimates improved significantly in the North West region which is the region most affected by the dry conditions. Second growth is a significant problem for producers this year. Decisions will be required whether to wait, swath now or desiccate. Provincial soil moisture ratings improved for both surface and sub soil ratings. Surface moisture improved 3 points to 39% rated good or excellent. Significant improvements were reported in South and Central regions. Subsoil moisture improved 2 points to 34% rated good or excellent with good improvements in the South and North East regions off set somewhat by marginal declines in the North West and Peace regions. Hay and pasture ratings showed a slight improvement to 19% of the province rated good or excellent. Ratings were higher in the South and Central regions and little changed in the remainder of the province. Current provincial ratings are: 42% Poor (- 1); 39% Fair (no change); 19% Good (+ 2); < 1% Excellent (no change). Approximately 55% of the province indicates there will be a 2nd cut dryland hay crop. Currently, 16% of the 2nd cut dryland crop and 65% of the 2nd cut irrigated crop is baled. Regional Assessments: The 2015 Alberta Crop Report Series provides summaries for the following five regions: Region One: Southern (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost) Showers slowed harvest operations. Heavier rains received in west portion of the region. 17% of crop swathed; 24% harvested (+ 4 percentage points for the week). Regional yield estimates improved to 76.3% of the 5 year average. Improved yield estimates for spring wheat, durum, barley, oats and field peas. Yield estimates declined minimally for canola (- 0.1 bu/acre). Surface soil moisture ratings improved to 36% good or excellent (+ 7 points); sub soil moisture improved to 30% good or excellent (+ 3 percentage points). Hay and pastures improved with 47% rated poor (- 4 points) and 14% rated good or excellent (+ 2 points). Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen) Fairly general rain across the region with heavier amounts in the west. 9% of crop swathed; 4% harvested (+ 2 percentage points for the week). Regional yield estimates improved to 80.2% of the 5 year average. Yield estimates improved for all crops except durum which was unchanged. Barley and oat estimates increased 2 bushels/acre, canola, peas and spring wheat estimates increased 1 bushel/acre. Surface soil moisture improved to 59% rated good or excellent (+ 4 points). Sub soil moisture improved by 1 percentage point to 50% rated good or excellent. Hay/pasture ratings showed significant improvement with a 2 point decline in the Poor rating to 33% and with a 5 point increase to the good or excellent rating to 28%. Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost) Showers reported in much of the region with light rain in the east portion along the Saskatchewan border. Light frost reported in western portion of the region. 5% of crop swathed; 3% harvested (+ 2.5 percentage points for the week). Regional yield estimates increased to 78.0% of the 5 year average. Estimates improved for all crops by 1 bushel/acre. Surface soil moisture ratings improved by 2 points to 41% rated good or excellent. Sub soil ratings are 37% rated good or excellent (up 6 points). Pasture/hay ratings unchanged at 23% rated good or excellent. Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca) Light showers reported throughout the region. Frost reported in many areas. 5% of crops swathed; 5% harvested (+ 4 percentage points for the week). Regional yield estimates are significantly higher than previously reported at 76.9% of the 5 year average yield (previously 69.4%). Yield estimates increased 4 – 6 bushels/acre with barley the exception with 1 bushel decline. Surface soil moisture improved marginally with less than 1 point increase to 19% good or excellent. Sub soil moisture ratings declined to 15% good or excellent (- 3 points). Pasture/hay ratings were virtually unchanged with 11% of region rated good or excellent. Region Five: Peace River (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview) Region received variable precipitation from light, spotty showers to 50 mm of rain. Heavy frost reported. 23% of crops swathed; 6% combined (+ 4 percentage points for the week). Regional yield estimates declined marginally to 83.1% of 5 year yield average. Yield estimates declined by approximately 0.5 bushels/acre. The exception was field pea yield which increased approximately 1 bushel/acre. Surface and sub soil moisture ratings were reported as unchanged at 26% rated good or excellent. Pasture/hay ratings declined 1 percentage point to 15% rated good or excellent.       Fri, 28 Aug 2015 14:16:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=325 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=324 With this week's win by Environment Canada, they are inching-up on our tied contest leaders AccuWeather and WeatherFarm. We have now completed 10 rounds of our weather forecasting contest (the first round did not include WeatherFarm, but the next 9 did).  Here are the Total points for the last 9 rounds (with Weather Farm) and then all 10 rounds (without Weather Farm).   Here are the ranked weekly results - by points that week (forecaster names then week #): Here are our contest rules: Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:53:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=324 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=323 The resuts from the 10th weather forecasting contest ending August 27th are in - the chart below reveals the current contest results and the formula. Environment Canada had the best 3-day forecast - according to the rules we created without consulting a meterologist.  Consider this "for entertainment purposes only."  This week the overnight lows for days 2 and 3 were vastly different than anybody forecasted, resulting in some of our lowest scores ever. Currently, WeatherFarm and AccuWeather are tied for most wins at 4 each, Environment Canada follows with 2 wins, and Weather Network has yet to register a win. The forecasts were captured at the same time, the day prior to the start of the contest, from the various forecasting groups' websites, for "Saskatoon, SK" Here are the current round's results: Here are our contest rules: Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:47:41 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=323 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=322 ‘Megatrends’ expected to move ag sector in future Aug. 28th, 2015 by Phil Franz-Warkentin     From https://www.agcanada.com/daily/megatrends-expected-to-move-ag-sector-in-future   CNS Canada — Health-conscious customers with money to spend will be looking to purchase more food over the next 20 years, while changing technologies and global economic uncertainty will bring their own challenges. That’s the outlook in a recent report out of Australia, highlighting five megatrends expected to impact the agricultural sector in the coming decades. Rural Industry Futures: Megatrends impacting Australian agriculture over the coming 20 years was compiled by the country’s Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), together with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), in an effort to draw out the longer-term trends that could impact rural industries going forward. While the report focuses on the Australian situation, the opportunities and challenges presented can be expected to have a similar impact on the Canadian agriculture sector. A “megatrend” is defined in the report as “a trajectory of change that will have profound implications for industry and society.” Each megatrend is interlinked with the others and has its own supply and demand side implications for the agricultural sector, according to the report. The five megatrends in the report include: 1. A hungrier world: Global populations are rising while land devoted to agricultural production is shrinking. That will create increased demand for good and fibre from those countries with exportable supplies. 2. A wealthier world: Average annual incomes are also rising as more people are expected to move out of poverty, with diets shifting away from staple subsistence foods to higher-protein options. This creates opportunities for diversification and new markets. 3. Choosy customers: The desire for healthier food options is expected to grow, with expectations on ethical and environmental factors also becoming a larger factor in customer choices. 4. Transformative technologies: Advances in genetics, materials science, and digital technologies will alter how food is grown and how it is transported. In addition to production improvements, increased traceability and advances in food manufacturing are expected. 5. A bumpier ride: Climate change and the increasing globalization of the world economy have the potential to create new and deeper risks for farmers, according to the report. — Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting. Follow CNS Canada at @CNSCanada on Twitter.   Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:57:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=322 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=321 Producers across the province now have 16 per cent of the 2015 crop combined and 19 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report.  The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of the year is six per cent combined and 14 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Regionally, producers in the southwest have 33 per cent of the crop combined, while those in the southeast have 27 per cent combined.  Eight per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region, three per cent in the east-central and northwestern regions, and two per cent in the northeast. Rainfall and cool temperatures during the week caused some delays in harvesting.  Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to two and a half inches in some areas.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as seven per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and one per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and five per cent very short. Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:17:01 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=321 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=320 MB Crop Report Issue 17, August 24, 2015     Weekly Provincial Summary  •Good harvest progress was made in Manitoba throughout the week due to moderate temperatures and dry conditions. To date, yields of winter and spring wheat, barley, oats and canola are average to above average. Good quality is also noted. •However, a weather system passed through several areas of Manitoba over the weekend that resulted in a wide range of precipitation amounts and strong winds, along with hail in isolated areas. •Harvest operations are halted and will resume once weather and field conditions allow. •The precipitation will benefit later maturing crops, as well as hay fields and pastures.   Southwest Region In the Southwest Region, scattered showers in some areas slowed harvest progress through the week. Over the weekend, rainfall amounts ranged from 15 to 40 mm with some areas reporting as high as 75 mm.   The winter cereal harvest is nearing completion with generally average to slightly above average yields and quality. Spring cereals are in the final stages of maturity. Spring wheat and barley swathing and preharvest applications are on-going. Some initial harvesting operations have started and early spring wheat and barley yields are above long term averages.   Canola crop maturity has advanced with the earliest canola fields being swathed. Most reseeded fields are fully podded and beginning to dry down. Disease levels in both early and later seeded canola continue to be minimal. There are some difficulties in swathing due to lodging.   Most field peas have been desiccated or swathed with a significant percentage harvested; yields are above long term averages. Flax fields are maturing with no disease issues reported. Weed pressure is high in some flax fields.   Corn and sunflowers are doing well with no production issues currently noted. Soybean growth and maturity slowed over this past week with maturities in the full R5 (seed set) to early R6 (pod filling) stage of development. Some fields that have missed recent thundershowers are beginning to show symptoms of moisture stress and premature dry down.   Some areas in the region have seen a start to second cut alfalfa with yields average to above average and variable to good quality depending upon rainfall. Greenfeed silage is being harvested with average to above average yields reported. Pastures that were overgrazed in spring remain in poor condition due to reduced regrowth. Water levels in dugouts range from 75 to 90% of capacity, depending on the area.   Northwest Region Harvest was interrupted mid-week when thunderstorm activity resulted in random rain showers through parts of the Northwest Region. Unsettled weather also continued through the weekend. Rainfall amounts ranged from 0 to over 25 mm depending on location. There was hail reported in the southern part of the Swan Valley late in the week. The resulting damage to field crops has not yet been determined. Soil moisture conditions are adequate in most parts of the region and excessive in some localized areas that received heavy downpours.   Wheat harvest is the furthest advanced in the region. Approximately 40% of the winter wheat crop has been harvested. It is estimated that 20% of the hard red wheat crop has been combined. Reported yields are extremely variable and range from 20 to 70 bu/acre. About 30% of the spring wheat crop is in the dough stage and 70% is mature. Preharvest treatments are nearing completion.   The canola crop continues to improve and develop rapidly. Approximately 90% of the canola crop is podded with about 10% mature.   Approximately 10% of the corn crop is tasseling, 80% is at the blister stage of growth and 10% is at the milk stage. In soybeans, 100% of the crop is podded. In flax, 95% of the flax crop is at the boll stage of growth and 5% is mature.   Rain over the weekend has halted haying and silage operations. Second cut harvest is seeing average yields and native hay is also being harvested. Some late seeded annual crops intended for grain are being considered for silage harvest or greenfeed. The recent rainfall was welcome for pasture growth. Water supplies are adequate.   Central Region In the Central Region, moderate to cool temperatures for the week allowed for good harvest progress. However, rainfall impacted the whole region on the weekend with precipitation amounts ranging from almost none along the south central part of the region to as much as 85 mm on the eastern side. The precipitation was welcome for the later maturing crops like soybeans and corn, including some acres that were showing symptoms of moisture stress. However, wet field conditions in some areas will impact harvest operations. Fields in the northern part of the region are soft and more difficult to access with machinery. Strong winds were also reported during the day on Sunday but there are no reports to date of significant crop damage.   Cereal crop harvest has progressed. Wheat harvest is reported at 40 to 80% complete with the Red River Valley being the most advanced. Harvest of winter wheat and fall rye is almost complete. Yields of winter wheat are reported in the 55 to 90 bu/acre range; average is expected to be in the 65 to 75 bu/acre range. Spring wheat harvest continues, with higher yields in the general purpose/feed wheat varieties. Quality is generally good, but variability is noted due to lodging. Red spring wheat protein contents are ranging from 12 to 15%, while general purpose/feed wheat ranges from 11 to 13%. Harvest management applications continue in spring wheat fields.   There is a wide range in canola development due to the varied seeding dates. Combining of canola is well underway in the Red River Valley with as much as 40% of the crop harvested. Most canola fields on the escarpment are just being swathed as a result of late spring frost and reseeding. Early yield reports are variable, with the best looking fields yielding 40 to 50 bu/acre, while fields that struggled are as low as 30 bu/acre.   Sunflowers are still flowering; monitoring continues for insects. Sunflower beetle numbers are low, while lygus bug numbers are at threshold levels or higher, and most fields are sprayed. Corn has benefitted from the recent rain. Most soybean fields are finished flowering. Some fields in the Red River Valley are showing increasing symptoms due to excess moisture and subsequent root rots. Conversely, fields on the west side of the escarpment were showing signs of moisture stress and should benefit from the weekend rain. Some of the earliest seeded fields are seeing leaf colour change. Reports of soybean aphids have not increased, and most fields are well below threshold level; only the odd field required an insecticide application.   Edible beans are starting to turn indicating advanced maturity stage and some fields are being cut. Pea fields are mature and many are already harvested. Harvesting of some fields is being delayed due to wet field conditions. Some fields have been cultivated, following harvest.   Second cut hay harvest is mostly complete. The wettest areas in the northwest part of the region report poor quality second cut; some is not advanced enough to take another cut and producers are waiting to see if there will be enough growth to warrant a second cut. Low lying areas and sloughs are being cut for feed when producers are able to access them. Pastures are rated good to fair.   Eastern Region In the Eastern Region, weather early in the week was mostly sunny with cooler temperatures. Warmer weather returned as the week progressed. However, on Friday and into the weekend, thunderstorms resulted in precipitation ranging from 25 mm to 178 mm, with the most impacted areas north of Caliento to Sandilands, east of Vita and Beausejour. Oakbank, Stead and Winnipeg Beach areas also received hail.   Winter wheat harvesting is 90% complete overall with most fields in central and northern districts completed with an average yield of 70 bu/acre and average quality. Spring wheat harvest is 50% complete with the greatest progress in central and northern districts and an average yield of 60 bu/acre with average quality. Thus far, reported protein levels range from 13 to 15% and low fusarium damaged kernel levels. About 25% of the oat crop is harvested with an average yield of 110 bu/acre with average quality. About 10% of the canola is harvested with an average yield of 55 bu/acre with average quality. Swathing or preharvest herbicide applications in canola are in full swing as the crop is maturing quickly.   Soybeans are primarily in the R6 growth stage. Sunflowers are in R6 to R7 growth stages with corn in the blister (R2) growth stage.   Pasture conditions are rated at 80% good, 10% fair and 10% poor. Haying is in full swing with 90% of the greenfeed and native hay harvested. Some producers are still dealing with wet hay fields. Some spring cereal crops that were recently damaged by hail are being baled for feed. Currently, hay supplies are rated at 20% surplus and 80% adequate. Straw, greenfeed and feed grain supplies are all rated as adequate. Availability of livestock water is also adequate.   Interlake Region Cool, dry conditions were experienced throughout the Interlake Region early last week. During Friday evening and Saturday morning, heavy rainfall occurred. Rainfall amounts varied throughout the Interlake Region, ranging from 15 to 80 mm; Eriksdale, Selkirk and Teulon received 50 to 80 mm of rainfall during the weekend. Pea sized hail was also reported in the Teulon area; shattering in canola occurred as a result. For areas that received heavy rainfall, field travel will be impacted and will slow down the progress of harvest.   Harvest is estimated at 10 to 15% complete. Harvesting of spring cereals and canola fields occurred during week. Reports of spring wheat yields ranging from 50 to 75 bu/acre with protein levels around 14.0%. Oat yields range from 100 to 115 bu/acre. Canola yields range from 35 to 40 bu/acre.   Harvesting of most forage grass seed fields is complete. Soybeans are in the R6 growth stage, corn is in the blister (R2) stage and sunflowers in the R6 to R7 stage.   Cooler temperatures and scattered showers brought a reprieve from the grasshopper pressure in pastures and weevil damage in hay fields. Pastures are holding out fairly well. Greenfeed and silage harvest is in full swing with average yields.   Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:20:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=320 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=319 CNS is reporting that  . . . Western Canadian farmers are seeing higher-quality wheat crops this year, which would help meet pent-up demand for quality within the market. However, producers might not reap the rewards as much as they would like, one market analyst warns. Wheat buyers will be looking for better-quality and higher-protein wheat, since Canada disappointed on some of those fronts last year, said Neil Townsend, director of market research at G3 Global Grains in Winnipeg.   See full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/higher-quality-wheat-likely-in-store-for-prairies Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:07:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=319 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=318 The imagery from the Crop Condition Assessment Program shows continued crop improvement.  The August 23rd image displays most regions approaching "normal."   An image from August 9th shows a much large and consistent "brown" or "below normal area." in Alberta.  Going back to July 6th, most of the prairies was "brown" or "below normal."     Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:56:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=318 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=317 With this week's win by WeatherFarm, they have now tied AccuWeather for the most wins in our weather forecasting contest. We have now completed 9 rounds of our weather forecasting contest (the first round did not include WeatherFarm, but the next 8 did).    Here are the Total points for the last 8 rounds (with Weather Farm) and then all 9 rounds (without Weather Farm).   Here are the ranked weekly results - by points that week (forecaster names then week #):   Here are our contest rules:   Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:11:47 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=317 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=316 The resuts from the 9th weather forecasting contest ending August 23rd are in - the chart below reveals the current contest results and the formula. WeatherFarm (using their results data, not Environmnet Canada's) had the best 3-day forecast - according to the rules we created without consulting a meterologist.  Consider this "for entertainment purposes only."  WeatherFarm has now tied AccuWeather for most wins at 4 each, Environment Canada follows with 1 win, and Weather Network has yet to register a win. The forecasts were captured at the same time, the day prior to the start of the contest, from the various forecasting groups' websites, for "Saskatoon, SK" Here are the current round's results:     Here are our contest rules: Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:07:07 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=316 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=315 CNS Canada — Statistics Canada released its first survey-based production estimates for the 2015-16 crop year Friday morning, with canola and wheat figures coming in at the lower end of expectations. But the grain trade is shrugging off the report, as it believes final production numbers for most crops will be larger than what Statistics Canada estimated in Friday’s report. “I think everyone in the marketplace is of the opinion that the crop conditions have improved since the survey was taken, so this crop is bigger than what the numbers suggest,” said Mike Jubinville of ProFarmer Canada. StatsCan pegged 2015-16 wheat production at 24.625 million tonnes, at the lower end of expectations and below the 29.281 million tonnes grown in 2014-15. The final number is likely to be about a million tonnes larger, due to improved weather conditions since the survey was conducted in late July, Jubinville added. As of Friday morning, U.S. wheat futures markets weren’t reacting to the report, as StatsCan’s estimate was very similar to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture projection for Canadian wheat, he noted. StatsCan pegged canola production at 13.343 million tonnes, in the middle of pre-report guesses, but down from the 15.555 million tonnes grown last year. “The StatsCan (canola) number is too low. It will be adjusted higher in the next two months — I think closer to 14 million tonnes. And our carryout will probably balloon above a million (tonnes),” said Errol Anderson of ProMarket Communications. Because the production number for canola is likely inaccurate, the trade is dismissing the report and turning the focus back onto North American harvest conditions and China’s economic situation, Jubinville said. While there are worries about China reducing its purchases of canola due to its economic problems, he said he believes they’ll still be a large buyer of Canadian canola. “All the fearmongering that’s going on about economic turmoil in China restricting or curtailing their commodity purchases, I don’t think is going to apply to canola,” Jubinville said. “So they’re going to buy whatever they need, and going to eat up whatever extra production we add to this production number.” — Terryn Shiells writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting. Follow her at @TerrynShiells on Twitter. Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:47:07 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=315 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=314 With this week's win by WeatherFarm, they are closing in on AccuWeather for the most wins in our weather forecasting contest. We have now completed 8 rounds of our weather forecasting contest (the first round did not include WeatherFarm, but the next 7 did).  AccuWeather is out in front with 4 weekly-wins so far:     Here are the Total points for the last 7 rounds (with Weather Farm) and then all 8 rounds (without Weather Farm).     Here are the ranked weekly results - by points that week (forecaster names then week #):   Here are our contest rules:     Tue, 18 Aug 2015 10:48:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=314 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=313 The resuts from the 8th weather forecasting contest ending August 17th are in - the chart below reveals the current contest results and the formula. WeatherFarm (using their results data, not Environmnet Canada's) had the best 3-day forecast - according to the rules we created without consulting a meterologist.  Consider this "for entertainment purposes only."  AccuWeather still leads the contest with the most wins (at 4) and most total points, with WeatherFarm in 2nd with 3 wins, and Environment Canada in 3rd with 1 win (Weather Network has yet to register a win). Of note, this weeks score by WeatherFarm was the highest recorded to date! The forecasts were captured at the same time, the day prior to the start of the contest, from the various forecasting groups' websites, for "Saskatoon, SK" Here are the current round's results: Hetre are pur contest rules: Tue, 18 Aug 2015 10:43:55 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=313 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=312 Statistics Canada released our grain export destinations for June 2015 today.  Below are the total quarterly Canadian exports for three major crops (including June 2015):     Mon, 17 Aug 2015 16:10:14 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=312 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=311 Reuters is reporting that  . . . . France should produce a record 40.4 million tonnes of soft wheat this year after harvesting in the European Union's largest grain grower showed little impact from this summer's dry, hot weather, farm office FranceAgriMer said on Friday. The estimate was above an initial forecast of 37.9 million tonnes in early July, and at the top end of market estimates putting the crop at 39-40 million tonnes. Like other crop forecasters, FranceAgriMer said drought and extreme heat this summer that have hurt maize (corn) plants came too late to damage wheat that enjoyed good conditions earlier in its growth cycle. The previous record for soft wheat production in France was 38.2 million tonnes harvested in 1998. Last year, the crop reached 37.5 million tonnes. Mon, 17 Aug 2015 08:36:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=311 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=310 With this week's win by WeatherFarm, they are closing in on AccuWeather for the most wins in our weather forecasting contest. We have now completed 7 rounds of our weather forecasting contest (the first round did not include WeatherFarm, but the next five did).  AccuWeather is out in front with 4 weekly-wins so far: Here are the Total points for the last 6 rounds (with Weather Farm) and then all 7 rounds (without Weather Farm). Here are the ranked weekly results - by points that week (forecaster names then week #): Here is our points formula:   Fri, 14 Aug 2015 09:53:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=310 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=309 The resuts from the 7th weather forecasting contest ending August 13th are in - the chart below reveals the current contest results and the formula. WeatherFarm (using their results data, not Environmnet Canada's) had the best 3-day forecast - according to the rules we created without consulting a meterologist.  Consider this "for entertainment purposes only."  AccuWeather still leads the contest with the most wins (at 4) and most total points, with WeatherFarm in 2nd with 2 wins, and Environment Canada in 3rd with 1 win (Weather Network has yet to register a win). The forecasts were captured at the same time, the day prior to the start of the contest, from the various forecasting groups' websites, for "Saskatoon, SK" Here are the current round's results:   Here is the contest's points formula: Fri, 14 Aug 2015 09:45:47 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=309 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=308 Reuters is reporting that  . . . A U.S. government weather forecaster on Thursday raised the likelihood that El Nino conditions would last into the Northern Hemisphere’s early spring to 85 per cent, boosting the probability that drought-stricken California could see increased rains. The Climate Prediction Center, a U.S. National Weather Service agency, last month forecast an 80 per cent chance that conditions would last through early spring. The CPC still says there is a more than 90 per cent chance that El Nino conditions would last through the Northern Hemisphere winter. The new forecast marginally raises the risk that the El Nino phenomenon, the warming of Pacific sea-surface temperatures, will unleash a period of extreme and potentially damaging weather across the globe. Past instances have caused heavy rains and floods, hitting grain crops in South America, and scorching weather as far as Asia and East Africa. But one potential El Nino beneficiary could be California, where record-low rainfall has prompted water usage restrictions and contributed to the spread of devastating wildfires. “It definitely would increase the likelihood of heavy rains in the winter there, which would certainly improve their situation tremendously,” said Donald Keeney, senior agricultural meteorologist with Maryland-based MDA Weather Services. California could begin to get increased rainfall as early as October and definitely by November or December, Keeney said. Rainfall will probably not increase in the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington, which are also suffering from droughts, although they could experience higher temperatures like much of the northern U.S., Keeney said. The CPC said the effects of El Nino were likely to remain minimal across the contiguous U.S. for the rest of the summer but would increase into the late fall and winter. In Western and central Canada, an El Nino event is most often associated with above-normal temperatures and drier conditions during winter. El Nino would probably contribute to a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, the CPC said. That would reduce the likelihood of storms disrupting energy operations in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the agency said El Nino was likely to lead to above-normal hurricane seasons in both the central and Eastern Pacific hurricane basins. — Reporting for Reuters by Luc Cohen in New York. Includes files from AGCanada.com Network staff.   Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:29:31 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=308 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=307 The Globe and Mail is reporting that . . . Drones have long been used for military purposes, but Nova Scotia-based start-up Sky Squirrel Technologies Inc. has found a more peaceful use for the technology.  Sky Squirrel deploys small drones equipped with infrared cameras to cruise the skies over vineyards, sending back images that help growers monitor for moisture level, disease, rot, insect damage and general crop health – all things that contribute to the quality of the grapes and the resulting wine.  In the past, farmers would have had to walk their fields, taking samples back to send off to the lab. “If you have hundreds of acres, that is just not feasible,” says Richard van der Put, the Swiss-born co-founder and chief technology officer for Sky Squirrel.  In comparison, the company’s drone technology takes as many as 500 images during a single flight. “Our clients send the images to us via the cloud and we combine them into a map,” says van der Put. “Then we use a specialized image algorithm that allows us to assess crop health.” With the help of GPS positioning on their mobile devices, farmers, “can see where they are currently in the field and correlate that with the analysis” to pinpoint areas of concern, van der Put says.  The result: One client managed to reduce his water usage by a third. And the system has proven 97 per cent effective at detecting diseases like Flavesence Dorée – which mainly affects European vineyards. It also picks up leafroll – a disease that can devastate vineyards, wiping out 30 to 50 per cent of the crop. . . ..  Other companies have focused on technology with a wider application. Manitoba-based Farmers Edge Precision Consulting Inc. got its start in founder Wade Barnes’s basement 10 years ago with a general focus on precision agriculture and agronomics – basically using comprehensive data to boost farmers’ yields and lower their fertilizer usage. The company uses satellite images to identify where to plant, how much fertilizer to use and when and how much to irrigate – allowing farmers to increase yields and lower fertilizer and water usage (hence costs).   Full story at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/farmers-use-drones-and-data-to-boost-production/article25943786/ Thu, 13 Aug 2015 09:05:20 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=307 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=306 With public consultations on farmland ownership rules wrapped this week, Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart is keeping an open mind about what legislative changes, if any, are needed to the Saskatchewan Farm Security Act. While admitting “he hadn’t a clue” what kind of changes respondents wanted, Stewart said the government would be “informed” by the results of the survey. “Depending on the results of the survey, we may deem that no change is required. So in that case, there would be no legislation,” Stewart told reporters at the Legislative Building Wednesday. But Stewart added: “There’s a fairly strong likelihood that we’ll find from the results of the survey that the respondents would like some kind of change. That being the case, we’ll have some legislation prepared to go in the fall session.” During the three-month consultation period, the government received nearly 3,200 responses to its survey on the issue, with 62 per cent of coming from farmers. Only six per cent of respondents were non-residents. Stewart conceded there will likely be some disagreement between farmers and business over the issue of farmland ownership by pension funds and other institutional investors. Full story at Regina Leader Post Thu, 13 Aug 2015 08:54:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=306 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=305 Bloomberg is reporting that . . . . Russia should change a levy on wheat exports that led to a slump in shipments last month, according to the local bakers and pig farmers the policy is trying to help. Sales abroad by Russia, the third-largest wheat exporter, fell 53 percent in July from a year earlier to the lowest level for that month since 2009, according to figures from grain carrier ZAO Rusagrotrans and the government. The drop followed the enforcement of the export duty to shield bakers and farmers of livestock from rising prices amid double-digit food inflation. “We support regulating exports,” said Valery Cheshinsky, president of the Russian Union of Bread Baking Industry. “But we don’t wish harm to anyone.”   The bakers’ lobby, whose members produce more than half of Russia’s bread, is joining the National Pig Farmers’ Union in supporting calls for changes to the levy, with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev seeking proposals on the issue by Sept. 10. Concerns include the possibility that Russian wheat farmers will sow less of the grain if exports continue to decline. The tax should be a certain percentage of the customs value of shipments or a fixed amount, replacing the current more complex formula, according to Cheshinsky. That would make the situation more predictable for exporters and allow flour millers to build reserves at the start of each season when prices are typically lower, he said. Full story is at https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-08-13/russian-bakers-want-change-to-wheat-duty-that-tries-to-help-them Thu, 13 Aug 2015 08:49:01 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=305 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=304 Luca Remmert's farm in Venaria, Reale, Italy is testing the New Holland T6 Methane Tractor technology, which  is being developed with the goal of making farms self-sufficient.   Methane would be 30-percent cheaper than diesel. And for farms that produce their own bio-methane, the costs of fuel would drop to nothing. Bio-methane is a type of gas produced by the processing of organic waste — something farms have a lot of. “When the machinery is ready, I will be among the first customers,” Remmert said recently at the farm, where New Holland was showing off the technology. The methane-run T6 would hit production in about five years, according to New Holland. For a farm to get the most savings out of it, it would have to be able to produce bio-methane, which has significant upfront equipment costs. In addition, the drive toward biofuels is being slowed by the sharp drop in the cost of fossil fuel over the last year. Tue, 11 Aug 2015 09:03:37 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=304 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=303 CNS is reporting that . . . . Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat cash bids across Western Canada were stronger during the week ended Friday, as basis levels and U.S. futures markets also showed some improvement. Average CWRS wheat prices were up by C$7-$10 per tonne over the week, with bids ranging from about $212 per tonne in the Peace region of Alberta, to as high as $225 per tonne in Manitoba, according to price quotes from a cross-section of delivery points across Western Canada. Quoted basis levels varied from location to location, but generally improved, to average about $24 above the futures when using the grain company methodology of quoting the basis as the difference between U.S. dollar-denominated futures and Canadian dollar cash bids. When accounting for the currency exchange rates by adjusting the Canadian prices to U.S. dollars, CWRS bids ranged from US$161 to $171 per tonne. That would put the currency-adjusted basis levels at about US$23-$33 below the futures. Looking at it the other way around, if Minneapolis futures are converted to Canadian dollars, CWRS basis levels across Western Canada range from C$30 to C$43 below the futures.  Full story and details are at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/prairie-cash-wheat-bids-edge-higher     Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:47:55 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=303 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=302 The August 9th view of rainfall is much better than July 9th.  The two maps below reflect the “percentage of normal rainfall accumulated” for July 9 and Aug 9.  Things improved from 20-60% of normal rainfall, to 80-100% of normal over most of the prairies.       Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:25:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=302 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=301 The gov't of Manitoba released today . . . Manitoba Crop Report: Issue 15, August 10, 2015     Weekly Provincial Summary  The 2015 harvest was slowed by the continuing wet conditions in Manitoba. However, some harvest operations did occur where field and weather conditions allowed. Winter wheat yields are ranging from 55 to 90 bushels per acre, with good quality. Swathing or preharvest management of the earliest-seeded spring cereal and canola crops continues. The return to warmer and drier weather conditions is welcome to aid in ripening of spring crops, continued growth in the warm season crops such as grain corn, sunflowers, edible beans and soybeans, and harvest operations.   Southwest Region In the Southwest Region, moderate temperatures and scattered thundershowers allowed for continued crop development as the 2015 crop approaches maturity. Rainfall amounts ranged from 15 to 50 mm and were fairly general across the region.   Most winter cereals are in the firm to hard dough stage of development; some fields in the more southern areas of the region are harvested with average yields reported. Early seeded spring wheat is in the soft dough stage and approaching recommended stages for preharvest applications, while some barley crops are being swathed. Symptoms of fusarium head blight can be seen in unsprayed fields of spring wheat. Leaf diseases are also visible.   Canola responded favourably to the moderate temperatures and recent rainfall. The most advanced canola fields are in the pod fill stage while most re-seeded fields are completing flowering. Disease levels in the early seeded canola appear to be at relatively low levels.   Most pea fields are beginning to dry down with some fields having preharvest products applied. Initial field pea harvest has begun on a few early fields with yields in the 40 to 50 bu/ac range. Flax fields are coming out of flower and have experienced some lodging after the recent rainfall.   Soybeans continue to respond to the recent rains and excellent growing conditions; majority of crops are into the R4 (full pod) to early R5 (beginning seed) stage of development. There are some reports of aphids in soybeans but the populations are below thresholds. Sunflowers are at full flower stage and corn is in the early grain filling stages.   First cut alfalfa and alfalfa/grass hay harvest have seen further deterioration with frequent showers and high humidity experienced early last week. First cut yields continue to be reported at 50 to 75% of long term averages. First cut is mostly complete and native hay is nearing completion as well. Some initial second cut alfalfa is harvested with yields average to above average with good quality. Greenfeed silage is harvested with average to above average yields reported. In the areas that received moisture, pastures are remaining productive. ‎ Water levels in sloughs and dugout have rebounded and are at 80 to 85% of capacity.   Northwest Region A major weather system moving through most of the Northwest Region over the past week resulted in amounts of at least 10 mm to over 50 mm of rain in localized areas. Soil moisture conditions are adequate in most parts of the region and excessive in some localized spots. Crops in the region are reported to be in good to poor condition. Some crops lodged as a result of the heavy rains and winds experienced over the week, especially canola. Harvest operations were at a standstill for most of the week.   Approximately 10% of the winter wheat crop is in the dough stage of growth and 90% is mature. About 5% of the spring wheat crop is at the milk stage, 90% in the dough stage and 5% is mature. Preharvest treatments have begun as conditions allow.   The canola crop continues to improve and develop rapidly. Approximately 15% of the canola crop is at some stage of bloom while about 85% is podded.   Approximately 90% of the corn crop is in the V6 to V13 stage of growth and 10% is tasseling. For soybeans, 10% of the crop is flowering while about 90% is podded. About 25% of the flax crop is flowering with the remaining 75% at the boll stage of growth.   Crop insect pest activity throughout the region continues to be low.   Haying operations were delayed over the past week due to spotty showers. Harvest of cereals for greenfeed and silage has begun and will continue with the better weather forecast for this week. Pastures are in good condition with adequate moisture. Water supplies on pasture are good.    Central Region In the Central Region, moderate temperatures and humid weather conditions continued through the week, with warmer temperatures on the weekend. Unsettled conditions resulted in showers and thundershowers and rainfall amounts varied from a few millimetres to 60 mm. Most areas have adequate moisture for excellent growing conditions. Lodging is prevalent in cereals and some canola fields, and sunflowers where poor root systems were a result of prolonged wet conditions.   Cereal crops throughout the region look good. Harvest will be a challenge in many spring wheat fields due to lodging, and yield loss of some degree is expected. Fusarium head blight levels appear to be much lower than last year in both winter and spring wheat.   Harvest of winter wheat and fall rye has begun; much of the crop is harvested in the eastern part of the region. Early yields of winter wheat are reported in the 55 to 90 bu/ac range; average is expected to be in the 65 to 75 bu/ac range, with decent quality in most cases. Some spring wheat was harvested; no yield reports to date. Harvest management applications continue in spring wheat fields. Some fields are soft, as lodged crop is preventing good drying conditions.   There is a wide range in canola development due to the varied seeding dates. Reseeded canola fields from the late May frost are close to flower completion. Significant progress has been made in swathing in the eastern part of the region, with 25 to 40% of fields swathed. Swathing will become more widespread throughout the region this week. Many fields are lodged due to heavy winds, and harvest will be a struggle.   Sunflowers are growing well and are flowering. Monitoring continues for insects, and staging is being done for fungicide application. Sunflower beetle numbers are low; lygus numbers are at threshold levels and higher, and most fields have been sprayed. Corn is growing rapidly and fields are into grain filling stages of development.   Soybeans continue to flower and form pods. Some fields are showing increasing damage due to excess moisture and subsequent root rots. Reports of soybean aphids are becoming more common, and while most fields are below economic threshold, the odd field is at the 250 aphids/plant and increasing, and will be sprayed. Beneficial insects are easily found in most fields, and are keeping pest populations in check.   Edible beans are flowering and podding. With recent heavy rains, some fields are showing stress symptoms of yellowing. Overall most fields look good.  Pea fields are starting to mature; some are ready to harvest, but are being delayed where field conditions are wet.   Hay harvest continues but has been difficult with the high humidity and recent rains. Second alfalfa hay cut is occurring with reasonably good yields. Greenfeed is also being cut for forage. Pastures have good growth due to abundant rain and warmer temperatures. Some areas would benefit from additional rain.   Eastern Region In the Eastern Region, the weather during the previous week was highly variable. Rainfall accumulations ranged from 15 to 40 mm. The week had normal to below normal temperatures with some cool evenings. Some isolated hailstorms occurred in the southern districts of the region. Across the Eastern Region, fields continue to show evidence of standing water and areas where crop is drowned out and is more prevalent in central and southern districts. Low areas in fields that have been harvested are showing some rutting from machinery. Soil moisture conditions on crop land are rated as adequate to surplus.   Spring cereal crops are in the soft to hard dough growth stages. Winter wheat is mature and harvesting continued between the showers; yields are reported in the 70 bu/ac range with some symptoms of fusarium head blight noted. Canola is pod filling. Soybeans range from R3 to R5. Sunflowers are in R5 growth stages with corn in the silking/blister stage of development.   There are increased reports of soybean aphids with populations building but still below economic threshold levels. There are increasing reports of phytophthora wilt in soybeans. Damage from sclerotinia is noted in canola fields that were not sprayed with fungicide.   Pastures are rated at 90% good and 10% fair condition as timely rains are allowing for regrowth. Currently, hay supplies are rated at 20% surplus and 80% adequate. Hay quality is rated as good. Availability of livestock water is adequate.   Interlake Region Heavy rain and hail were experienced last week in the Interlake Region. Precipitation amounts varied from 10 mm to just under 100 mm of rain in the Woodlands area. Temperatures stayed seasonal with temperatures ranging from 22 to 25oC daytime, and 11 to 16oC night time. There were reports of hail on Friday afternoon in the Warren area. The impact from excess moisture throughout the Interlake Region is starting to show as crops mature.   Harvest is very close to being in full swing in areas of the South Interlake. Producers are busy with preharvest applications and swathing spring cereals, peas and canola fields. Reports of winter wheat proteins ranging from 10.5 to 11.0% with yields of 65 to 75 bu/ac. Peas are being harvested with reports of 55 to 65 bu/ac yields in the South Interlake. Soybeans continue to fill pods and flower, sunflowers continue to flower, corn staging is at the VT to early R1.   Forage grass seed harvest will start this week as field and crop conditions allow. In most annual crops to date, insect pressure is low or not meeting the economic thresholds to spray. However, spraying in alfalfa seed fields is occurring as lygus bugs populations are meeting the economic thresholds.   Haying operations progressed quite well this past week due to less shower activity. Less hay bales are being wrapped for silage and more hay is being baled dry. Producers are cutting annual crops for greenfeed. Pastures are still holding up fairly well due to the past four weeks of shower activities. Foxtail barley and some other unpalatable species are becoming more noticeable in pastures due to selective grazing. Availability of water for livestock consumption remains adequate.   Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:59:08 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=301 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=300 Today's new imagery reveals that things have hle dtheir ground - with more blue areas (good) and the brown being pushed out (well, at least for SK and MB).  To see how much things have changed, see https://www.flaman.com/blog.php?id=225&title=Crop conditions improving a lot Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:26:14 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=300 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=299 We have now completed six rounds of our weather forecasting challenge (the first round did not include WeatherFarm, but the next 6 did).  AccuWeather is out in front with 4 weekly-wins so far: Here are the Total points for the last 5 rounds (with Weather Farm) and then all 6 rounds (without Weather Farm).     Here are the ranked weekly results - by points that week (forecaster names then week #): Mon, 10 Aug 2015 09:57:17 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=299 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=298 The resuts from the 6th weather forecasting contest ending August 7th are in - the below charts reveal the current contest results and the formula. AccuWeather had the best 3-day forecast - according to the rules we created without consulting a meterologist.  Consider this "for entertainment purposes only."  AccuWeather leads the contest with the most wins (at 4) and most total points.  Environment Canada and WeatherFarm also have 1-win each. The forecasts were captured at the same time, the day prior to the start of the contest, from the various forecasting groups' websites, for "Saskatoon, SK" Here are the current round's results: Here are the contest rules: Mon, 10 Aug 2015 09:52:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=298 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=297 Things continue to improve!  More dark blue (higher than normal vegetation), and the brown (much lower than normal) has almost been entirely squeezed out of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.   Thu, 06 Aug 2015 12:26:29 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=297 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=296 The Saskatchewan crop report from today reveals that . . . (note the weekly rainfall map at bottom, followed by an old then current crop mositure conditions - things are much improved!) Harvest has begun in some parts of the province, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report.  Less than one per cent of the provincial crop has been combined, while one per cent is ready to straight-cut. Twenty-three per cent of fall rye, 10 per cent of winter wheat, five per cent of field peas and two per cent of lentils are now in the bin.  Two per cent of canola is now swathed.  The province received a lot of rain last week, which has lodged many crops and flooded some fields and yards. Topsoil moisture conditions have improved in many areas, thanks to rainfall that ranged from small amounts to well over six inches.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as four per cent surplus, 69 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and three per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 58 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and seven per cent very short. Livestock producers now have 80 per cent of the hay crop baled or put into silage, while an additional 12 per cent is cut and will soon be ready for baling.  Hay quality is rated as three per cent excellent, 53 per cent good, 36 per cent fair and eight per cent poor. Pasture conditions are rated as one per cent excellent, 32 per cent good, 38 per cent fair, 23 per cent poor and six per cent very poor. Some crops were damaged this week by strong winds, heavy rain, insects such as aphids and lack of moisture.         Full report at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/august/06/crop-report Thu, 06 Aug 2015 12:13:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=296 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=295 Statistics Canada released the June grain prices today. In Manitoba, Canola and Wheat prices were up slightly from last June, with Dry peas down slightly. In Saskatchewan, Lentil prices were up 53% from last June, with all of the other crops up slightly.   In Alberta, Canola and Durum were up dramatically, with the remainder up slightly.   When all months are considered on the long-term trend, all three provinces have resumed an upward trend on all crops.     Source:  https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/150806/dq150806a-eng.htm?cmp=mstatcan Thu, 06 Aug 2015 09:41:42 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=295 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=294 Bloomberg is reporting today that . . . Australia’s wheat harvest may be bigger than previously forecast as rain in the past month boosted the outlook for yields, according to National Australia Bank Ltd. Output may total 21.6 million metric tons this season amid better conditions in New South Wales and South Australia, agribusiness economist Phin Ziebell wrote in a report on Thursday. The bank had previously warned that El Nino risked reducing the crop to 20 million tons or less. Timely rainfall in spring, which starts in September, may further boost production to about 23 million tons, the bank estimates. Farmers and traders are assessing the impact of El Nino, which typically brings dry weather to eastern Australia and parts of Asia while altering rainfall in South America. The Pacific Ocean weather pattern continues to strengthen and will last into next year, Australia’s weather bureau predicts. The wheat crop is holding up better-than-expected as recent rainfall helped ease concerns El Nino would curb production, a survey of six analysts and traders compiled by Bloomberg shows.   Full story at https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-08-06/el-nino-defying-rain-seen-boosting-australia-wheat-yield-outlook Thu, 06 Aug 2015 08:36:49 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=294 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=293 Reuters is reporting that  . . . U.S. grain and soybean futures jumped on Wednesday as concerns about poor weather hurting autumn harvests fuelled a recovery from recent losses in the markets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in a crop report on Aug. 12, may trim its U.S. soybean acreage and ending stocks estimates because of excessive rains that disrupted spring plantings, traders said. Traders were also keeping an eye on weather forecasts amid worries that some growing areas may turn too dry during an important period for soybean development this month. “Additional risk premium is being added to corn, wheat and soybean futures ahead of critical U.S. supply updates from the USDA,” Chicago-based agricultural consultancy AgResource Co. said in a note. . . . . In the wheat market, Egypt, one of the world’s largest wheat importers, said it bought 120,000 tonnes of Russian wheat in a tender. U.S. wheat is seen as too expensive to be competitive on the export market. On Thursday, traders will digest weekly U.S. grain export sales data from the USDA. Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:36:35 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=293 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=292 Oil dip triggers global trouble spots Tuesday, 4 Aug 2015 | 4:22 AM CT Helima Croft, RBC Capital Markets, discusses how cheap crude prices are impacting oil-focused economies and whether prices are headed lower from here. Video is at:  https://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000403240     Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:53:36 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=292 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=291 Crop Report: Issue 14, August 4, 2015 Weekly Provincial Summary Winter wheat and fall rye harvest is underway in Manitoba. Preliminary reports indicate winter wheat yields range from 60 to 85 bu/acre, with low levels of fusarium damaged kernels in harvested samples. There are also a few fields of spring wheat, barley and field peas harvested last week. Swathing or preharvest applications in the earliest-seeded spring cereal fields has started. The majority of spring seeded crops are either grain-filling or podding, with some of the later seeded crops finishing up flowering. Full report at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonal-reports/crop-report-archive/2015-08-04-crop-report.html Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:47:54 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=291 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=290 We have now completed five rounds of our weather forecasting challenge (the first round did not include WeatherFarm, but the next four did).  AccuWeather is out in front with 3 weekly-wins so far: Here are the Total points for the last four rounds (with Weather Farm) and then all five rounds (without Weather Farm).     Here are the ranked weekly results - by points (forecaster then week #):   Here are the contest rules:     Tue, 04 Aug 2015 12:00:39 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=290 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=289 The resuts from the 5th weather forecasting contest are in - the below charts reveal the current contest results and the formula. Environment Canada had the best 3-day forecast - according to the rules we created without consulting a meterologist.  Consider this "for entertainment purposes only."  This was Environment Canada's first win - Accu Weather has won three-times and Weather Farm once. The forecasts were captured at the same time, the day prior to the start of the contest, from the various forecasting groups' websites, for "Saskatoon, SK" Here are the current round's results:   Here are our contest rules: Tue, 04 Aug 2015 11:52:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=289 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=288 Reuters is reporting that . . . .   Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has ordered the preparation of proposals on a grain export duty, following a meeting on the Russian agriculture sector on Monday, according to the government's website.   Medvedev, whose comments were published by the website, did not make any specific orders on the duty. The website also quoted him as saying Russia plans to have a grain crop of around 100 million tonnes this year.   Russia introduced a wheat export tax in July, intended to stop exports surging if the rouble drops steeply. Tue, 04 Aug 2015 09:55:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=288 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=287 Commodity News Service Canada – G3 Global Grain Group, a newly established agribusiness joint venture based in Winnipeg, has officially closed its investment in a majority interest in CWB, the former Canadian Wheat Board. CWB will be combined with the grain assets of Bunge Canada to form a new Canadian agribusiness, G3 Canada Limited, a news release from CWB said on Friday. “Combining the local market presence and global expertise of CWB and Bunge Canada Grain provides the opportunity to fulfill a promise to Canadian producers – to create a new and competitive alternative for the marketing of their grain,” said Karl Gerrand, G3 CEO in the release. “The name change to G3 Canada Limited represents another step towards our vision of building a highly efficient coast to coast grain handling enterprise, and I welcome the opportunity to work with the dedicated teams from G3, Bunge Canada and CWB, who have worked so hard to bring these transactions to a successful conclusion.” CWB’s President and CEO, Ian White, helped lead the organization through the transformational process, and is gratified with the investment outcome. “CWB is pleased to complete the initiative to commercialize. The capital investment G3 brings, as well as extensive operational experience, is a huge benefit to the sector, and we are pleased that Canadian grain producers will be able to continue to participate in the growth of the new company,” White said. Tue, 04 Aug 2015 09:43:51 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=287 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=286 Alberta Crop Conditions as of July 28, 2015 The continuation of moderate temperatures combined with wide spread shower activity throughout the province have placed crops are under less stress and crop condition ratings have stabilized at 30% rated good or excellent (See Table #1). The precipitation received this week has provided modest improvements to soil moisture ratings. Surface moisture ratings increased 2 points to 32% rated good or excellent and sub soil ratings improved 4 percentage points to 29% rated good or excellent. Most crops have completed their reproductive stage with only a small amount of late seeded crop remaining. Precipitation from this point onward will have minimal effect on yield potential but would continue to be very beneficial in kernel filling and seed test weight which would affect grade and ultimately price to the producer. The first yield estimates of the season (See Table #2) have been published. These estimates are provided based upon extremely limited information at this time and will be updated bi-weekly. Current provincial estimates are approximately 25 – 30% below the average of the past 5 years though it should be noted that 2 of those years (2013 & 2014) produced the highest average yields ever reported for the province. Hay and pastures continue to green up with the moisture and growth has restarted. First cut dryland haying is 90% complete with poor yields and so-so quality as only 65% of the crop is rated as good or excellent. 2nd cut irrigated haying is 20% completed with average yields and very good quality. Hay/pasture ratings have improved slightly this week to 44% poor (-4), 38% fair (no change), 18% good (+4), 1% excellent (no change).   Full report at https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sdd15453 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 13:06:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=286 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=285 Reuters is reporting that . . . U.S. spring wheat yield projections highest ever Average yield seen at 49.9 bushels per acre Fargo, N.D. (Reuters) — Yield potential for spring wheat grown in the northern U.S. Plains was projected as the highest on record, with the crop benefiting from timely planting and cool weather, according to results from an annual crop tour. Scouts on the Wheat Quality Council’s three-day tour of North Dakota, the top spring wheat state, and adjacent areas in Minnesota and South Dakota projected an average hard red spring wheat yield of 49.9 bushels per acre, exceeding the tour’s 2014 forecast of 48.6 bushels and the tour’s prior five-year average of 45.2 bushels. The forecast was the biggest on record, with figures dating back to 1992. Previously, the 2014 projection was the biggest ever. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/u-s-spring-wheat-yield-projections-highest-ever Fri, 31 Jul 2015 08:30:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=285 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=284 Released on July 30, 2015 Today, Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart reiterated the importance of the U.S. Senate’s outright repeal of Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) for beef and pork.   “Frankly, this issue has been dragging on for far too long,” Stewart said.  “The expense and loss for our cattle and hog producers has been significant.  The U.S. has had more than enough time to do the right thing and fully repeal COOL for beef and pork.  If COOL isn’t fully repealed for beef and pork, we will get to the point where retaliation is inevitable.  While the costs for both Canada and the U.S. will be enormous, the U.S. must comply with their trade obligations.”  The World Trade Organization (WTO) originally ruled in 2012 that COOL was discriminatory to Canadian hog and beef exports.  A final ruling by the WTO in May, 2015 reaffirmed that the U.S. COOL measure is inconsistent with international trade commitments.   On June 10, 2015 the U.S. House passed a bill that would allow for the outright repeal of COOL for beef and pork while avoiding retaliation.  However, a new Bill calling for voluntary labelling has stalled efforts to get the Bill passed in the Senate.  “The proposed solution of voluntary labelling as introduced by Senator Stabenow will not solve the problem,” Stewart said.  “This proposal is nothing more than COOL re-worded and will continue to result in discrimination towards Canadian cattle and hogs.   Saskatchewan will continue to stand alongside the federal government in its efforts to resolve COOL, including the implementation of $3 billion in annual retaliation if necessary.  “The federal government has been persistent in their efforts to get COOL repealed for beef and pork, and we thank them for their work,” Stewart added.  Since COOL was introduced in 2008, Canada’s industry has estimated damages to be in the billions due to price declines, lost sales and added costs   Full story at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/july/30/saskatchewan-calls-for-full-repeal-of-cool Thu, 30 Jul 2015 16:16:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=284 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=283 The Government of Saskatchewan is reporting that . . . . Released on July 30, 2015 Haying continues to advance in the province as livestock producers now have 67 per cent of the hay crop baled or put into silage. An additional 14 per cent is cut and ready for baling, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. Hay quality is currently rated as two per cent excellent, 46 per cent good, 44 per cent fair and eight per cent poor.  The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products. It is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing.  Topsoil moisture conditions have greatly improved in much of the province, thanks to heavy rains early in the week. Rainfall ranged from small amounts to well over four inches in some areas. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as seven per cent surplus, 62 per cent adequate, 25 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 50 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. Crops are ripening quickly, and the majority remains in poor-to-good condition. Harvest is just beginning in some parts of the province, with pulses being desiccated and some winter cereal and pulse crops being combined. Wind, hail, localized flooding and lack of rain have caused some crop damage this week. Moisture map Full report at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/july/30/crop-report-for-the-period-july-21-to-27-2015 Thu, 30 Jul 2015 16:13:25 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=283 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=282 The Government of Saskatchewan has published that . . . . Plastic Grain Bag Roller BMP Intent of BMP: Removing grain from grain bags often occurs during the winter months when snow and ice buildup can make it difficult to remove the bag from the field. Having access to a grain bag roller as the grain is extracted makes consolidation and recycling of the plastic easier and more convenient. The plastic also remains cleaner if immediately rolled which is preferred by the recycling industry. Recycling is an environmentally preferred alternative to burning, burying or taking bags to landfill sites.  This BMP will assist producers with the purchase of a grain bag roller. The intent of the BMP is to better manage, store and recycle grain bags thereby reducing the environmental risks associated with improper disposal. Funding Level: 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000. Application Type: Rebate Technical Resource: For more information on this BMP, please contact Financial Programs Branch at 1-877-874-53651-877-874-5365 For information about grain bag recycling programs please contact SimplyAg Solutions Inc. at 1-866-298-71-866-298-7222 Eligibility: Must have an EFP. Basic Eligibility Criteria Project Costs: Eligible Costs: Plastic grain bag stand-alone roller unit. Incorporated roller unit in a grain extractor if it produces a roll acceptable to recycle. Hydraulic components to connect to the tractor hydraulic system if not part of the roller system. Ineligible Costs: Costs for projects started prior to April 1, 2015.  A trailer to haul the stand-alone roller unit. Equipment for loading or hauling used plastic. Labour including applicant, employee or custom. In-kind labour costs to assemble equipment. Power units not built into the roller unit. Transportation of the roller unit from the dealership to the farm. Used or leased items or equipment. To be eligible, new items or equipment must be purchased from a grain bag dealer or manufacturer.     Article from https://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Plastic-Grain-Bag-Roller-BMP Call Send SMS Call from mobile Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype Thu, 30 Jul 2015 13:52:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=282 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=281   The list includes formerly popular varieties such as Katepwa, Harvest and Kane   The Canadian Grain Commission has announced that as of August 1, 2017, 29 varieties will no longer be eligible for of Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) and Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat classes. The list (below) of 25 CWRS and four CPSR varieties includes formerly popular varieties such as Katepwa, Harvest and Kane as well as Neepawa, which was once the check variety for the CWRS class.   The full story is here https://www.agcanada.com/daily/29-varieties-to-be-removed-cwrs-and-cpsr-classes Thu, 30 Jul 2015 09:45:51 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=281 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=280 The past few days' rain accumulation was several inches across a lot of the prairies.  The map below reveals the past 7-days' accumulation. This rain moved a lot of regions back to normal accumulation levels for the year.  The first image below is where we are at today, the 2nd was where we were at on July 1st (when compared to normal).   Wed, 29 Jul 2015 08:52:20 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=280 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=279 The Gov't of SK released tofay that . . . The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is reminding producers to vaccinate their livestock following confirmation that anthrax has been found in cattle in the RM of Harris.  Anthrax was confirmed by laboratory results on July 28, 2015, as the cause of death in one cow and is the suspected cause of death of two other cattle on the same farm.  This is the second report of anthrax in Saskatchewan this year.  Alberta reported a case in cattle in the Fort Vermillion area this week. Wed, 29 Jul 2015 08:41:55 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=279 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=278 Bloomberg is reporting that . . . The quality of some of the first wheat harvested by U.S. farmers in 2015 is the worst in at least 17 years, according to one measure, following heavy rainfall across parts of the Midwest. A report on Friday by U.S. Wheat Associates, a trade group, tracked the so-called falling number, a gauge of sprout damage in crops. The data was the worst since 1998, backing up comments from grain handlers about the condition of the soft-red winter wheat crop, which accounts for about a fifth of total domestic wheat output. “It was the worst crop we’ve ever had because of the rain,” said Kim Holsapple, grain manager for Total Grain Marketing in Effingham, Illinois, which operates about 30 elevators in the state. “The wheat we’re getting in now is just nothing but feed quality.”   Farmers will produce 393 million bushels of the soft-red winter variety this year, down 14 percent from 2014, according to government forecasts. While the most recent government estimate is for total U.S. wheat production to reach a three-year high, the state of the winter crop shows how quickly the outlook for crops can worsen because of adverse weather. Full story at https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-27/moldy-wheat-means-lowest-quality-winter-crop-in-17-years Wed, 29 Jul 2015 08:39:37 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=278 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=277 We have now completed four rounds of our weather forecasting challenge.  The first round did not include WeatherFarm, but the next three did.  Here are the Totals for the last three rounds (with Weather Farm) and then all four rounds (without Weather Farm).     The weekly results that led to these totals are:   The contests rules and format are: Tue, 28 Jul 2015 10:48:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=277 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=276 The resuts from the 4th weather forecasting contest are in - the below charts reveal the current contest results and the formula.  AccuWeather had the best 3-day forecast (again) - according to the rules we created without consulting a meterologist.  Consider this "for entertainment purposes only." The forecasts were captured at the same time, the day prior to the start of the contest, from the various forecasting groups' websites, for "Saskatoon, SK" Here are the current round's results:   Here are our contest's rules:   Tue, 28 Jul 2015 10:03:25 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=276 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=275 Canada isn’t in a recession.  That’s the conclusion of the country’s unofficial arbiter of recessions, the C.D. Howe Institute’s Business Cycle Council, made up of 12 prominent economists.  After meeting last week, the council determined that “data did not provide evidence that Canada had entered an economic downturn,” according to a statement being released Tuesday by the C.D. Howe Institute, an independent think tank based in Toronto.  The council, made up of current and former bank chief economists as well as academics, said it based its assessment on a review of recent data on gross domestic product, employment and “sectoral activity.” “The council noted weak GDP data in the first four months of 2015, primarily associated with low oil prices and falling investment in the energy and some other resource sectors,” according to the statement.  At the same time, it highlighted “resilience” in labour markets, including positive job growth and a steady employment rate.   The full story is at:   Canada had weak first 4 months but not in a recession, economists say BARRIE McKENNA OTTAWA — The Globe and Mail Published Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2015 12:00AM EDT Last updated Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2015 10:02AM EDT       Tue, 28 Jul 2015 09:00:37 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=275 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=274 BMO Bank of Montreal Announces Western Canada Drought Relief Program for Farmers CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 27, 2015) - BMO Bank of Montreal today announced a financial relief program to assist its commercial customers in Western Canada affected by the significant drought conditions in the region. "Across Western Canada, in particular Alberta and Saskatchewan, current drought conditions have the potential to negatively impact crop yields," said Steve Murphy, Head, Canadian Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. "While the impact of the drought will not be fully known until the crop harvest is complete this fall, we want to ensure our farmers in these affected regions have the financial support now to help alleviate any future challenges." The relief program for farmers impacted by the drought includes: Deferred loan payments. Reduced and/or waived fees on any application seeking increased or new financing accommodation. Reduced and/or waived annual banking fees. For further information, customers are encouraged to visit a local BMO branch, call 1-877 CALL BMO (225-5266), or visit www.bmo.com. For information on branch locations in your area, please visit the BMO Branch Locator: https://locator.bmo.com/. About BMO and Agriculture BMO's roots in the Canadian agricultural sector date back to 1817, when the Bank first began working with farmers to support and expand the agricultural industry, which has become a key driver of Canada's economy. Today, BMO provides customized loan, deposit, cash management and card payment solutions to Canada's agri-business owners. About BMO Financial Group Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of approximately $633 billion as of April 30, 2015, and more than 47,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets. Media Contacts: Matt Duffin, Toronto (416) 867-3996 matthew.duffin@bmo.com Internet: www.bmo.com Twitter: @BMOmedia Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:53:55 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=274 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=273 Reuters is reporting that . . . . Brazil is working on a deal to open the Canadian market for fresh beef in the second half of 2015 and is in the final phase of opening the Saudi Arabian market, the agriculture ministry’s secretary of international relations said on Monday. Brazil also expects a final deal to export beef to Japan by December, secretary Tatiana Palermo said. Brazil has recently clinched agreements to export fresh beef to China and the United States, overcoming mad cow concerns in 2012. Mon, 27 Jul 2015 16:25:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=273 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=272 The July 26 crop condition assessment imagery reveals that the recent rains have helped a lot of areas' crops.  The July 26 image portrays less brown with more yellow and blue regions, than say the July 5 image (both provided below).  This means that in comparison to previous years, more areas are starting to look similar and some even better than normal.     Mon, 27 Jul 2015 14:49:08 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=272 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=271 Today's Manitoba crop report is . . . . Generally, the condition of most crop types is rated as good in Manitoba.  The continuing hot and humid weather conditions are advancing crops quickly. Harvest of winter wheat and fall rye is expected to start this week. To date, low disease pressure is noted in the winter cereal crops. Thunderstorms of varying severity resulted in excess moisture, hail activity and lodging of crops across some areas of Manitoba. Precipitation to date looks good too:   Full report at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonal-reports/crop-report-archive/2015-07-27-crop-report.html Mon, 27 Jul 2015 14:34:39 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=271 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=270 The Government of Saskatchewan released today ...... There are two weeks left to participate in the farmland ownership survey. Consultations run until Monday, August 10.  As of July 24, 2015, more than 1,700 surveys have been received.  The information collected will help the Government of Saskatchewan determine who should be allowed to own farmland in Saskatchewan.  “We are pleased with the amount of participation to date,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said.  “That being said, there is still time left to take part, and I encourage everyone interested to have their say.  The more people who participate, the fuller our understanding will be of public opinion regarding farmland ownership in our province. It will help ensure that we make the best decisions for the people of Saskatchewan.” Once consultations end, survey results and comments will be posted online in the fall of 2015.  Names, addresses and all other identifying information will be removed before results are published.  After the results have been analyzed, decisions will be made regarding next steps.  The survey can be completed online at www.Saskatchewan.ca/farmland.  Paper copies are available at Ministry of Agriculture Regional Offices and can be requested by calling the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.  An education document accompanies the survey to give participants information regarding the existing legislation surrounding farmland ownership in the province. Mon, 27 Jul 2015 11:00:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=270 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=268 Reuters is reporting that . . . . The harvest is moving northwards in both France and the second biggest producer Germany, but has yet to start in Britain where rain has been too late to arrive to help the crop much. Storms have slowed the Polish harvest.   French trade and analyst's soft wheat crop forecasts are now around 37.5-38.5 million tonnes against 37.5 million in 2014, above estimates of around 36.5-37 million tonnes during a heatwave and dryness in mid-July. Protein levels were reported to be good in southwest France, but disappointing in a belt crossing France between the Atlantic port of La Pallice to the German border. Other quality criteria such as Hagberg falling numbers and humidity were reported to be good nationwide. Agritel forecast Germany's crop at 24.9 million tonnes, down 10 percent on 2014.   In Britain prolonged dry weather could crimp yields. Full story at https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/24/europe-wheat-harvest-idUSL5N10428T20150724 Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:43:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=268 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=267 The Government of Alberta is reporting that Over the past week most of the province received upwards of 20 mm of rain, which helped dry areas and somewhat alleviated moisture stress on cereals and oilseeds crops. Localized areas around Calgary, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Valleyview/High Prairie and Smoky Lake received over 50 mm of precipitation. Scattered hail storms were reported in a few areas with some crop damage. Areas missed by the recent rains included northern and western parts of the Peace Region and the south east area of the South Region, where both locations received less than 10 mm of rain. Due to the recent rainfall, surface soil moisture ratings across the province improved by 10 per cent this week to 30 per cent good to excellent. However, soil moisture conditions remain extremely low through many areas, especially north of Edmonton and through much of northern and eastern Peace Region. Sub-surface soil moisture conditions are on par with last week, rated as 28 per cent poor, 47 per cent fair, 23 per cent good and two per cent excellent (see Table 1). Significant rain would still be welcome to help crops fill as well as improve hay and pasture conditions, especially in the areas with low soil moisture reserves. Provincially, crop growing conditions did not changed significantly from last week and are rated as 27 per cent poor, 43 per cent fair, 29 per cent good and one per cent excellent. Spring wheat is rated as 26 per cent poor, 41 per cent fair, 32 per cent good and one per cent excellent, and canola is at 33 per cent poor, 42 per cent fair, 24 per cent good and one per cent excellent (see Table 2). Some producers are cutting crops for greenfeed in anticipation of low winter feed supplies. Tame hay and pasture continue to show the full effects of the dry spring and summer conditions, although the recent rain helped turn pasture green in some regions. Provincially, hay and pasture conditions are reported as 48 per cent poor, 38 per cent fair and 14 per cent good. Grasshoppers remain an issue in many areas across the province, with the most damage being reported in the Peace Region. Full report at https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sdd15443 Fri, 24 Jul 2015 14:25:32 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=267 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=265 Reuters is reporitng that  . . . Western Canada spring wheat, durum and canola yields look to fall sharply from last year’s levels, due to hot, dry conditions, leaders of a crop tour said on Friday. The second-annual CWB Market Research Services crop tour pegged spring wheat yield potential in the region at 38.9 bushels per acre on average, down from last year’s actual yield of 45.7 bushels, and the smallest in eight years. The potential durum yield fell to 27.8 bushels per acre from last year’s yield of 40.9 bushels, the smallest since 2003. Canola yields looked to reach 29.3 bushels per acre on average, down from last year’s 34.4 bushels and the lowest in three years. CWB under-estimated crops on the eastern Prairies before the tour. After the tour, it raised its estimates for Western Canadian production of all-wheat to 23.1 million tonnes (22.02 million previously), spring wheat output to 18.14 million tonnes (17.25 million), durum to 4.19 million tonnes (4 million), and canola to 12.49 million tonnes (from 12.15 million). Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/cwb-tour-pegs-wheat-at-38-9-bushels Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:52:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=265 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=264 We've compiled the results from the first three week's of the weather forecasting conest.  The winner so far is AccuWeather, followed by The contest consists of grabbing their forecasts at the same time on one day, for the following three days, for Saskatoon, SK.  We then check the Environment Canada posted results after the three days have passed and calculate the results.  Weather Farm's forecast is actually for a site north west of Saskatoon, so we post their results in comparison to their site's actual weather results and those of Environment Canada's. For the first round, we did not include WeatherFarm - only AccuWeather, Environment Canada, and Weather Network.  So, we have results below for those included in all 3 rounds, then only the most recent 2 rounds.   Here is the formula we used.     Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:42:36 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=264 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=263 We've tabulated the scores for the third round of the "weather forecasting contest."  The third round was won by the Weather Network, followed by AccuWeather, then Environment Canada, and Weather Farm. The contest consists of grabbing their forecasts at the same time on one day, for the following three days, for Saskatoon, SK.  We then check the Environment Canada posted results after the three days have passed and calculate the results.  Weather Farm's forecast is actually for a site north west of Saskatoon, so we post their results in comparison to their site's actual weather results and those of Environment Canada's. Here is the formula we used.   We enter their forecasts into the below sheet and do the calculations.  Here are the current results: Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:25:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=263 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=262 AgCanada is reporting that . . .. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says ad hoc programs are not the answer should producers require assistance. “We don’t need ad hoc (assistance), we’ve got a very comprehensive system of business risk management,” said Gerry Ritz, speaking in Winnipeg last week. “There’s four different pillars in that, and of course crop insurance is first and foremost the first line of defence.” AgriStability will also be able to assist producers, said Ritz, noting that the five-year incoming averaging period the program relies on is designed to stabilize farm returns in years where production or profit fall due to poor weather or other factors beyond producers’ control. Ritz noted that crop insurance has also been expanded to include pastureland and forages, both of which have been affected by a lack of rainfall in many areas of Western Canada. The story goes on to speak about Tax Deferral For Cattle Ranchers in certain regions will eligible to apply the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision, announced by Minister Ritz on July 23. To defer income, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15 per cent. If this is the case, 30 per cent of income from net sales can then be deferred. In cases where the herd declines by 30 per cent or more, 90 per cent of income from net sales can be deferred, according to Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/look-to-crop-insurance-first-ritz Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:38:42 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=262 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=261 According to today's Saskatchewan Crop Report . . . . Sixty-six per cent of fall cereals, 68 per cent of spring cereals, 64 per cent of oilseeds and 63 per cent of pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Crops are ripening quickly, although the majority remain in poor-to-good condition. Lack of moisture and insects such as grasshoppers and aphids have caused the most crop damage this week. Hay quality is currently rated as two per cent excellent, 52 per cent good, 38 per cent fair and eight per cent poor. Hay yields on dry land are well below the five year average (2010-2014). Average hay yields on dry land are estimated to be 0.8 ton per acre for alfalfa, 0.9 ton per acre for alfalfa/brome hay, 0.7 ton per acre for both other tame hay and wild hay, and 1.3 tons per acre for greenfeed. On irrigated land, average hay yields are estimated to be 2.2 tons per acre for alfalfa and alfalfa/brome hay, 2.5 tons per acre for other tame hay, 1.9 tons per acre for wild hay, and 3.1 tons per acre for greenfeed. The full report is at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/july/23/crop-report-for-the-period-july-14-to-20-2015 Thu, 23 Jul 2015 11:35:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=261 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=260 Today's Saskatchewan crop report contains (as usual) a crop moisture map.  When we compare today's map to one from jsut three weeks ago, the changes are a welcome site.  There are far less dry and more 'normal' regions. The full report is at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/july/23/crop-report-for-the-period-july-14-to-20-2015 Thu, 23 Jul 2015 11:32:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=260 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=259 Statistics Canada released the June 2015 oil seed crushing data today. The amounts have level-off over the past few years.   However, June-only amounts continue to rise. Thu, 23 Jul 2015 10:18:28 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=259 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=258 Statistics Canada has released the June 2015 grain deliveries data. Compared to previous Junes, the deliveries were up dramatically for wheat and canola in Saskatchewan, while Alberta and Manitoba were along current trends.   Compared to previous 2nd quarter deliveries, deliveries average-out a bit and on Saskatchewan durum wheat saw a dramatic change.   And,.if you want to see the historical flow, here it is: Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:37:40 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=258 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=257 Durum, the wheat used to make pasta, has fared better against dry conditions than other major crops in a pocket of southeastern Alberta, crop tour scouts noted on Wednesday. Durum is typically planted in drier soils than spring wheat, but fields still looked surprisingly decent, given some of the driest conditions in decades on the Prairies. Yields looked to fall slightly below average in the area, said Justin Daniels, director of commodity risk management at CWB Market Research Services. “We haven’t seen a disaster yet in durum,” he said in drizzly conditions. The tour organized by CWB Market Research is travelling through Thursday on three routes across the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Durum stood tall and carried large heads of kernels in most fields. Quality of durum in Canada — the biggest exporter – may be more important than the crop’s size, given lower grades last year, said Courtney Boryski, a trader at U.S. commodity company Gavilon. Wed, 22 Jul 2015 16:22:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=257 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=256 The effect of this years dry weather is becoming increasingly apparent as the CWB crop tour moves into Saskatchewan. Lack of moisture is visible in southwestern Manitoba and southeastern Saskatchewan, the CWB tour found. However, dryness hasn’t been all bad in some areas — participants from the 2014 crop tour recall a field last year that was drowned out and covered in cattails. This year the same field near Hartney, Man. still had signs of moisture damage, but canola crops had improved significantly. Wed, 22 Jul 2015 16:19:40 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=256 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=255 Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast have announced the Ukrainian market has opened for beef from cattle under 30 months of age and ready-to-eat meat. In 2014 Ukraine lifted a ban on imports of other Canadian beef products imposed after Canada reported a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in 2003. Ukraine’s global imports of beef products in 2014 were $17.1 million Wed, 22 Jul 2015 14:37:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=255 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=254 Commodity news Service Canada is reporting that . . . CWB is estimating the Canadian canola crop will produce 12.18 million tonnes in 2015/16 (Aug/Jul), The projection is below a previous estimate from the company of 12.60 to 13.00 million tonnes, which was released in the June 25, 2015 Pool Return Outlook report. The CWB projection compares to average trade guesses of 13.5 million, the company’s supply and demand table showed. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) released their own supply and demand tables on July 21, pegging Canadian canola production for 2014/15 at 14.30 million tonnes. In 2014/15 Canadian canola production totaled 15.56 million tonnes, according to Statistics Canada figures.   Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/cwb-pegs-canola-production-at-12-18-mln-tonnes     Wed, 22 Jul 2015 11:07:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=254 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=253 Ag Canada is reporting that . . . As this year’s CWB crop tour moves west through Manitoba, crops have started looking thinner as the area has been drier than in the eastern part of the province.. Canola around Killarney doesn’t look good compared to its eastern Manitoba counterparts. Canola in western Manitoba is still flowering. The later bloom is likely due to reseeding, say farmers on the tour. One wheat crop around Boissevain looked better than others in the area, but signs of fusarium head blight could be seen on some plants. Wed, 22 Jul 2015 10:59:28 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=253 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=252 Qurom is reporing that . . . . Stocks in Store • Country stocks this week remained at 2.9 MMT utilizing 69% of the system’s working capacity. Space in elevators is good. Producer deliveries to primary elevators were 0.8 MMT in Week 49. • Total western port terminal stocks increased to 1.0 MMT this week, utilizing 57% of the working capacity.   Railway Car Supply • Railcar allocation plans were supplied by CN to Week 51 while CP’s allocation has been calculated using monthly reports to week 17. (see page 3 for details) Shippers report that rail service and order fulfillment continues to meet demand to Western Ports. Car allocation to Churchill is underway. Shipments • Year to date Western Canadian shipments from port terminal elevators at Week 49 are 23% higher than the same period last year and 29% higher than the 5-year average.   Full story at https://www.grainmonitor.ca/Downloads/WeeklyReports/GMPGOCWeek49.pdf Wed, 22 Jul 2015 10:56:54 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=252 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=251   A U of S crop scientist expects $8.5 million in genomics research funding will help prairie farmers grow better, more efficient wheat crops. Curtis Pozniak, who grew up near Rama in east-central Saskatchewan, will spend the next four years researching genomic tools to support wheat breeding after winning a national large-scale applied research project competition, Genomics and Feeding the Future. Pozniak and the National Research Council’s Andrew Sharpe designed one of three U of S-based projects to receive funding from the competition, which is designed to address the increased demand for food caused by climate change and a growing global population. Wed, 22 Jul 2015 08:58:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=251 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=250 The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is asking the federal government to allow drought-stricken ranchers to defer taxes on livestock they have been forced to sell due to dry conditions. The tax deferral helps producers retain some of the cash required to rebuild their herds when drought conditions abate. Wed, 22 Jul 2015 08:56:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=250 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=249 Ag Canada is reporting that . . . . A complete set of John Deere equipment for the first to crack 100 bushels on 50 acres Producing bigger crops on the same amount of land is the challenge for ensuring world food security. North American canola growers who want to meet that challenge now have an extra incentive — a complete John Deere equipment package if they’re the first to grow 100 bushels per acre on 50 acres of canola. Canola 100 is the first of a series of Agri-Prize competitions organized by Agri-Trend and sponsored by John Deere and Glacier FarmMedia. The competition is designed to inspire farmers to pursue innovative methods to grow a safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable food supply to better feed the world. The competition was announced July 21 at the opening day of Ag in Motion in Saskatoon. “Farmers have hit 80 and even 90 bushels”, explains Agri-Trend CEO, Robert Saik “so we believe the 100 bushels per acre is an attainable stretch that will involve farmers paying attention to every detail. This is why we are excited about partnering with John Deere and Glacier FarmMedia to bring this competition to canola growers.” The contest is open to any non-irrigated farmer growing spring-seeded canola in the canola belt of Canada and the United States. It’s open to any type of genetics and farming technology. The first farmer to produce a verified average of 100 bushels per acre on 50 acres of contiguously seeded canola will win a prize package of 100 hours each of a John Deere tractor, air seeder, high-clearance sprayer, windrower and combine. Canola 100 will run for three crops starting in 2016. If the 100-bushel mark has not been reached by 2018, the highest recorded yield will take the prize. For official rules (to be posted Sept.) and details go to www.agriprize.com Call Send SMS Call from mobile Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype Wed, 22 Jul 2015 08:45:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=249 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=248 The Australian is reporting that  . . . . Crude oil is likely to remain depressed in the year ahead as the major producers show no sign of altering their strategy of maintaining supply ahead of an expected pick up in global demand. The glut could get worse next year with the resumption of international sales by Iran following last week’s nuclear deal with the West, but the sustainability of any Iranian sales isn’t guaranteed. Helima Croft, RBC Capital Markets’ global head of commodity strategy, expects West Texas crude to stay in the vicinity of $US50-$US60 a barrel in the absence of significant production cutbacks. “Until you have Saudi Arabia, Nigeria or Iraq deciding to reduce production, we think WTI is kind of range bound,” says Ms Croft, who has worked at the US Council on Foreign Affairs and the CIA. “Increasing global demand can provide a floor, but to move comfortably above $US60 a barrel in WTI, we will need to see production come down materially.” Full story is at https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/markets/oil-price-outlook-dim-rbc-capital-markets-helima-croft/story-e6frg916-1227449805205 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 08:48:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=248 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=247 The Vancouver Sun is reporting that . . . Seven months after Canada’s first free-trade agreement with an Asian country went into effect, the deal is already boosting the first group of Canadian goods that had their South Korean import tariffs removed, officials said. Trade officials said figures showing Canada accumulating a trade deficit with South Korea during the first months of the free-trade deal are misleading, since the figures included coal, where the demand has softened. In a recent interview, Lee Kie Cheon, consul-general for South Korea in Vancouver, said the deal’s benefits for Canadian businesses and the economy can already be seen in a number of sectors. Among the commodities already recording gains: Canadian exports of canola (up 171 per cent in the first six months of this year), frozen pork (up 40 per cent up to May), and B.C. seafood (up 133 per cent from January to April). The Canada-South Korea free-trade agreement went into effect on Jan. 1.   Full story at The Vancouver Sun, JUly 20, 2015, Page A11 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 08:42:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=247 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=246 Ag Canada is reporting that . . . . Winnipeg — Ongoing assessment of the grain transportation system and better protection for small shippers are two of the eight recommendations made by the Crop Logistics Working Group (CLWG). They will now be submitted to the Canada Transportation Act Review for consideration. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was in Winnipeg Monday to announce the findings of the group’s final report, which he said “provides recommendations for improving the crop logistics system, including comprehensive input into the review underway.” Greater transparency in the rail market was another recommendation made by the working group, which was composed of 18 stakeholder groups representing growers, handlers and millers. “I think the biggest thing,” said Ritz. “Would be the data that railways aren’t sharing with shippers. They measure on what they supply, when it comes to cars, not what the market is actually asking them to deliver. There is a double standard there — they say their commitment is to supplying the cars they’re going to supply, not what’s actually asked of them.” Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/transportation-review-recommendations Mon, 20 Jul 2015 16:22:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=246 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=245 Manitoba is reporting that . . . Another week of generally good growing conditions continues to advance crops across Manitoba. Localized thunderstorms did result in significant precipitation amounts in some areas of the province, while other areas would still benefit from additional moisture. Disease pressure and insect activity continues to be monitored as the growing season progresses. Precipitation accumulation is good. Full story at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonal-reports/crop-report-archive/2015-07-20-crop-report.html Mon, 20 Jul 2015 14:38:48 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=245 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=244 Bloomberg is reporting that . . . . This is a new kind of heat. In more than 135 years of global temperature data, four of the five hottest months on record all happened in 2015: February, March, May, and now June.  This has been the hottest start to a year by far, according to data released today by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The record heat is likely to continue as an already strong El Niño weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean continues to intensify, ripping more heat into the atmosphere. This monster El Niño may itself be on track to break records. Results from the world's top monitoring agencies vary slightly. NOAA and the Japan Meteorological Agency both had June as the hottest month on record. NASA had it as tied with June 1998 for the hottest. All three agencies agree that there has never been a hotter start to the year than the past six months. See https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-07-20/monster-el-ni-o-makes-record-hot-year-look-inevitable Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:41:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=244 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=243 Less brown (bad) now and more green (good) than before.   Charts from https://www26.statcan.ca/ccap-peec/start-debut-eng.jsp Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:28:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=243 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=242 From https://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/MarketTrends Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:11:56 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=242 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=241   From https://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/MarketTrends Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:10:32 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=241 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=240 The resuts from the 2nd weather forecasting contest are in.  The below charts reveal the most recent set, followed by the previous, and then the contest results formula.  AccuWeather seems to have the best 4-day forecasts - according to the rules we created without consulting a meterologist.  Consider this "for entertainment purposes only." The forecasts were captured at 9:30 am the day prior to the start of the contest, from the various forecasting groups' websites, for "Saskatoon, SK"     Mon, 20 Jul 2015 11:54:28 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=240 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=239 CNS is reporting that  . . . With foreign governments urging Canada to open up its protected dairy, poultry and egg markets, the country’s provincial agriculture ministers are unanimously counter-urging in supply management’s defense. Pressure from trading partners and strong regional support in principle for supply management are nothing new. But Canada’s annual ag ministers’ meeting, held this week in Charlottetown, wrapped ahead of international talks starting later next week on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The TPP, a proposed 12-nation Pacific Rim trade deal, includes not only Canada but major dairy and poultry exporting nations such as the U.S. and New Zealand. Negotiators are to meet July 24-27 in Maui, followed by a ministerial meeting July 28-31. Canada also faces domestic pressure to stay at the TPP negotiating table, from beef, pork and grain producers aiming not just to expand but to preserve their access to TPP markets such as Japan. Mon, 20 Jul 2015 08:54:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=239 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=238 CNS is reporting that . . . With canola as the preferred stubble choice into which to seed winter wheat in Western Canada, it’s possible farmers will run into problems seeding this fall due to vast canola reseeding in early June. “The crop insurance said there was over a million acres reseeded (in Manitoba), and when you reseed, unless you were very early when you started, that’s going to put the crop back,” said Jake Davidson, executive director of Winter Cereals Canada. “If the canola is not off in time, it’s going to get in our way a bit as far as the seeding of the winter wheat goes.” Mon, 20 Jul 2015 08:52:31 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=238 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=237 CNS is reporting that . . . . CNS Canada — Wheat midge hasn’t been causing as many problems as first anticipated in Western Canada this year, as a dry spring hindered the pests’ emergence. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s wheat midge forecast, released earlier this year, initially showed high risk levels for the insect, but the dryness is hampering their effects on crops. “Dr. Bob Elliott’s work at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has shown that if you don’t get 25 mm of precipitation prior to the end of May, it will affect wheat midge emergence,” provincial insect specialist Scott Hartley said. “Although some areas did, like down in southeast Saskatchewan was probably one area that did, there are a number of areas that didn’t — it’s just been that dry.” Wheat midge populations need moisture by the end of May to trigger them to go into their pupal stage, so the dryness results in later, more erratic emergence. Crop development in Western Canada this year has also varied widely along with weather conditions, which has lowered the crops’ susceptibly to midge damage. Mon, 20 Jul 2015 08:50:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=237 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=236 EU wheat shows limited weather damage as harvest advances   * Wheat suffering less than spring crops from dry, hot spell * France shows good yields, protein a weak spot for quality * Upcoming north France, German harvests may show damage * Rain keeps Britain on course for above-average crop (Updates with latest French harvest data, adds pictures)   PARIS, July 17 (Reuters) - Wheat crops in Western Europe have coped relatively well with dry and sweltering conditions in the past month, keeping the region on course for a large harvest, analysts said. In the European Union's top wheat producer France, where harvesting is in full flow, results so far indicated decent yields, albeit shy of very high potential during spring. There was still the risk of damage to later-maturing wheat in the far north of France and in Germany, but recent rain had eased crop stress in Britain, the EU's No. 3 wheat producer. "Spring crops have been way more affected than soft wheat," Jean-Sebastien Jacquet, analyst with Strategie Grains, said. "As physiological maturity has been reached in many regions, the (wheat) production level is still satisfying," he said. Market concerns about weather are increasingly focused on spring-planted maize (corn), and less on wheat, which is mostly a winter crop in the EU. Strategie Grains, a consultancy, on Thursday lowered its EU soft wheat forecast for the second month in a row, shaving off 700,000 tonnes to put the crop at 140.9 million tonnes. That was close to the EU's official forecast of 140 million tonnes, which would be down from a record 149 million in 2014 but still one of the biggest-ever EU crops. In France, harvesting was starting north of Paris and the market was waiting to see if the weather impact would be more severe there. Some 38 percent of the crop had been cut by July 13, with field work just under way in Picardy, France's top wheat-growing region last year, farm office FranceAgriMer said on Friday, as hot and dry weather favoured a rapid harvest. Traders and analysts reported good yields. Consultancy ODA Group, which has been at the low end of trade estimates, said it increased its outlook this week by 300,000 tonnes to 36.7 million to reflect decent harvest yields. It said quality indications were mostly positive, marking a recovery from last year's rain-affected results, with the notable exception of some disappointing protein readings. Traders cited protein between 10.5 and 11.2 percent for much of the crop so far, which could force grain handlers to sort wheat to meet an 11 percent minimum often applied by millers. In Britain, wheat has benefited in some areas from recent rains, analyst Jack Watts of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board said. Watts said estimates for this year's UK wheat crop ranged from around 15.0 to 15.5 million tonnes, down on last season's 16.6 million but above the five-year average of 14.4 million. The first wheat crops in Britain are normally cut before the end of July, but the bulk of the harvest is gathered in August and the first half of September. (Reporting by Gus Trompiz and Valerie Parent in Paris and Nigel Hunt in London; Editing by Dale Hudson) Mon, 20 Jul 2015 08:45:53 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=236 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=235 CNS is reporting that  . . . An independent grain terminal in parched northwestern Saskatchewan has called off a planned share repurchase, to conserve cash against a possible drop in its grain handle. North West Terminal, which operates a grain terminal and ethanol plant just east of Unity, about 90 km southwest of North Battleford, said Thursday it won’t go ahead with the share buyback as announced in February. The buyback plan had called for NWT to repurchase about $800,000 worth of Class A and Class B NWT shares from shareholders, who are mainly local farmers. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/sask-grain-handler-cancels-share-buyback-in-dry-spell Fri, 17 Jul 2015 08:50:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=235 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=234 CNS is reporting that . . . . Saskatchewan’s dryness could likely mean an earlier harvest and smaller yield for pea and lentil crops this year, according to a regional crop specialist. That means new-crop prices will be supported, said Chuck Penner, president at LeftField Commodity Research. Old crops are disappearing, he said, and the market will become active as soon as farmers start harvesting. “Buyers are ready to take this crop as soon as it’s off the combine.” Pea and lentil prices will dip slightly right after harvest, he said, especially if farmers sell heavily, but he expects the market to recover after that. Shannon Friesen, a regional crop specialist with Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Moose Jaw, said lentil crops in the province’s west and pea crops in the province’s south are much more advanced than they should be. There are indications desiccation will begin in August, which means farmers will start harvesting soon after, she said. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/early-sask-lentil-pea-harvests-likely-to-support-prices Fri, 17 Jul 2015 08:48:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=234 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=233 CNS is reporting that  . . . Prices for durum in the Prairie cash market have been on the rise recently, but there are very few actual transactions being made as farmers aren’t selling. “The companies know that, generally speaking, farmers aren’t in the mood to sell, so they’re probably trying to maybe encourage deliveries of last year’s durum, so trying to get that out of the bins, which might be hard,” said Neil Townsend, director of market research services with CWB in Winnipeg. Cash prices for durum in Saskatchewan and Alberta gained between $20 and $37 per tonne during the week ended July 10, to range from $310 to $343 per tonne, according to data collected from a number of delivery points in Western Canada. Some buyers are also looking to lock in some new-crop contracts for high-quality durum, due to poor-quality crops out of Europe and Canada last year. Farmers, however, are still waiting for the market to move higher as drought continues to plague many growing regions in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/prairie-durum-prices-rising-as-farmers-arent-selling Fri, 17 Jul 2015 08:46:52 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=233 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=232 CNS is reporting that . . . The spread of leaf and stripe rust in southern Manitoba appears to be over. The diseases, which generally target cereal crops, were thought to have blown up from the northern U.S. in late spring. Fields near Carman and Killarney both tested positive for rust in winter and spring wheat. Recent warm weather, however, appears to have dealt the two rusts a deadly blow. “Not with this heat — rust doesn’t enjoy 30 C days, even though we’ve had precipitation; it’s just been too hot,” said Pam de Rocquigny of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development in Carman. She credited producers in the affected areas for scouting fields and applying fungicides where needed, as the main reasons for the diseases’ departure. The ag department’s focus now shifts to fusarium head blight, she said, as now is the time the crops traditionally show symptoms. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/manitoba-rust-diseases-dissipate-as-fusarium-appears Fri, 17 Jul 2015 08:45:27 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=232 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=230 CNS is reporting that  . . . Rye crops have been reacting to Saskatchewan’s heat and dryness by developing faster than they would normally be — but healthy crops elsewhere appear to be helping to keep global prices stable, at least for the time being. U.S. crops may stop rye prices from moving too turbulently, at least until Canada’s yield becomes more clear, said Roger Kissick, grain merchant at Linear Grain. “The U.S. also has a good crop of their own. This early in the season, those types of concerns won’t show up until later on,” he said. According to Kissick, considering the current values of other crops, rye prices are high — and the market will likely not be very active over coming months, until about Christmas. Right now, he said, average rye prices are between $5.50 and $6.50 a bushel. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/rye-prices-seen-high-but-stable Fri, 17 Jul 2015 08:42:54 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=230 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=229 Reuters is reporting that  . . . Changing diets in emerging countries will boost global demand for meat and dairy products in the next 10 years, shifting grain supply towards livestock feed as use of crop-based biofuel is curbed by lower oil prices, the FAO and OECD said.   In their annual Agricultural Outlook report released on Wednesday, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development confirmed a broad trend set out last year of moderate food prices due to production gains and less vigorous demand. They go on to say that . . . Animal protein consumption would in turn boost use of grains and oilseeds for livestock feed.   Animal feed demand would account for 70 percent of growth in world consumption of coarse grains - mainly corn (maize) - in the next 10 years, double its share in the previous decade when it lagged the near 40 percent contribution of biofuels, the report said.   Biofuel demand would be capped by lower oil prices, which have made it unprofitable, and ceilings in government blending targets, with the notable exception of Brazil which is supporting further use of ethanol made with sugar cane. Full story at https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/01/agriculture-fao-oecd-idUSL8N0ZH3DF20150701 Thu, 16 Jul 2015 13:26:22 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=229 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=228       SK CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD JULY 7 TO 13, 2015       Released on July 16, 2015   Livestock producers now have 32 per cent of the hay crop cut and 38 per cent baled or put into silage, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report.   Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 48 per cent good, 34 per cent fair and 14 per cent poor. Concerns about a potential hay shortage continue, as many hay swaths are significantly smaller than normal and pasture growth has been limited.   The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products. It is available at: www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing.   Rainfall over the weekend has helped alleviate moisture stress issues in some areas; however, more rain will be needed to help crops fill. Some areas received only small amounts of rainfall while others reported several inches. Topsoil moisture conditions have slightly improved in much of the province. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as one per cent surplus, 44 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 19 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 33 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 28 per cent very short.   Fifty-nine per cent of fall cereals, 62 per cent of spring cereals, 60 per cent of oilseeds and 58 per cent of pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Crop conditions vary throughout the province, but the majority of crops are in poor-to-good condition. Lack of moisture and insects such as grasshoppers and wheat midge have caused the most crop damage this week.   Farmers are busy controlling pests and cutting hay. -30- For more information, contact: Shannon Friesen Agriculture Moose Jaw Phone: 306-694-3592306-694-3592 Email: shannon.friesen@gov.sk.ca Call Send SMS Call from mobile Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:35:31 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=228 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=227 Alberta’s other oil industry got a boost Wednesday with the official opening of Cargill Limited’s canola crushing plant just outside Camrose. The plant has the capacity to process 850,000 metric tonnes of canola per year, turning out crude canola oil for food and canola meal for animal feed. Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:06:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=227 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=226 On July 10th, I downloaded the 4-day forecasts from Environment Canada, Weather Network, and AccuWeather for Saskatoon (see below images).  On July 15 I compared these forecasts against the data posted at https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climateData/dailydata_e.html?StationID=47707 .I created an accuracy formula - listed at the bottom of the results page - and applied this against on the forecasts based on the data.  AccuWeather came-out on top for both the three day and four day forecasts.  The results follow the forecats below.   Wed, 15 Jul 2015 09:50:56 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=226 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=225 The crop condition assessment program report's maps reveal much improved crop conditions.  A quick look at three map reveals the changes.  There is a lot less brown (bad) and more yellow/blue (good). July 12 July 5 June 28 Wed, 15 Jul 2015 09:23:44 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=225 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=224 Reuters is reporting that . . . . Hedge fund Paulson + Co. has taken a stake in Syngenta, and could push for the board of directors of the Swiss pesticide maker to accept a takeover offer from U.S. seed company Monsanto, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday. Monsanto, the world’s largest seed company, made a US$45 billion bid for Syngenta this spring that the Swiss company rejected. The U.S. company is still working on a deal and could decide to increase its bid. Paulson + Co, headed by billionaire John Paulson, became famous after betting that the U.S. housing bubble would burst. The people familiar with the matter asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly.   Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/influential-hedge-fund-takes-stake-in-syngenta Wed, 15 Jul 2015 09:06:22 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=224 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=223 Reuters is reporting that . . . .   U.S. food companies and other opponents of genetically modified food labeling notched a key victory on Tuesday as the House Agriculture Committee approved a measure banning mandatory labeling as well as local efforts to regulate genetically engineered crops.   The move demonstrates fresh momentum for those seeking to block mandated labeling of foods made with GMO crops, food industry advocates said.   "This... legislation will ensure that Americans have accurate, consistent information about their food rather than a 50 state patchwork of labeling laws that will only prove costly and confusing for consumers, farmers and food manufacturers," said Pamela Bailey, CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), said in a statement.   The group called on the full House of Representatives to pass the measure, which the panel approved in a voice vote, before the August recess.   Groups lobbying for mandatory GMO labeling said they are increasing their efforts to make sure that H.R. 1599, dubbed the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, never becomes law.   "The real fight will be in the Senate," said Scott Faber, executive director of Just Label It, an advocacy group pushing for mandated labeling. "This is from over."   Full story at https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/14/usa-gmo-labeling-idUSL2N0ZU1SA20150714 Tue, 14 Jul 2015 15:50:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=223 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=222 Reuters is reporting that  . . . For the first time in five sessions Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures landed in positive territory on Tuesday, helped by the turnaround in wholesale beef values, traders said. August closed 0.55 cent/lb. higher at 147.15 cents, and October up 0.6 cent to 150.325 cents (all figures US$). Tuesday morning’s wholesale choice beef price (cutout) gained 63 cents/cwt from Monday to $236.63. Select cuts rose $1.58, to $234.28, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/u-s-livestock-beef-price-upswing-snaps-skid-for-live-cattle Tue, 14 Jul 2015 14:59:56 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=222 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=221     90,000 ACRES OF CONSERVATION LAND MADE AVAILABLE TO CATTLE PRODUCERS FOR GRAZING       Released on July 14, 2015   Today Environment Minister Herb Cox and Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced that approximately 90,000 acres of Fish and Wildlife Development Fund (FWDF) land will be made available to cattle producers facing dry conditions.   “We recognize the challenges that dry conditions have created for some cattle producers and are pleased to make this land available for grazing,” Cox said.  “It will offer significant acres for cattle producers, and revenue generated as a result of this initiative will help fund future conservation initiatives.”   “We appreciate the Ministry of Environment making these lands available,” Stewart said.  “The extremely dry conditions of this spring and summer have left many cattle producers searching for additional pasture.  This grassland will help producers who are facing a shortage of feed for their cattle.”   The Fish and Wildlife Development Fund land, located throughout the province, are for the most part native prairie or other grasslands and are typically used for conservation purposes.  The land, which was purchased through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund, was also made available to producers in 2009.  While some of the available land has water sources and is fenced, much of the land will require temporary fencing or water.  Producers who are awarded access to FWDF lands are responsible for the cost and construction of any necessary improvements.   The same grazing lease fees that apply to agricultural Crown land will apply to the FWDF land.  The land will be made available on a first come, first served basis.  A list of available lands by rural municipality will be available on the Ministry of Environment’s website and at local offices.  Producers who are interested in securing the land should contact their local Ministry of Environment office as to availability, stocking rates and any unique conditions that may apply.   For more information, producers can contact their local Ministry of Environment office, visit www.environment.gov.sk.ca or call 1-800-567-42241-800-567-4224 FREE.   -30-   For more information, contact:   Michele McEachern Environment Regina Phone: 306-787-0412306-787-0412 Email: michele.mceachern@gov.sk.ca   Sarah Hein Agriculture Regina Phone: 306-787-5389306-787-5389 Email: sarah.hein@gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-527-9102306-527-9102 - See more at: https://www.flaman.com/blog.php#sthash.kcnaPvLg.dpuf Tue, 14 Jul 2015 09:12:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=221 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=220 One claim remaining from an unsuccessful bid at a class action suit by four Prairie farmers, over payouts to producers from the former Canadian Wheat Board, will be the farmers’ basis for a new filing. The four farmers, whose previous proposed class action was dismissed with costs in April by the Supreme Court of Canada, announced Monday that their lawyers served an amended statement of claim on Friday in Federal Court in Ottawa. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/farmers-play-last-card-in-planned-cwb-class-action Tue, 14 Jul 2015 09:06:53 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=220 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=219 Customers of Farm Credit Canada in parched areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan may be able to get breaks on their outstanding loan payments. FCC on Monday announced it would work with affected customers on “solutions for their operation(s)” such as deferral of principal payments and/or otherwise amending their loan payment schedules. The offer applies to farmers in “parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan facing financial hardship as a result of dry conditions.” The federal farm lender said it would also expand those offers to include customers in other areas “if and when the need arises.” Tue, 14 Jul 2015 09:04:31 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=219 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=218 The rain fall over the past 24-hours and then the prior 7-days is starting to add-up:   Tue, 14 Jul 2015 09:01:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=218 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=217 Canada and Ukraine have concluded a free-trade deal and Stephen Harper will announce the development when Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk visits Ottawa Tuesday, sources say. The trade accord represents yet another measure for Ukraine, the ancestral homeland of more than one million Canadians, from the Conservative government which has made aid to the beleaguered Eastern European country a focal point of its foreign policy. Mon, 13 Jul 2015 15:42:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=217 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=216 Manitoba Crop Report: Issue 11, July 13, 2015 From https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonal-reports/crop-report-archive/2015-07-13-crop-report.html Weekly Provincial Summary  Hot and humid weather conditions resulted in rapid crop growth across most of Manitoba. Generally, condition of most crop types is rated as good, although variability is noted across the province. Majority of acres and crop types have entered the flowering and grain fill stages of development. Although many areas did receive much needed rainfall, precipitation would still be welcomed in some areas. Good weather conditions permitted producers to make good progress with haying operations.  Yields are average to below average with good quality being reported.   Southwest Region In the Southwest Region, warm and humid weather conditions prevailed most of the week. Majority of crops in the region are rated in good condition. However, moisture is becoming a limiting factor in some areas of the region. Scattered showers over the weekend brought moderate amounts of precipitation. Killarney, Inglis, Birtle, Erickson and north of Neepawa areas received 35 to 40 mm, and Carberry area reports 65 mm of rain. Pea-sized hail was also reported in some areas and resulted in localized crop damage. Winter crops are in the grain fill stages of development and starting to turn. Most acres are rated as good with no major issues. Spring cereal crops continue to develop with more disease starting to develop on the flag leaf. Most producers have applied fungicide. There are reports of cereal armyworm in the southwest corner of the region. Early seeded canola crops are in full flower, with later and reseeded fields starting to bolt. Some producers are looking at spraying for disease management in the later seeded crop. Bertha armyworm counts are a little higher from the previous weeks but still below the economic threshold level. Sunflowers are in the early bud stage. No major issues are reported and the crop continues to grow rapidly with the excellent growing conditions. Corn is also benefiting from the hot temperatures. Soybeans are at R2 stage of growth, which is full bloom. Some fields are showing moisture deficiency. Flax is flowering. Peas are flowering, with 20 to 30% podding. Producers continue with first cut haying operations and yields are average to below average. Recent rains will impact hay quality if crop was cut and not baled. Pastures have been impacted by the heat and lack of rain, and in some areas overgrazing. Dugouts are 70 to 75% full.   Northwest Region Scattered showers throughout most of the Northwest Region midweek and again over the weekend resulted in rainfall amounts ranging from 12 to 64 mm in the Roblin and Swan River areas. The rain was very welcome and will help for grain fill, as well as the late seeded and reseeded canola. Warm temperatures have also advanced crops along rapidly. Overall, crops are in good to fair condition in the Northwest Region; The Pas is the only area reporting some wheat and canola in excellent condition. For winter wheat, 75% of the crop is in the dough stage. Maturity on spring cereal crops ranges with 40 to 60% heading out and 20 to 50% in the milk stage. Cereal growth in some fields is stunted due to dry conditions and moisture is needed for grain fill. Canola progressed rapidly this week with 90% flowering, although some late and reseeded fields are still in the rosette/bolting stage. Overall, canola ranges from good to fair condition, mostly because of dry conditions. Corn progressed rapidly with the warm temperatures and is also in good to fair condition.  Approximately 10% of acres are in the V1 to V5 stages, with the remaining 90% of acres V6 to V13. Soybeans are generally in good condition with 40 to 90% of acres flowering, some fields are podded. Peas and flax are in full flower throughout the region. Some spraying for Fusarium head blight and sclerotinia is reported. Due to dry conditions, disease pressure is generally low. Much needed rains for pastures and second cut hay fields were received over the past weekend in areas of the North Parkland and Valleys North. Haying is progressing with average to below average yields. Water supplies are adequate, although some dugout water levels are reported as low.   Central Region Warm and humid weather conditions continued for much of the week, allowing for rapid crop growth in the Central Region. Most areas have adequate moisture, and heavy morning dews are common. Unsettled conditions over the weekend resulted in scattered thundershowers. Rainfall amounts ranged significantly, from as little as 10 mm to as much as 40 mm. Most areas have adequate moisture for excellent growing conditions but variability across the region exists; some areas are looking for more rain, while others have standing water in low lying areas and ditches are running. Cereal crops throughout the region are rated as good, although many are lodged. Some fields have recovered however. Weather conditions are conducive for disease development in much of the region, and fungicide applications continue as crops come in to stage and where conditions warrant treatment. Winter wheat and fall rye are starting to turn as grain fill continues. There is a wide range in canola development due to the varied seeding dates. The later seeded fields will soon flower. Fungicide applications for the majority of canola fields in the eastern part of the region range are complete; the later reseeded canola will see application shortly, where moisture conditions warrant. Many of the most advanced fields are finishing flowering. Corn has recovered from lodging and is growing rapidly. Sunflowers are growing well, with buds forming. Soybeans are flowering and nodulating well. Most fields have grown through the yellowing of iron chlorosis deficiency. Wrinkling of leaves is evident due to the recent rapid growth. Edible beans are flowering and fungicide applications continue. With recent heavy rains some fields are showing stress symptoms of yellowing. Overall most fields look good. Pea fields are flowering. Potato and vegetable crops are being irrigated in the Portage area. Diamondback moth and bertha armyworm trap counts are average to low. Numbers are slowly increasing, with higher numbers in western parts of the region. Grasshopper nymphs are present at field edges and on roadsides, at average populations to date. Some hot spots from last season have seen control measures taken. Some armyworms were found in cereal fields, but not in sufficient numbers to warrant control, and most seem to be at quite an advanced stage. Ongoing monitoring will continue. Alfalfa grass first cut continues as weather permits. Baling progress is slow due to high humidity and rains; curing is taking more time. This week’s weather forecast may continue to delay haying operations. Hay yields are average to below average depending on factors including frost, winter injury, and drier conditions. Pasture growth is good with the abundant moisture and warmer temperatures. Alfalfa weevil damage is visible in some of the alfalfa/grass fields. Rain has replenished dugouts and water supplies are considered adequate.   Eastern Region Warm temperatures accompanied by high humidity levels and generally sunny skies contributed to good growing conditions last week in the Eastern Region. Localized thunderstorms and rainfall events of varying severity occurred throughout last week and over the weekend with accumulations ranging from of 10 to 100 mm. Rainfall amounts were generally higher in central and southern districts, and fields in these areas show more evidence of standing water and areas where crop is being drowned out. In these areas, some further crop lodging was noted as well as some recovery from lodged crop conditions which had occurred in the previous week. Soil moisture conditions on crop land are rated as mostly adequate to surplus with most of the surplus situations in central and southern districts. Development of spring cereal crops range from the late flowering to milk stage. Winter wheat is in soft dough. Canola development is ranging from mid-flower to pod fill. Soybeans range from V3 to V5 trifoliate leaf stages to late R1, nearing R2. Sunflowers are in R1 with corn ranging from V8 to V12. Post-emergent herbicide applications are almost complete with mostly late applications of glyphosate to soybeans remaining. Fusarium head blight fungicide applications to spring cereals are almost complete. Fungicide applications for sclerotinia in canola are also almost complete. In southern and central districts, more aerial application occurred because of field conditions. Reports of armyworms in cereals, forage seed crops, canola and soybeans were received with limited insecticide application occurring. There are also reports of diamondback larvae in canola with very limited spraying occurring. Threshold levels of sunflower rust were found in the Beausejour area and fungicide applications are occurring. Rhizoctonia root rot in some soybean fields is noted. Across the region, the majority of hay and pasture lands are in good condition. For first cut hay, it is estimated that 40% is standing, 30% is cut and 30% is baled or put up as silage. Quality is rated as good. The warm weather last week was welcomed as producers resumed haying towards the end of the week, flipping swaths to dry and bale. Pastures are generally in good condition. Availability of livestock water is adequate.   Interlake Region Hot temperatures and humidity were experienced throughout the Interlake Region. Scattered showers occurred throughout the week leaving trace amounts of precipitation. In the Arborg, Riverton and Arnes area, the lack of precipitation was welcomed as low areas of the fields still have standing water. Reports of 20 to 30 mm of precipitation occurred during the weekend in the Moosehorn and Ashern region, which was welcomed considering the reduced precipitation throughout the growing season. Fungicide application on spring cereals is still on-going, with the majority of acres being sprayed last week. Winter wheat continues to mature, spring wheat and barley is at or nearing the end of flowering, and oats crops are still being sprayed at the flag leaf stage on later seeded fields. Some canola fields in the South Interlake region are almost finished flowering. The hot temperatures are shortening the flowering period of the canola crops. Soybean crop staging is R1, and corn V7 to V10. Armyworms are being found in fields, with minor damages to the crops reported to date. Forage grass seed fields such as timothy are finished flowering. Alfalfa seed fields continue to bloom as leaf cutter bees continue to pollinate these fields. Scattered showers this past week were of benefit to hay fields and pastures. Conditions continue to vary considerably throughout the Interlake Region, with the east side being moist to very wet and the west side needing rain. The hot, dry conditions are allowing for hay to dry and cure however. Well managed pastures are showing resiliency to the drier conditions. Adequate water for livestock is noted. Mon, 13 Jul 2015 15:37:42 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=216 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=215 The Government of Alberta released today: Experience Alberta agriculture during Open Farm Days Albertans looking for a unique tourism experience will have the opportunity to visit farms and ranches during Alberta Open Farms Days, August 22 and 23.  Open Farm Days is a collaborative, open house event that spans the province and encourages Albertans to taste local foods direct from the producer and participate in a wide range of farming activities. “Farms and ranches are a critical part of our province and our culture, and they supply many necessities of life. With Open Farm Days, these farms and ranches are able to showcase themselves as a new type of tourist destination. This is a fantastic way for Albertans to experience a side of Alberta they may not have seen up close.” David Eggen, Minister of Culture and Tourism “This is a great time of year for a rural adventure at our province’s farms, ranches and wineries. It is great to see those from our province’s urban centres venturing out to the countryside and learning more about the many different aspects of agricultural life.” Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry “Ag for Life is committed to building an understanding and appreciation of agriculture and its role in our lives. Open Farm Days is a perfect way to highlight the diversity and beauty of the farms, ranches and rural communities in Alberta. We are happy to be working with the Government of Alberta again to help provide this wonderful event.” Luree Williamson, CEO, Agriculture for Life On Saturday, August 22, top local chefs will team up with producers to create unique and unforgettable farm-to-table culinary events using Alberta farm products. There is a range of costs to participate in culinary events. On Sunday, August 23, farmers and ranchers are inviting visitors to stop in and experience what life is like in the countryside. More than 70 participating farms and ranches across Alberta will open their gates to the public for a wide variety of agricultural experiences. Admission to farms is free, but there may be costs for some additional activities. Edmonton Northlands’ will also participate for the first time, offering a tour of some rural farms as well as a display site for Open Farm Days on August 23 where visitors will learn how to harvest honey from a bee hive or how to use milk to create fresh cheese. The bus tour is free but registration is required. For more information on the tours, farm activities as well as a full listing of culinary events and participating locations visit albertafarmdays.com. Last year during Open Farm Days, there were 61 host farms, more than 7,000 farm visits, and over $40,000 in on-farm sales. This year, there will be 17 culinary events and more than 70 host farms that will provide an authentic rural Alberta experience. The third annual Alberta Open Farms Days is a collaborative project presented by the Government of Alberta, Ag for Life, the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, Travel Alberta and participating farms, ranches and agricultural societies Mon, 13 Jul 2015 11:12:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=215 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=214 Bloomberg has a video discussion in which Bloomberg’s Alan Bjerga examines corn and wheat futures with Bloomberg’s Scarlet Fu on “Bloomberg Markets. See https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2015-07-10/what-s-driving-corn-and-wheat-prices- Mon, 13 Jul 2015 08:58:54 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=214 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=213 Reuters is reporting that Major Black Sea wheat exporters Russia and Ukraine may cut their official 2015 grain crop forecasts as recent hot weather has raised the risks to plants and rains elsewhere have delayed the harvest and dented quality, farmers and officials said. Russia and Ukraine’s agriculture ministries have said if hot weather persists into mid-July, they may have to lower their grain crop forecasts from the current 100 million and 60 million tonnes, respectively. They go on to say that However, these areas are not crucial for the country’s total crop, while the situation in southern Russia, the most important region for wheat growing and exports via the Black Sea, is quite good . . . . They note that Adamenko currently predicts Ukraine’s 2015 grain crop at 59.6 million tonnes. Russia’s Grain Union is keeping its 2015 grain crop forecast unchanged at 95-96 million tonnes for now, Zlochevsky said. Russian farmers have harvested 7.5 million tonnes of all grains from two million hectares as of July 9, down from 10.9 million tonnes at the same stage a year ago. Yields were at 3.79 tonnes per hectare, up from 3.54. Ukrainian farms have already harvested grain from 1.1 million hectares compared with 2.9 million hectares at the same date in 2014.   Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/russia-ukraine-may-cut-grain-crop-forecasts-as-temperatures-rise Fri, 10 Jul 2015 12:37:34 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=213 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=212 Reuters is reporting that "Shareholders in takeover target K+S say a deal could be done because suitor Potash Corp's main aim is to get control over its German rival's ambitious Canadian project and scale it back." They go on to explain that K+S's "Legacy" mine in the prairies in western Canada would be the first built from scratch in the global potash industry in almost 40 years. It would add to an already oversupplied market where demand is suffering from weak emerging market currencies and low crop prices.   Potash Corp could more easily ration global supply by controlling K+S, but still commit to leaving its German operations largely intact. The potential threat to K+S's domestic operations were seen as one reason why German regulators might block a deal. Full story at https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/09/ks-ma-potash-shareholders-idUSL8N0ZO3PD20150709 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:43:44 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=212 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=211 The Gov't of SK released: Saskatchewan Agriculture is reminding producers to be on the lookout for anthrax in their animals after confirmation that anthrax has been found in bison northwest of North Battleford.  Anthrax was confirmed by laboratory results July 8 as the cause of death in two bison, and is the suspected cause of seven other deaths. Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which can survive in spore form for decades in soil.  Changes in soil moisture, from flooding and drying, can lead to a build-up of the spores on pastures.  Spores can concentrate in sloughs and potholes, and risk of animal exposure to anthrax increases in drier years when these areas dry up and become accessible.  Spores can also surface when the ground is excavated or when there is excessive run-off.  Livestock are infected when they eat forage contaminated with spores.  Ruminants such as bison, cattle, sheep and goats, are highly susceptible, and horses can also be infected.  Swine, birds and carnivores are more resistant to infection, but farm dogs and cats should be kept away from carcasses.  Affected animals are usually found dead without any signs of illness.  Anthrax can be prevented by vaccination.   Producers in regions that have experienced previous outbreaks are strongly encouraged to vaccinate their animals each year.  If your neighbours have anthrax, you should consider vaccination to protect your animals. The carcasses of any animal suspected of having anthrax should not be moved or disturbed, and should be protected from scavengers such as coyotes or ravens, to prevent spreading spores in the environment. Anyone who suspects anthrax should contact their local veterinarian immediately for diagnosis. All tests must be confirmed by a laboratory diagnosis.  All positive test results must be immediately reported to the provincial Chief Veterinary Officer. Producers are advised to use caution when handling potentially infected animals or carcasses.  Animal cases pose minimal risk to humans but people can get infected through direct contact with sick animals or carcasses.  In cases where people believe they have been exposed to an infected animal, they should contact their local health authority or physician for advice.   Full story at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/july/09/anthrax-in-northwest-sask Thu, 09 Jul 2015 15:08:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=211 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=210 Reuters is reporting that a U.S. government weather forecaster on Thursday warned that much-watched El Nino conditions are likely to last another nine months, potentially roiling global crops and commodities prices.   The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center projected a more than 90 percent chance that El Nino would continue through this winter and an 80 percent likelihood it would last into the Northern Hemisphere's early spring. Full story at https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/09/weather-elnino-idUSL1N0ZP0T120150709 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:20:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=210 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=209 Helima Croft - one of the world's leading authorities on the Middle East and oil prices (former CIA middle-east specialist and now RBC Commodities) - is forecasting oil may drop another 15%.  We will know on Friday. Video is at https://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000394565 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 11:22:45 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=209 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=208 The new SK crop report reveavls the rain fell on a lot of the western half of the province - the side most needing it (we still need a lot more in the north, to fight forest fires and everywhere else). Crop conditions vary throughout the province with the majority of crops in poor to good condition.  The full reporrt is at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/july/09/crop-report-for-june-30---july-6   Thu, 09 Jul 2015 11:11:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=208 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=207 Reuters is reporting that "France is on course for a big wheat harvest this summer despite a sharp fall in crop ratings during a dry, hot spell in the past month, farm office FranceAgriMer said on Thursday." "In its first outlook for the 2015 harvest in the European Union's top grain grower, the office forecast French soft wheat production of 37.9 million tonnes, up 1.1 percent from 2014 and in line with a farm ministry estimate this week." Full story at https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/09/france-grains-idUSL8N0ZP2UQ20150709 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 09:03:42 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=207 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=206 NEW RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO RECEIVE $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL AND MB PROVINCIAL SUPPORT The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing more than $2 million over three years to support 24 research and development projects in Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food sector, The funded projects cover a range of agricultural issues including animal and human health, on-farm production technologies and opportunities for value-added industries and include: the effects of late planting on early-maturing soybeans, management strategies to control insecticide-resistant Colorado potato beetles, fusarium head blight resistance in barley, the long-term market effects of feeding and vaccination strategies for beef cattle, genetic markers for flavour selection in pork, and hemp consumption and human health trials. Full story at https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=35470&posted=2015-07-08 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 09:00:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=206 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=205 CNS is reporting that "Expansion efforts in Canada’s cattle sector are likely taking a breather right now, as a lack of rain in Alberta and Saskatchewan creates challenges for ranchers trying to feed their animals." Also, "If rain doesn’t come soon, she said, yearling cattle could also be going on feed in July, instead of August and September." According to numbers from Canfax, Canadian cattle inventories on Jan. 1, 2015 were down 2.5 per cent on the year at 11.9 million head, the smallest such level since 1993. In contrast, the U.S. cattle herd has been on the upswing, with inventories rising 1.4 per cent to 89.8 million head during that same time frame. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/drought-creates-speed-bump-for-cattle-herd-expansion Thu, 09 Jul 2015 08:57:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=205 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=204 CNS Canada is reporting that "In the longer term, canola is likely to stay firm . . . ."  Recent rains have helped some regions of AB and SK, but unless they continue and expand, things will definately not drive prices lower.. Full story at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/ice-weekly-outlook-weather-still-key-for-canola Thu, 09 Jul 2015 08:54:49 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=204 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=203   WATER SECURITY AGENCY RELEASES WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK Released on July 8, 2015 From:  https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/july/08/wsa-watter-supply   Today, the Water Security Agency released a water supply outlook for the province which summarizes stream flows and water supply in reservoirs and as of July 1. “Saskatchewan is fortunate to have a system of dams and control structures that help provide consistency in water supply in both wet and dry years,” Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Herb Cox said.  “Despite lower than normal precipitation and run-off, Saskatchewan’s water bodies will continue to meet the needs of our province.” Reservoirs were full following snowmelt and as a result water supplies will remain sufficient for domestic, irrigation, municipal, and industrial use.  Since April 1, most of Saskatchewan has received little precipitation, with a significant portion of the agricultural area receiving less than half of normal rainfall.  Lake levels are declining as a result.  Inflow to Lake Diefenbaker is well below normal due to a low snow pack and limited rain in the mountains; Lake Diefenbaker is not expected to rise above its present level.  Flow on the South Saskatchewan River is below normal.  Lake levels in the Qu’Appelle are dropping and the Water Security Agency will begin to operate control structures to keep lake levels within their desired operating range.  Last Mountain Lake is expected to remain above its target range through the summer and the Craven Control Structure will remain open to facilitate the drawdown.  The Water Security Agency will continue to monitor streamflow, lake levels, and water supply conditions across Saskatchewan and will issue the next Water Supply Outlook this summer.  Information on current flows and lake levels can be found at www.wsask.ca.  -30-  For more information, contact  Dale Hjertaas  Water Security Agency  Regina  Phone: 306-787-2892306-787-2892  Email: Dale.Hjertaas@wsask.ca   Call Send SMS Call from mobile Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype Wed, 08 Jul 2015 11:41:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=203 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=202 A policy brief by the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy defines the ownership of farmland in Saskatchewan debate as "Saskatchewan residents have to decide whether they want to maximize the investment value of farmland or its social value to bind farmers and communities together" according to a Regina Leader Post article. They go on to say, that if the 'investment' scenario is chosen that "it will hasten the decline of the family farm as the primary production unit of the agriculture industry in the province." "The policy brief notes that since the change in farmland ownership rules, which permitted Canadian individuals and 100 per cent Canadian-owned corporations to buy unlimited amounts of Saskatchewan farmland, the amount of farmland owned by investors has increased 16-fold — to 837,000 in 2014 from 52,000 acres in 2002"   Wed, 08 Jul 2015 09:42:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=202 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=201 CNS is reporting that diesel prices should be delcing soon.  This is becasue of declining oil prices and because "several new world-class oil refineries opening up in several different countries.  These refineries have been geared to creating as much diesel as they could possibly make."  They quote Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Servic. The full story is at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/diesel-prices-seen-softening-soon Wed, 08 Jul 2015 09:17:25 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=201 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=200 CNS is reporting that "Canary seed grown in Saskatchewan accounts for about 70 to 80 per cent of the international trade in the grain used mostly as bird feed." They go on to say that, ". . . dry conditions in major canary seed-growing regions of the province have cut into yield prospects . . . ." This would usually rocket prices skyward, but they have not - but they've only edged a little. The world supply seems to be being filled from a mystery source? Hmm. Full story is at https://www.agcanada.com/daily/mystery-stocks-keeping-canary-seed-from-rallying Wed, 08 Jul 2015 08:52:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=200 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=199 Statistics Canada is reporting this morning that: The Farm Input Price Index decreased by 0.4% in the first quarter. The main reason for the decline was lower prices for machinery and motor vehicles (-4.2%), in particular for machinery fuel (-16.6%). To a lesser extent, buildings (-1.4%) also contributed to the decline of the Farm Input Price Index. Crop production (+1.1%), general business costs (+1.3%) and animal production (+0.1%) recorded price increases. The index decreased in four provinces. Saskatchewan (-2.5%) posted the largest decline, followed by Quebec (-1.1%), Manitoba (-1.0%) and New Brunswick (-0.3%). At the Canada level, farm input prices rose 2.7% in the first quarter compared with the same quarter a year earlier. The year-over-year increase was largely attributable to animal production (+13.6%). Compared with the first quarter of 2014, the index was up in six provinces. Alberta (+8.3%) recorded the largest year-over-year increase. We created some charts for you:       Full story at https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/150707/dq150707c-eng.htm Tue, 07 Jul 2015 09:45:26 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=199 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=198 The Canada and Manitoba governments will invest in new equipment to support the growth of the hemp seed processing industry, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Ted Falk, Member of Parliament for Provencher, announced today. “Manitoba’s hemp industry continues to expand, creating new opportunities for farmers, processors and many other stakeholders,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “Hemp is a healthy and nutritious choice, and this is driving consumer demand here at home and around the world. We are pleased to invest in this new equipment with HOCI, as it will increase efficiency and support their ongoing commitment to food safety.” Governments will provide nearly $390,000 to Hemp Oil Canada Inc. (HOCI) to purchase and install a new optical sorter and packaging system at its new processing facility in Ste. Agathe. The equipment will modernize the packing line, improve food safety and ensure the company can remain competitive in the international hemp seed market. For more information see https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=35430&posted=2015-07-06 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 09:18:36 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=198 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=197 The Associated Press is reporting that "Agricultural use of drones is about to take off in the U. S. after being grounded for years by the lack of federal guidelines"   The small, relatively inexpensive vehicles could replace humans in a variety of ways: transmitting detailed information about crops to combines and sprayers, directing them to problem spots and cutting down on the amount of water and chemicals a farmer needs to use in those areas. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, a trade group, says agriculture could account for 80 per cent of all commercial drone use. Drones can transmit data, which could be pictures, 3- D images of plants, thermal readings of crops or animals or other observations. Information that in the past took days to collect — or could not have been collected — can be gathered now in minutes or hours. In some cases, it can be integrated with data collected from other high- tech farm machinery. Tue, 07 Jul 2015 09:06:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=197 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=196 CNS Canada is reporting that "Cash bids for western Canadian wheat were mostly higher during the week ended Friday, with gains in U.S. futures providing some support."  Bids were $2 - $10 per tonne higher for Canada Western Red Spring.  The story is lengthy anf also includes the chart below.  See https://www.agcanada.com/daily/prairie-wheat-bids-mostly-higher-with-u-s-futures Tue, 07 Jul 2015 08:50:49 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=196 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=195 The Masitoba crop report just released revelas that "Crops are advancing quickly in Manitoba. The smoky, hazy conditions have not impacted crops, and may have helped buffer temperatures as well as benefited crops in the drier areas of the province." It also staes that: Some areas in the province would benefit from precipitation for continued growth and grain filling in crops, and regrowth in hay fields and pastures. Livestock producers were able to make progress with first cut haying operations, although rain showers and high humidity impacted some operations. The full story is at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonal-reports/crop-report-archive/2015-07-06-crop-report.html Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:40:29 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=195 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=194 Statistics Canada released their May prices report today.  In it, they mention "The May Alberta slaughter cattle price was $192.80 per hundredweight, up 0.7% from April and up 35.9% from May 2014 when the price was $141.87." Lentil prices also up.   The full story is at :  https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/150706/dq150706c-eng.htm?cmp=mstatcan   Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:27:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=194 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=193 In this episode of Trailer Talk Steve talks with Brent Sheehan from Ultra Lav. Brent shares with us insights about mobile restrooms and showers units that are a fast growing segment of the industry. Listen, learn, Enjoy! Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:48:54 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=193 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=192 -      I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff and ask him some questions about his job here at Flaman Nisku. Having only worked in the office side, I was curious to know how he ran his shop.          What is your position at Flaman Nisku? My official job title is Shop Foreman, but I consider myself a jack-of-all-trades. I usually have my hand in everything that goes on in the shop and service bays. Some days I am a mediator, negotiator, conflict resolver, cat herder, welder, mechanic, comedian and a teacher. I wear many hats. In the shop, what are some services that you offer that people might not know about? We offer CVIP inspection as well as brake assembly replacement, welding services and trailer repairs. Do you have any advice for possible customers in the Flaman Nisku shop? What can be done to make both of your lives easier when it comes to fixing their piece of equipment or trailer? Make sure you give yourself plenty of time when booking appointments. Often times we are booking 2-3 weeks in advance and we want to make sure we make the repairs right the first time How are you as a supervisor? What is your leadership approach? Ultimately we are a team and that means we have to work together in a safe and courteous manner. I trust my team to do their work and get projects done on time. I am always around if they have any questions or if there are any issues. I don’t need to micromanage. The guys are all adults and I trust them.   Wed, 03 Jun 2015 10:38:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=192 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=191 In this episode of Trailer Talk Steve talks with Dan Mills from Alcom. Dan has lots of thoughts about the impact of Aluminum trailers on the trailer industry. Listen, learn, Enjoy! Thu, 28 May 2015 15:32:39 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=191 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=190 Summertime is fast approaching and the Flaman stores across the prairies are getting busy. Busy stores means a lot of product moving in and out of the Flaman yards. Safety is often a concept that moves to the back of our minds when we have stuff that we need to get done. That being said, it should always be top of our minds to prevent accidents and injuries in the work place.   - Safety in the Flaman yard is both the staff and the customer’s responsibility. Everyone wants to be safe. - Yard staff driving around the yard and moving equipment and trailers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Make sure to look behind you when you’re backing up and always have a spotter walk with you if you can’t see all corners of the trailer. - Sales staff need to be aware of moving vehicles in the yard when they are showing their customer products or walking from building to building. Look in both directions for moving vehicles and make sure to make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front. - Shop staff need to make sure to communicate with other people in the shop to avoid surprises. Wear proper safety equipment including safety glasses and steel-toed shoes. Clean up spills and messes to avoid tripping or slipping. Use the proper tools to complete the job and take your time when using the tool too. Saving some time isn’t worth hurting yourself. - Customers play a role as well. Although as a customer you usually are only in the Flaman yard for a short period of time, acting in a safe manner is important. Keep your head up when walking or driving in the yard. Drive at the posted speed limits and watch from staff members moving equipment. Do not drive in between trucks being unloaded and the machine that is unloading them. Drive safely around so that we can avoid any accidents. Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Wed, 27 May 2015 08:25:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=190 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=189 The Westin in Edmonton on March 27th was definitely the place to be.  Flaman employees, corporate sponsors and many loyal supporters filled the Ballroom to take part in the 9th Annual Frank Flaman Foundation Gala.    A huge congratulations to all of those who worked so hard to make this gala such a huge success.  What the Frank Flaman Foundation does, not only locally, but world wide is truly amazing.  From donating to local schools and charities to building schools in third world countries to teaching men, women and children to live more fulfilled lives are just a few of the wonderful things this foundation does.  But none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of the many people who give countless hours to this foundation and what it stands for.   The evening began with cocktails at 6, entertainment to get everyone into a Hawaiian state of mind and a chance for all attendees to look over and start bidding on some amazing items on the silent auction tables.   Dinner was served by Westin staff;  we heard comments from  some of those involved in making the evening such a huge success, and, of course, we were privileged enough to hear a few words from Frank himself.  He commended his foundation workers for all of their many hours dedicated to his dream and let it be known that his main purpose was to make more money -- so that he could give more money away!   In the past 10 years the Frank Flaman Foundation has donated over $10,000,000. Danny Hooper was our emcee for the evening, making sure everyone had a great time and lots of laughs.  A slide show of Frank and his family following the years was one of the highlights of the evening.   As well as Emcee, Danny also played the part of auctioneer with everything from sporting event tickets to a trip to Hawaii up for auction.    Lewis Lavoie, an artist renowned for painting and donating a large portion of time and artwork for charity, painted a gorgeous picture on site, which was also auctioned during the live auction. Myself, as well as all that I have spoken with who attended, agree that it was an amazing evening and we can’t wait for next year’s event.  Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:18:15 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=189 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=188 The newest technology being brought to the Canadian agriculture industry has benefits for everyone. BoMill, a Swedish company, offers a management solution to the fusarium problem that’s been a growing concern in Western Canada. The BoMill TriQ is a grain sorter that sorts wheat, durum, and barley by protein, vitreousness, and fusarium. Sheldon Ball, the sorter specialist at Flaman, says, “It’s the only product we’re aware of that sorts individual kernels by fusarium.” BoMill increases the accuracy of other processes by analyzing the chemical make-up of kernels, not just the colour, and it does it by individual kernel, instead of in a batch. WHY BOTHER? FUSARIUM Fusarium is a fungus that produces mycotoxins during the infection process. Mycotoxins are toxic and are not destroyed during processing such as milling, baking, malting, or ethanol production.*  The BoMill TriQ grain quality sorter will sort the yields and improve the quality for a top selling dollar. More importantly, the sorted yield will be a safer product for final consumption. VITREOUSNESS The TriQ is also an excellent tool to clean grain for seed. Its patented technology (read about the NIT below) analyzes the ability a kernel has for germination, or its vitreousness. By setting a fraction to sort by vitreousness, you can get a yield that is 100% capable of germination. Talk about bumper crop potential! HOW IT’S DONE – FEATURES OF THE BOMILL TRIQ NIT Technology NIT (Near Infrared Transmission) Technology is a patented sensory system that utilizes infrared light to test the chemical make up of a kernel. This new technology, found only in the BoMill IQ and TriQ products, allows kernels to be sorted according to their germination capabilities (vitreousness), fusarium, and protein content. This technology is capable of yielded a 100% vitreous output, which translates to guaranteed better yield if used for seed. It also means healthier product for consumption by people and animals. Individual Kernel Analysis Although other machines exist that focus on individual kernel sorting, such as color sorting, this is the first machine that sorts individual kernels by fusarium. Other methods will take a batch of grain and sort by weight, making heavier and lighter kernels separate to the top and bottom. This is a good method, however the individual kernel analysis yields a higher accuracy. Wireless Monitoring The graphical user interface makes it possible to control the sorting using any device with a browser, such as a PC, tablet, or smartphone. Due to its user-friendly design, it makes the training sessions intuitive and time efficient. WHERE CAN YOU LEARN MORE? Flaman Grain Cleaning is the licensed dealer in Canada for BoMill’s grain sorters. “With Flaman as our Distributor in Canada we will have a strong partner,” says Karin Wehlin, CEO BoMill AB. “Flaman’s long presence in the grain cleaning market and know-how as well as established service organization is important for our future”. You can contact one of Flaman’s staff members to get more information by email or by calling 1-888-435-2626. You can also visit the product page for the BoMill TriQ and IQ products. *Website: https://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/fusarium-head-blight   Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:50:45 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=188 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=187 If you haven’t already heard, Flaman Group of Companies (Flaman Sales) has been selected as one of the Top 100 SME (small to medium employers) in Canada. This is a big accomplishment to have our company recognized in this category as it is considered the most competitive one (80% of all applications fall into this category). Small to medium sized businesses make up 99% of all enterprises, and 90% of private employees are work for SME’s, so you can see how the competition gets thick.   The winners are chosen based on eight criteria points   -       Physical workplace -       Work atmosphere and social -       Health, financial and family benefits -       Vacation and time off -       Employee communications -       Performance management -       Training and skill development -       Community involvement   Having worked for a few different companies in my lifetime, Flaman definitely stands out. Working here I feel like part of the family and not just a number. Winning this award, gives us a chance show the rest of Canada the kind of place Flaman is to work and be proud of the culture all of us help to create.   Read the official press release https://www.canadastop100.com/temp/sme2015.pdf  Thu, 19 Mar 2015 08:39:22 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=187 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=185 Before I started working at Flaman, I had never given much thought to trailer safety. I certainly had never heard of the NATM or what they did. I assumed that all trailers were built properly and that manufacturers legally had to follow a list of safety guidelines for each trailer they manufacture. Now that I have done a bit of research, I have learnt that this wasn’t always the case and that only recently NATM has implemented these guidelines. Before 1987, consumers had no way of ensuring that their trailer was safe enough to travel on the roads. Can you imagine if other industries didn’t have safety guidelines? What if car manufacturers weren’t regularly screened for safety? Trailers need to be built properly to ensure no one on the road or the loads that they carry get injured or damaged.   Trailers and safety are two words that should go hand in hand. The National Association of Trailer Manufacturing (NATM) is an organization that takes trailer safety to a new level. “NATM seeks to promote awareness of safety and best industry practices and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers and their suppliers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by relevant government agencies.” As stated on their website. This has to have everyone shopping in the trailer market breathing a sigh of relief.   As a manufacturer, being a member of the NATM and producing NATM approved trailers will benefit you because it helps you maintain a degree of control over your production process. By following the guidelines that are compiled from FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and industry best practices, you know you are making safe trailers. The inspection process involves an 80-point checklist that is filled out by NATM consultants during their initial visit. After the manufacturer is deemed successful applicants to the NATM program, they are granted a 2-year membership.   As a consumer, buying a trailer from a manufacturer who is an NATM member ensures that the trailer you are purchasing adheres to a strict set of safety guidelines. This gives you peace of mind in knowing that you are buying something that has gone through multiple safety inspections.   So if you’re looking for a new or used trailer, keep this in mind. Look for NATM dealer associate marked trailers and do your research. It’s worth it.  Mon, 23 Feb 2015 15:40:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=185 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=184  I am fortunate to get to work with an amazing group of people here at the Flaman Nisku store. We are all kind of like one big, crazy, supportive family. It makes coming to work everyday enjoyable because I know that at some point today I will get the chance to talk to one of my co-workers and learn something from them or share a laugh. With the position that I have here (Marketing Coordinator), I get to work closely with almost everyone here at some point in time during the year. Some people are graced with my presence in their office more often than not. JP is one of those lucky people. JP and I work together on a weekly basis keeping the Ag Clearance site up to date. He was recently featured in an article in the Edmonton Journal about his accomplishments and how he has adapted to life after a childhood accident took both of his arms. Check out the article: www.edmontonjournal.com/Lees+Farm+equipment+sales+poster+triumph+over+adversity/10797409/story.html Tue, 10 Feb 2015 11:21:58 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=184 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=183 As an Ag Sales Representative for Flaman, it seems natural to launch my blog with something I have grown up with.  It’s something I truly have a passion for, and hopefully something that will give some insight into your decision making process when buying a Meridian bin.   I started my young career working for Meridian Manufacturing- then known as Wheatland Bins - in the welding shop pushing a broom, then I moved to the wash bay, and eventually to powder coating and finishing a completed bin.   Following that, my crew and I ventured out on our own building corrugated bins across Alberta.  Today when I discuss grain and fertilizer storage needs with prospective customers, I find I have a unique perspective both in smooth walled and corrugated bins as well as 8complete storage systems.   So what are the benefits of buying a Meridian Bin? Let’s begin with the question of choosing a smooth skin over a corrugated line.   Let’s face it, there are many corrugated bins to choose from; Twister, Westeel, Behlen, Gobal, the list goes on and on. The main line of thinking is that Meridian is the more expensive option, and choosing a corrugated line will save money. Although this may be true, the real savings with corrugated bins come when you get into much larger scale flat bottom bins. The small increase in price when moving to a Meridian can easily be offset when thinking about its benefits.   1)   Customer Service – Ready to use upon delivery 2)   Durability - All weather eco-friendly powder coat finish 3)   Resale – heavy duty no compromise quality that can be moved 4)   Value – inspected, exceeding industry standards 5)   Peace of Mind – saving time and money   Now that I have you thinking about Meridian Bins specifically- here are a few things to consider when purchasing the right bin for you.   1)   How much more storage you are hoping to gain? Meridian carries a variety of sizes of smooth wall bins. From 6’ diameter feed bins all the way to 18’ diameter fertilizer and grain storage. Typically for transportation purposes, a 16’ diameter bin is used and can get you up to 6000 bushels of storage. 2)   How long is your loading auger? This will determine your overall height of bin If you’re not in the market to buy a new auger with your bin purchase, you will want to make sure your current one is up to the task. Below is a simple chart. Grain Max Multipurpose Total Height Auger Length 2300 1412 27’ 46’ 3000 1615 29’ 51’ 4000 1620 34’ 61’ 5000 1625 39’ 71’ 6000 1630 41’ 71’   3)   What kind of product do you want to store? If you are looking for an easy solution for grain storage only, the grain max series provides you with convenient no hang up storage. If you are wanting to have the option to store both fertilizer and grain, a multipurpose bin will suit your needs. Liquid storage, as well as HD storage for cement or sand are also an option through the Meridian commercial division. 4)   What options can I bundle with my new bin? Flaman can provide you with all the necessary options to go along with your new grain bin. Aeration fans, rockets, as well as temperature and moisture cables are great additions to protect your investment and give you peace of mind.   Beyond these advantages comes further benefits and savings. Consider the money you can save by purchasing a fertilizer bin this year.   If you are able to buy your Fertilizer- let’s take ammonia at *$570 in a low season in your new Meridian 1625 bin. Then in high season the price jumps to $670 per ton. You’re saving $100 per ton, and are able to take as much as 165 tonnes. $16,500. In exactly one purchase you have paid almost paid for your bin. Later during harvest, you have the ability to store excess grain, throw in an aeration tube, even carefully control and maintain temperature throughout the storage season. The complete system all taken care of by your local provider, Flaman.   *https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/industry-markets-and-trade/statistics-and-market-information/by-product-sector/crops/crops-market-information-canadian-industry/market-outlook-report/canadian-farm-fuel-and-fertilizer-prices-and-expenses-july-2013/?id=1  Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:27:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=183 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=182 After a strong fall rental season this year, rental dealers and Flaman staff all gathered in fabulous Las Vegas. All in all there were 104 Flaman staff members for this year’s annual Flaman Rental dealer meeting trip. I think we all made it back as well!   Some areas this year experienced heavy rains, but most dealers agreed it was another strong, successful year. Revenues were up yet again, contributing factors such as the new K-Line Speedtiller high speed disc made a huge impact on some dealers’ overall revenue. As always, our goals of our annual meetings are to bring new and existing dealers together to mix and mingle and share information to help grow our business together. Time spent together is person is the best way to build solid business relationships.   Dealers arrived at the Flamingo Hotel throughout the day on Wednesday. Later that evening we hosted a get together on the world’s largest observation wheel the “High Roller” which is a 45 minute ride in a pod 550ft in the air!   Thursday was dinner at the Top of the World in the Stratosphere. What a treat dining at over 800ft! Rocky led a group of brave Albertan’s to bungee jump off of the Stratosphere. Even the veteran Don Evan’s was part of that group.  Well done Don!   Then Friday morning was our business meeting at 8am sharp. Topics discussed were: high speed discs, acre meters, damage waivers, booking program updates and new features.   Right after the meeting we all boarded three buses and headed to a boat tour of Lake Mead. I am sure some of you recall a certain bus driver’s road rage! Geesh some drivers. And who booked buses with no a/c!!? Come on organizers haha. All in all it was a great cruise of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. A lot of mingling was done and everyone seemed to have a good time.   After the tour some people went shopping, some went to see show’s while some others went for a ride cruising the strip in a Lamborghini Gallardo! Six dealers got the thrill of a lifetime riding at turns with Kelsey (Southern AB rep) and myself up and down the Las Vegas Strip in a 550HP exotic car.Boy what a feeling! Thanks to Steve Flaman for that. Even one lucky AB dealer who was flying home that evening was personally dropped off at the airport. He was ecstatic.   As Saturday rolled along, some dealers hit the links for a little golf headed by Wayne while others shopped and a few just walked the strip/old strip Freemont Street to take in the sights. The evening was our annual awards gala. Headlined by a wonderful magician (sarcasm) I don’t think we paid her nearly enough as Iam sure I could perform better. But it was in good humour and everyone had a gut busting laugh or two.   Sunday came along and it was time to go home (phew finally). We all said our goodbyes, gave hugs and everyone was off. Someone decided to call an afternoon meeting (not mentioning names) for the staff departing later that evening, which was a little rough thanks to the previous night’s festivities. Wayne I am still waiting for the meeting’s “notes” to be sent.   I would like to thank all rental dealers that attended for your support and hard work. Also the suppliers who attended and helped sponsor part of the trip to keep costs down. A big thanks to Wayne Beckett for organizing the trip along with Ken Barlott, Kelsey Dortman, Kevin Kulak and myself.   Last but not least a huge thanks to Flaman Group of Companies – Steve Flaman, Rocky Amson & Frank Flaman for allowing us to have these meetings for the rental dealers. We all appreciate it.   There were a “few” things left out of this write-up, like they say; what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! Stay tuned for next year’s meeting, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year   Dealer Awards 2014:   ALBERTA / BC / USA                                                        Top 5                     1              Grande Prairie    2              Thorhild                 3              Barrhead               4              Ponoka                   5              Lloydminster         Most Improved Dealer                                  Headon Rentals - Lloydminster                                                 Top Retail Dealer                                              Keddie's - Grande Prairie                                                              Top New Dealer                                               Nanton Rentals   SASKATCHEWAN / MANITOBA                                                                                                                  TOP 5                                                    1              Cutknife                                               2              Russell                                                 3              Maple Creek                                      4              Windthorst                                        5              Melville   Most Improved Dealer                  Cutknife                                                               Top Retail Dealer                              Swift Current                                                     Top New Dealer                               Melville                                                                                     Wed, 10 Dec 2014 11:21:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=182 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=181 If you have been in the trailer industry as long as I have,you can reflect on trends and the evolution of a product.  One product I believe that has been evolving  quickly is the enclosed all sport trailer. The best place to see this evolution at its most diverse is the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Show and Sale or the Alberta Power Sports Show.  While both of these shows have been dubbed “sled shows” and are run by the provincial snowmobile associations they are so much more than just Snowmobiles shows.  Over the years I have watched non-snowmobiling recreation power sports creep into these shows (there was a wake boarding boat at the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Show and Sale this year). As the products on display have broadened so too has the versatility of trailers at this show.  Many of the trailers showcased were not just “sled” trailers they were trailers to haul products for all seasons and all sports.  Thus the name all sport.  So what is an all sport trailer? Its name suggests it is a unit that can transport all power sport equipment.  Fair enough, but the reality is that most of the “all sport” dubbed trailers can only transport a few types of units the name would otherwise imply. So if you are shopping for a true all sport trailer, below are characteristics to look for and reasons why: Extra Height: If you want to just haul sleds and quads height is not an issue. But as soon as you decide to transport a UTV you will need extra height to clear the rear ramp door opening.  I generally recommend an 84” interior height that will allow for 78” in rear ramp door clearance.  With lots of UTV’s having 76” as their overall height that provides the clearance you need. Lowboy or Middeck as opposed to the traditional 8.5 ft wide highboy (deck over trailer):  This type of trailer allows for a lower ramp incline making it easier to load quads, sleds, or UTV’s.  The lower ramp angle makes it easier to back sleds in, which is required for many loading configurations with a lowboy or middeck trailers.  The lowboy trailer also allows you to haul a vehicle, and with that toy hauling capacity, now you have an all sport. 5200 - 6000 lb axles: The machines keep getting bigger and thus heavier.  In the case of mountain sleds 11’ in length is not uncommon and these come with bigger engines every year.  While the manufactures strive to keep the weight down it does continue to creep up. The same trend goes for ATV’s and UTV’s. With the primary cargo getting bigger and heavier more axle capacity makes sense, certainly if you are transporting extra gear along with your snow machines or quads.  The larger axles also provide the payload capacity for a vehicle and can handle some of the rougher roads you may need to travel on to get to your adventure destinations. Extra Length: As mentioned before all the units are getting bigger and longer. A thrity foot long trailer used to be a rare unit, now we try to keep in stock. While it is not the common size (26’ is still 90% of the units sold) it is no longer uncommon.  Twenty foot long (16’ straight wall plus 4’ v-nose)  3 place trailers with extra height are a very popular size; but because they are too short to transport a car they are not considered an all sport trailer. 8.5 wide: While 7’ wide inline units are gaining popularity as a multi-use units (they fill in as a standard cargo trailer in the off season) and are easier to tow, turn, back up and park; they have less capacity and of course cannot haul a car (8.5’ wide is needed for a vehicle). Several additional points to note: These units can be steel frame or aluminum frame. The difference is weight and cost. I use the 1/3 rule: aluminum reduces the curb weight by about 1/3 but adds to the cost by about 1/3 more. Escape doors: Many folk insist they need these.  I agree shimming out your window like a Bob and Luke duke is not a fun task in a confined space of an enclosed trailer. I have a few words of caution.  First if your car has very low clearance there is chance you will not be able to use the escape door because the car door will not clear the inside fender of the trailer.  Second, customers have gotten quite excited about the escape door only to discover after loading their car the escape door does not line up their door, so I would suggest taking some measurements first. Heaters, cabinets, stereos, benches, fan tails, oh my!  The list of options is vast.  Customers sometimes buy the options instead of the trailer.  Figure out what you need and then what you really want and go from there… Shopping for an all sport can be an exciting experience.  Have fun, and talk to an expert. Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:24:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=181 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=180 In this episode of Trailer Talk Steve talks with Brad Harvey from Cjay Trailer. Brad fills us in about his organization and some unique new products only available from Cjay Trailers. Listen, learn, Enjoy! Wed, 29 Oct 2014 10:14:52 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=180 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=179 In this episode of Trailer Talk Steve talks with Christian Aitkin from Govi. Christian educates us about the emerging market of trailer refrigeration. Listen, learn, Enjoy! Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:12:40 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=179 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=178 In this episode of Trailer Talk Steve talks with Pam O’toole Trusdale from the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM). Pam provides the history of the association, its mission and delves into details about how the association is helping the industry and the end trailer customer. Listen, learn, Enjoy! Tue, 02 Sep 2014 13:47:56 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=178 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=177 I’m going to be honest, before this year, I had never really heard of the sport of Dragon Boating. But after competing in the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival this year, I wonder how I’d gone this long not knowing.   Dragon Boating is very much a team sport that requires commitment and comradery. Our Flaman team was called the Flaman Dragon Slayers and we started practicing in May as soon as the weather was warm enough. I was one of the eight first-timers in the boat this year, but that didn’t slow us down. All the veteran paddlers took us newbies under their wings and patiently showed us proper technique and timing. By the time the festival rolled around, I felt pretty confident.   However, that confidence was short lived come race day. It’s not that I wasn’t confident in our team, but the nerves that I had coursing through my body made me start to doubt myself. I had a giant knot in my stomach all morning. When we were sitting in the boat for the first race waiting for them to blow the start horn, I thought I was going to pass out. We were told to focus and keep our head in the boat. Ignore all the distractions; the crowd, the other boat and birds flying overhead. Just focus on your breathing. Listen for the commands. Wait…wait….and beep!   Once that horn blew, the 2:05 that it took us to finish, and win, the race went by so fast! It was over before I knew it. I will never forget that “high” from the first race. We may have only won our first race, but we set the 6th fastest time in the festival! We were in equal competition with some of the best teams in the city and other parts of Alberta. Each race we competed in gave me a huge surge of adrenaline and it stayed with me for the rest of the day.   We ended up finishing 6th overall, which is awesome for my first year. There was only one downside to the races, and that was the fact that they put a ramp and about 20 stairs at the end of the race that you have to climb up. The reason this sucks is because after the race, your body does not want to go up a ramp or stairs. All it wants to do is collapse with exhaustion. But, along the ramp there were tons of people congratulating and high fiving us on the way up, so that made the climb a little easier.   Everyone at the festival was so supportive of one another. There were congratulations and cheers after each race. This was another thing that made my experience so enjoyable.   I’m looking forward to paddling next year. I’ll be that much more skilled and know what to expect. If you ever get the opportunity to try Dragon Boating, or any new sport for that matter, I recommend trying it. Try something new. You’ll be glad you did. I’m glad I did J   “If you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do.”- Warren Miller      Fri, 22 Aug 2014 09:58:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=177 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=176 In this episode of Trailer Talk Kevin Tsumura speaks about the Canadian pre-clearance program for trailers. Steve also asks Kevin about the risks consumers face when the purchasing from US retailers that do not have to comply with the program. If you thinking about buying state side you should listen and learn. Fri, 22 Aug 2014 08:15:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=176 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=175 And once again, the most exciting time of the year is here, Harvest. Depending on where you are in the prairies, harvest happens at different times. Some folks in Northern Alberta (La Crete area) already have the combines in full swing and in other parts, producers are just greasing up the swathers for next week. Either way, if you haven’t quite gotten into the full swing of things, it’s just around the corner. I was on top of a bin just north of Edmonton last night when I looked into the field and it hit me; harvest is underway! The sun was shining and the swathers were rolling. Harvest is a time where we get to see our efforts pay off, providing we worked late enough to get it all in the ground, prayed hard enough for the right weather to get it to grow, and crossed our fingers long enough to dodge any hail and disease.   Now compared to last year, this was a bit of a weird year. There doesn’t appear to be bumper crops across the board like there was last year. Throughout my travels, I have seen and heard many producers say this is the best crop they’ve had in years, and many others state this is the worst luck they’ve had in years. Last year it really didn’t matter where you went, “this is the best crop I have ever seen” was a statement heard throughout the prairies. Given the cool temperatures and all the rain that occurred at the beginning of the year, crops were pushed back about two eeks from the average. Before we knew it, it seemed like July was already gone and minimal was happening. Extended periods of warm weather in the past couple of weeks have really helped the crops start to turn.  Keep your eyes and ears open in the next couple of days, but if you haven’t already started getting snap chats and pictures sent to you that say “it’s starting” or “we’re underway!” I can assure you, you will.   Happy Harvest Mitch Flaman   Thu, 21 Aug 2014 08:28:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=175 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=174 It was a Friday.  I was at our Nisku location and I was leaving the dealership walking through the lot headed home for the weekend. I walked past a Trailtech TD 210 that had a few  modified options on it. I looked the trailer over as I always do when walk past any unit in our yard. As I walked along the length of the unit from taillights to hitch I noted the features, fit and finish, quality of build, overall appearance, etc, etc, etc…when I reached the hitch  I saw this trailer had just gone through our pre-delivery inspection process (as the sticker slapped on the front of the gooseneck indicated).  I then stopped and looked back down the length of the trailer. “This is a damn fine trailer”  I thought to myself.  So  I took a closer look at the welds and the convenience features on the unit (some installed by us).  I started to really critic the unit looking at the decking for cracks and other imperfections; I looked under the frame at the paint coverage; I followed the wiring harness (note I wrote wiring harness not strand wiring) along the frame paying attention to how it was secured and protected.  Everything on this trailer was perfect. No matter how hard I looked I could not find any problems with the trailer.  Quite honestly, this is not an exception to the rule, it is the rule: Trailtech product has outstanding consistent quality.  Call me bias (Trailtech is Canadian built, and a brand FGC has a longstanding history with) but I believe the quality that goes into to trailers built in Canada, for Canadian conditions is underappreciated. To address this I decided to give you reasons as a Canadian consumer why you should buy a Canadian built Trailtech. 1)      Quality of Build.  As in many products there are a good, better and best for light industrial trailers. At Flaman Group of Companies  we sell products that fit into all three categories in order to meet the various needs of various customers.  These categories are differentiated by features and quality which ultimately means different pricing.  Trailtech as a brand offers a good, better and best  models for each category. Where I believe they really shine (and customers have been voting this way with their dollars) is in the best category.  The Premier and Industrial series generally have no equal in the market place.  If you need a reliable trailer as a tool for your business, to me it makes sense to invest in a Trailtech that will always do what you need and last the test of time. 2)      Canadian weather and road conditions. They are awful, both our roads and our weather and many trailer brands are built for the warm flat highways of the southern states as opposed to the gravel and pitted frozen highways of the Canadian north.  For these conditions you need paint that can absorb some of the mechanical impact of road rocks at -40 and a RV plug that will not shatter when you fight to plug it into your tow vehicle.   Trailtech based in Gravelburg SK lives in and understands these conditions.  A Trailtech trailer is made to deal with this weather without fuss. 3)      Warranty: We sell thousands of Trailtech products every year.  They get horribly abused by some customers (another story) and yet we rarely hear of any issues. That said no company is perfect.  The product is built by people and people make mistakes (as we all do).  What defines a product and company is what they do when that happens. It has been my experience that between Trailtech and Flaman when a mistake happens that affects the customer,  the Trailtech and Flaman people always make it right. Lastly Americans market buy American all the time to support American companies and American workers. Let me be shameless and proudly yell the same thing: Buy Canadian!  Yes I am a hypocrite as we sell many American brands across many of our divisions( including the Trailer Division).  Being a leader in retail we need to provide the leading products in their appropriate categories in order to provide the best customer experience to our customers. That said, there are Canadian products that we sell that are the best in their categories (Trailtech is one of them)…Buy Canadian and support Canadians.  So if you are in the market for your first trailer or are adding one to your fleet. Think about Canadian quality.  Quality comes with a cost but I believe it is worth it.   Fri, 25 Jul 2014 08:30:37 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=174 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=173 Greetings to everyone Flaman! I wanted to take this time to introduce myself. My name is Erin Mitchell and I am the Marketing  and Communications Coordinator in Alberta (working out of our Nisku location). I have been working for Flaman since October 2013, but recently I have on taken on more communication roles within the company and wanted everyone to know who is behind many of Flaman’s communication channels.   Our Flaman Group of Companies Facebook page is just one of the areas that I have my hand in. I am striving to create and find interesting content for all of our staff, customers and fans to read.  I am trying to find content that is equally relevant across our whole company (all provinces and divisions). I am, however, not afraid to ask for help and/or feedback from people. If you are a Flaman customer and you had a good experience with our company and you love the product that you purchased from us, please let us know. Send us a picture of you and your purchase. If you are a staff member and you need help promoting an event that you are passionate about, or that you are participating in, feel free to let me know and I will post it up on our Facebook page. Send me pictures of what’s going on at your store. People love to read human-interest stories about members of our Flaman family.   The Flaman Content Emailer that is sent out every two weeks is also my doing. With this channel, I try and keep everyone informed with ‘What is Happening at Flaman?’ With this one as well, I am looking for feedback. If there is something that you want to see more of or less of, let me know. Getting feedback from people is the best way for me to know if what I am doing is working for everyone or what is not working.   For all you Flaman staff members, I am one of the people responsible for putting together the Flaman Link Newsletter and may have to bug some of you from time to time for your picture or an interview Just remember, it’s all in good fun and, I believe, that the newsletter is positively received by the people who read it.   Lastly, if anyone is interested in flexing their writing skills and writing a blog for us, that would be awesome! We are always looking for new authors that have different expertise and can share some of their knowledge with the rest of us. Just give me a heads up of what you are planning on writing (it will need to pertain to one of the divisions that Flaman has) and I will post it on our Flaman Blog page (which I encourage everyone to check out!)   My email address is erin.mitchell@flaman.com and I’m hoping that you guys will send me some interesting content, some new blog postings or even just a quick email to say “hi”. I want to meet as many of you as possible. Have a wonderful day! :)  Tue, 17 Jun 2014 15:19:40 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=173 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=172  This blog was written with input from Brian Rask, Dave Schultz, Wayne Sumners and Barney Bartley all from our Prince Albert, SK location.    A wise woman once said, “We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love”. Reflecting back on the April 2014 Frank Flaman Foundation Guatemala Humanitarian trip, this quote may very well have been the theme of the entire trip.   We began our journey where most great stories start – sitting in an airport, anxiously awaiting our flight to be called for boarding. We embarked on the plane and soon found ourselves in Calgary where we met up with the rest of the Flaman volunteers hailing from locations across Saskatchewan and Alberta. (It is thought that “some” of us *ahem Prince Albert* may have been better looking than others… but I digress.) After some introductions courtesy of Kate and Crystal, the lot of us boarded the second leg of our trip, and after a brief pit stop in Texas, we were finally touching down on Guatemalan soil.   It was about 10:30pm when we landed in Guatemala City, and despite the long day of traveling, we wasted no time breezing through the airport and boarding a small tour bus that would take us to our first destination – Antigua. On the bus ride over, however, is where we experienced our first cultural shock. One of the passengers who’d been travelling with us has asked if we could stop for water. The driver denied the request, saying it was too dangerous to stop. Can you imagine that happening here in Canada?   It didn’t seem to take long until we were at our hotel. A big “Hats Off!” to the hotel staff who provided us with extremely polite service and were all too eager to help – they unloaded our bags and got us to our rooms in record time.   With our first night behind us, morning came early. We decided to take our first day to do some exploring of the area, get some money exchanged and do a bit of souvenir shopping for our wonderful and hard-working coworkers left in the grind back home. Later that afternoon, we met up back at the hotel to catch our bus to Lake Atitlan, where we would once again experience incredible hotel service and true Guatemalan spirit in the people so eager to make our stay warm and welcome.   The next morning was warm and pleasant and it was the perfect day to gear up in our work clothes and get down to the reason we were there! Now, some of us have been in the work force for nearly 40 years but on this day for the first time ever, we caught a boat to work - not the typical Saskatchewan experience! The captain was great and only took about 45 minutes to get us to our destination. On the boat, we passed fishermen in tiny canoe-like boats checking their fishnets. Further out, nestled between the water and the mountainside were small villages. It was a truly picturesque sight.   We docked the boat and walked a few blocks with fruit and veggie markets lining the street most of the way. All 16 of us then piled into the back of a 1976 Toyota pick up truck and drove to the job site. Reality really sunk in at this point… We had come to help dig trenches for footings and build the foundation of a new learning centre. We stepped off the truck and immediately started wondering where all the equipment was - the track hoe, the bobcat, the gravel truck… they had nothing! Instead, there were wheelbarrows and shovels and what was obviously a LOT of work ahead of us! There were about 8 old men and about 8 pretty ladies working away at this intensive labour which made for excellent motivation for us tough Canadian guys to work our best and hardest for these people who are clearly working so hard to help themselves. But when it came to hauling wheelbarrows around, nobody could keep up to Joe, the trucker. He poured his soul into his work, so much so, that when we finally made it to lunch time, every one of us at the table had an unspoken respect for the man to take the first plate the waitress brought out... A small courtesy can mean so much.   It only took a couple of days to start seeing the fruits of our labour. On-site progress was well underway under the spectacular leadership of Kate and Crystal, the Operations Managers. Lunches were prepared traditionally by a few ladies from the village, and the food was great, considering they had very little to work with.   One of the most heart warming moments was the day when Charlene gave her brightly coloured running shoes to a poor old wood cutter whose own shoes were several sizes too big and who would have to wear them on the wrong feet so they wouldn’t fall off. Another moment was when we went to a home and helped build a stove that will now benefit 3 or 4 families in the area. Most of the homes here have no stove, or if they do, it lacks a chimney to vent out the smoke and fumes. These people then resort to having to light a fire on the dirt floor of their home, which leads to respiratory problems in infants and children, and in some cases even resulting in death. The gratitude for the simplest thing that we as Canadians take for granted every single day was simply amazing. One can never know how appreciative these people are of so little until you have been there and have seen it for yourself. After our experience, it really helped each of us see the difference between our wants and our needs. Our new Guatemalan friends showed us what true gratitude and happiness is, and in many ways, they gave us so much more than we gave them. Maybe the small things we do with great love aren’t really such small things after all.   We would like to extend our thanks to all of you that we met on our incredible journey. We could not have experienced this with a better group of people, and we miss you all. We would also like to thank Frank and his family for one of the greatest experiences of our lives. It will be etched in our minds forever. Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:02:06 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=172 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=171 Jim Behnke from Behnke Enterprises talks to Steve about Ag Transports and changes he has seen in his 27 year career in the Trailer Industry. Behnke Enterprises is a truly world class and worldwide brand with distribution in many countries and continents. Behnke Enterprises manufacturers a diverse product line of Ag Transport equipment and industrial trailers that allows evolving. Listen, learn, and enjoy the podcast. Tue, 03 Jun 2014 08:10:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=171 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=170 From April 20-28, 2014 a group of 16 Flaman staff/family and friends traveled to Guatemala where they helped dig ditches and build buildings for a village that the Frank Flaman Foundation has been working in for 8 years. Lorna Mutch is an employee at our Nisku store and she wanted to tell everyone about her amazing experience.     “Seed of Hope”   I had the opportunity and honor to go to Guatemala and was able to see, first hand, how a part of the money raised for charity by the foundation helps the people who truly need it.   We stayed in a town called Panajachel. It had the most breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding area. It was like looking at the blue green water, and as your eyes followed the water, it seemed like it took a path in between two volcanoes and kept right on going. It was so peaceful and relaxing to look at.   We took a boat over to Santiago and from there, worked our way to the village of Tzutijil where we would begin our adventure of working with the villagers and children. The boat ride was about 45 minutes and during this time, we went right between the two volcanoes. The sights of the small towns sitting on the edge of the lake to the houses nestled in the trees, the clear skies with the clouds so close you felt you could reach out and touch them made the boat journey seem faster than 45 min. It’s such a beautiful country; peaceful and calming.   When we got to the village, the people were so happy to see us and greeted us with much enthusiasm. I honestly have never in my lifetime seen such happy and friendly people. They made us feel like we were right at home and not so far away. The children were one of my most cherished memories. Even though they did not know us, and it was plain to see they did not have much in the way of material value, they were curious and funny. One little boy was very playful and played a joke on someone. It was very cute and even though there was a language barrier, he managed to make us laugh and it was a highlight of the day. It was amazing to see the looks on their faces as we encouraged them to read to us (which one little boy did in English). You could see the eagerness in their innocent faces as they showed us what they had learned. This was the building (school), which had been built in the past few years thanks in part to the foundation.   We worked for three days. It was hard work. We dug ditches so they could lay the foundation for the expansion of the building already there. The things we take for granted is just a part of their everyday living and I cannot imagine using the tools and resources in our country. We hand dug trenches 1-meter deep using shovels and garden hoes. I used the hoe mostly and can tell you it was definitely a challenge to keep the dirt on it. We mixed ingredients in a big trough by hand to make cement and then carried it in 5-gallon pails to pour. We built a stove by hand made out of brick and cement, which took 2 days. We made the cement on the ground. The common everyday things we use, they could never afford. It was the most gratifying and humbling experiences I have ever known. I would do it again in a heartbeat.   The adults and children would gather around to watch us. We had taken a few trinkets with us to give to them that cost us very little. The excitement was so evident on their faces. It was like watching children at Christmas opening their presents. We learned about the history of the town as well. This is just a small insight to what the trip was all about.   We met a man who grew up on the mountain and was trying to raise a family. His children have no education, not shoes-nothing. He told a story about someone who gave him the “Seed of Hope” and how it changed his life. When he told the story, I know that we, as part of the foundation, were giving these people a “Seed of Hope” as well as with all the hard work, dedication and help from each and every one of us that in the years to come, the seed that was planted, and all who contributed to the “Seed of Hope” will keep on growing.   This was a trip to cherish for a lifetime and if any of you have a chance; it is worth a million just for the experience and knowledge gained by doing so. Wed, 21 May 2014 11:27:41 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=170 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=169 We all know, in order to prevent grain spoilage, you must keep it at the proper temperature and keep the moisture level low. Millions of dollars are lost every year due to grain spoilage. Intra Grain has a solution to this issue and it is called Bin Sense. Bin Sense monitors your grain 24/7 and, every hour, can wirelessly send you an update on the condition of your grain. This takes the guesswork and risk out of grain storage. Bin Sense not only monitors moisture levels but monitors grain levels as well within the bin so that if theft occurs, you will be notified.   The whole Bin Sense Monitoring system is easy to install and even easier to operate. It uses a magnetic mount at the top of your bin, which makes set up/removal simple. Each unit has been highly tested and does not require the use of a power source because it is entirely solar powered with a backup battery. No struggling with extension cords or generators.   On Intra Grain’s website, you are able to request a quote and read more about the products and technology. Check it out https://intragrain.com Fri, 09 May 2014 15:48:32 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=169 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=168 Every year we have Trailer Division training in February and every year we find new products to bring to you our customers.  Organizing the event this year I surprised at the logistics required to make this happen. Five years ago we had three manufacturers to focus on. We now supply fifteen trailer manufacturers to Western Canada eleven of which were at our inside training event. We consumed an entire exhibition hall in Lethbridge to show case the equipment inside from the cold. Ultimately, that is a lot of product choice for you. Now that spring has sprung these trailers are in our lots ready to be viewed. Many of these fifteen manufactures many are what I consider speciality products: Office Trailers, Concession Trailers, Mobile Restroom trailers, Sprayer Trailers, car dollies, level loading trailers, fuel trailers... the list goes on. But to be fair many are also mainline manufacturers and we have aligned ourselves with the best in the industry to provide our customers pricing and specification choices or simply put their pick of good better or best.  What I was excited about most this year however are products I believe we have be needing to supply for quite some time;  Stock and Horse Trailers (which we used to supply), and Semi flat bed trailers. To meet these needs we have aligned ourselves with Corn Pro Trailers for Horse and Stock Trailers and B&B Trailers for Flat Bed Semi Trailers. We have more product information on our website. Both of these brands have been in the industry for a long time and we excited to offer them.   The last new trailer type we had in our training is quite unique. The company Air Tow Trailers are a worldwide industry leader for level loading trailers. When I was first exposed to this trailer I will admit I raised an eyebrow and thought what use are these trailers? The idea is nice but regular trailers can do the job. The fact is they cannot. The bed of these units lowers completely to the ground and when raised for travel the bed self levels depending on weight distribution on the deck. For loading safes, pianos, sky jacks, pallets, etc. this trailer does a job that other units cannot do: painless and safe loading plus smooth transport. So if you have a special moving consideration, this is the trailer. Listen to our podcastto learn more. Wed, 07 May 2014 17:57:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=168 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=167 In this Episode we talk with Ryan Sailer General Manager of Southland Trailers. Ryan takes us through three exciting new products from Southland Trailers. The E270 Dump Trailer, the SL 280 Dump Trailer and their Fuel pup trailer. Enjoy the conversation. Tue, 06 May 2014 08:15:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=167 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=166 Our 2013/2014 Sled’n Snap contest has come to a close and the winners have been announced. This year was my first experience with this contest and it sure was fun to witness. All of the pictures that people submitted were amazing! The trick riding shots and the ones of kids having so much fun were my favourite.   This was also the first year that Sled’n Snap went international with North Dakota joining Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The more the merrier! Making this contest available to more people is what it’s all about.   I also found it interesting that there was a lot of conversations happening on the Sled’n Snap website during the contest. People were sharing their favourite routes and commenting on their favourite pictures. That’s the best way to discover new trails to explore.   I believe that this contest is only just getting started. This year's was great, but I have a feeling that next year is going to be awesome! I’m really looking forward to seeing what pictures the snowmobiling community snap next year.   Congratulations to Jason Holt of Saskatchewan for winning the grand prize! Jason won the use of a 4-Place Enclosed Snowmobile Trailer for a year.   Have a look at the video of the name drawing for the 2-place Aluma trailers There was one winner for each region. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJzo8v8EMX0   Check out the other winners at https://slednsnap.com   Fri, 02 May 2014 14:59:32 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=166 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=165 In this episode of Trailer Talk we talk with Brett McDowell who shares with us the innovations and evolution of bull dog truck decks. Have a listen and gain insights on how the use of the decks has changed over the years and continues to expand. Trucks Decks are not just for Sledding any more. Tue, 22 Apr 2014 07:44:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=165 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=164 This year, I had the opportunity to attend the 8th Annual Frank Flaman Foundation Gala and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a very glamorous event with lots of fancy outfits, really cool and unique prizes to bid on and even a Flaman Man ice sculpture! I myself “won” a lamp in the silent auction and I certainly had my eye on a couple other prizes as well.   When I was there, I could just feel the generosity in the air. People were well aware of the impact that the Frank Flaman Foundation has made in the lives of so many people all around the world. They knew what kind of man Frank is and all of the hard work that he has put in over the years to make every penny donated count. There were many different fun ways of donating money including the silent auction, the live auction and raffle tickets. Danny Hooper was the emcee for the evening and he sure kept the evening flowing smoothly.   As well as being able to attend the Gala, I also had the chance to help out with set up. For me, it’s always interesting and eye opening to see how much time and effort goes into putting on an event such as this one. Syndy Harriot and Dana Dutton put in an exorbitant amount of work into buying prizes, setting up the seating chart, designing and assembling centerpieces and so much more! I tip my hat to you ladies and all your hard work.   I really did enjoy myself that evening. I even managed to drag my boyfriend out on the dance floor for a couple of songs. The energy in the room was lively and happy. Flaman Man himself even made an appearance and I got the chance to get my picture taken with him! Dream come true as a Flaman employee! The Gala was once again a fantastic success! I am looking forward to attending next year’s.  Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:16:17 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=164 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=163 Taylor Layton doesn’t let the fact that she has Down Syndrome get in the way of her dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. She started up her very own recycling company in her small town of Outlook, SK. Her business has flourished from 5 customers, to over 60!   Taylor recently entered a contest through the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program and won. She received $1000 in cash, mentoring, books and other resources to help better her company. She mentioned that she was going to use the money that she won to purchase a new trailer to help her haul all of her recycling.   Flaman Saskatoon saw her contest video submission and decided to step in and help. They donated a brand new trailer to her so that she could spend her prize money on something else for her business. Her reaction to the news was priceless. She also received a variety of pieces of jewelry from a Canadian jewelry company called Lia Sophia, which she absolutely loved!   Mitch Flaman was on hand in Saskatoon and was the one who delivered the good news to Taylor about us giving her the trailer. Here is what he had to say about the experience,   “I had a pretty good feeling that Taylor was going to be excited when we presented her with the trailer. Let's be honest, who wouldn't be stoked about receiving a free trailer. When we presented the trailer to Taylor and she ran up and hugged me, that was something else. To me we were giving someone a trailer. Nothing more, nothing less. A piece of our inventory that I see daily. To Taylor, we were giving her more than just a trailer. We were giving her the opportunity to expand her dream and see her business come full cycle. Without that hug, I don't know if I fully would have understood how much that trailer really meant to Taylor. That is when it became real special to me. I'm super pumped for Taylor and her family and hope nothing but the best for the future and the continued growth in making a "Greener Outlook"   Flaman is so happy that we could help Taylor out with her dream. Who knows how big her business is going to get. Great job Taylor, and keep up the good work  Wed, 26 Mar 2014 08:50:36 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=163 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=162 Brian Frette from Corn Pro Trailers talks us through the manufacturing of the product and shares his views on the versatility of their products. (For instance snow machines in a stock trailer?) Have a listen to some great information about this respected brand. Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:52:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=162 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=161 Spring is finally upon us and there is a buzz of change and enthusiasm in the air that always seems to come with the warmer temperatures!  Personally for me,  spring is a time of shaking off the slumber of winter, offering a fresh feeling of renewal and so much growth!     At Flaman and with the Flaman Foundation, we’re very excited about the fresh new look of the website and the evolution we see taking place.   We want to make it easier for our customers, contacts and friends to catch a glimpse into what we’ve been doing to make the world better and brighter and invite you to get involved in any way you can!   The new Foundation website has a photo gallery of past humanitarian excursions.  Please take a look at the incredible experience of going on one of our humanitarian trips!  They have been life-changing and defining moments for many of the past participants!    Also on the Foundation website you’ll find an amazing list of Sponsors and supporters of the Foundation.  We could not do the work we do without them and we are grateful for their continued support over the years.  One of my favourite quotes illustrates the importance of partnerships like the ones we have with these amazing sponsors.  “We are, each of us, angels with only one wing and it is only by embracing one another that we are able to fly.”  The new site also contains a list of Frank’s chosen charities that he’s currently spending a lot of time with.  These charities have been chosen because they fit the Foundation’s mandate of providing ‘basic necessities of life for children and families in need, locally and around the world’.  These charities are also chosen because they operate with fiscal responsibility, a strong work ethic and extreme focus on helping those in need.    A few things that we have on the go within the Foundation are the upcoming Flaman Foundation Gala, taking place on March 28th, 2014 and also our next humanitarian trip to Guatemala, taking place on April 20-28th, 2014.  There are still tickets available to attend the Gala.  If you would like to come, please contact Syndy at Flaman’s (780-955-3400 or syndy.harriott@flaman.com) for more information. The humanitarian trip to Guatemala is full but we would like to plan another one within 2014.  If you are interested in coming, please contact Crystal at Crystal@inspiringsuccess.ca   As the snow begins to melt and the mud puddles get bigger, we look forward to more sunshine, longer days and continued opportunity to share our passion of helping our customers and making the biggest difference possible in the world around us, especially for those in need.  In the Foundation, we strive to make the greatest ripple effect by working together to throw that first pebble into the water.  We hope you will join us to see just how much of a difference we can make together!  Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:11:31 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=161 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=160 Albert Behr from Air Tow joins us for this episode of Trailer Talk. He shares the history of how level loading trailers came to be and the evolution of the product line. Albert also explains a multitude of uses for the product that you might never have thought of...which got me thinking about what the trailers can be used for...the list gets quite long. Thu, 13 Feb 2014 09:06:07 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=160 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=159 In this episode of Trailer Talk we learn about ATC trailers, their value stream manufacturing and some really unique products. Industry veteran (24 years!) Trent Sheets tells us the story. Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:02:40 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=159 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=158   Volunteering often means that you do something without expecting or receiving payment or compensation. Having done a fair bit of volunteering in my life, I believe that this is a false definition of the word. Every time I volunteer, I seem to gain something from the experience, and this time was no exception.   Recently, Flaman employees worked with E4Cs School Lunch Program and helped serve hot lunches to students in inner city schools. I was fortunate enough to get to participate in this, and the feelings of humbleness and pride in what we were helping with was overwhelming. After having gone through school every day as a child with food in my stomach, it was sad to see the faces of children who might just be eating for the first time that day.   My partner Braden and I arrived at the school and helped the staff prepare and serve the meals to the students. That day, the kids each received a scoop of a noodle/chicken dish, some orange slices and a container of milk. I can only speak from my own experience, but I loved talking to the children and seeing them smile. Many of them were quick to ask me who I was, what my nose ring was and why I was wearing a hair net.   According to the staff members of the program, the cost to feed a child in the School Lunch Program is $80/month, but they only ask parents to pay $30 (which most parents can’t afford).   The Frank Flaman Foundation contributes funds to this and many other charities locally, and around the world. As an employee, it’s great to see the change that our donations can make within the community. I got to sit and eat with the grade one students and the smiles on their faces put things into perspective for me. It makes me proud to work for a company that contributes to worthwhile causes.  Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:42:08 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=158 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=157 In this episode of Trailer Talk we hear from Ryan Miller at Trailtech, one of our long time partner manufactures. Ryan gives us a sneak peak at his ideas about the future of the trailer industry. Fri, 03 Jan 2014 09:30:20 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=157 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=156 Rental dealers from all across the prairies including BC and even Montana all gathered at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, AZ on Nov 27 - Dec 1 There were just over 100 of us for this year's meeting trip. We were also proud to have in attendance some of our top suppliers and business partners such as Riteway Mfg, Schulte, Haukaas, Wheatheart, Calidon Leasing, National Leasing. Also attending was 3 of our new SK and MB dealers! The trip was a great escape from our tough winter conditions and the overall experience was very positive.  While some areas had slight decreases in revenue this year, everyone agreed that the current economic situation in Western Canada is very favourable and with a lot of hard work and a little luck in the way of weather, we will plan for a very strong year coming up.  The goal of our annual meeting is to bring all of our rental dealers together to share information to continue to grow our business.  The mingling of dealers, suppliers, and staff allows us to keep moving forward and strengthening the business and personal relationships that are so important and somewhat rare in this digital world.  We still believe that face time spent together is the best way to build a successful business and that is what the annual dealer meeting is all about. Highlights included: Golf, golf, golf. Many dealers took advantage of the beautiful course and golfed daily while the ladies shopped, shopped, shopped NHL game sat night with the Blackhawks in town! Was an exciting game and experience ATV tour - about 15 dealers went on a quad tour in the desert! Was a blast. Someone (Scott from Riteway) got a little carried away and may have injured his tailbone as his quad did a backflip Steve Whittington, Flaman’s VP of Marketing and Communications took us on a detailed journey of his trip up Mount Everest. Awards night gala presenting top dealers in each territory and top new dealer and community service awards Meeting topics discussed included: Introduction of new dealers New dealer agreements COOP advertising improvements Advertising plan for 2014 Tips on increasing rental revenue Introducing the new corporate stores (Lethbridge, Medicine Hat) Year in review both corporate level and rental dealers Flaman Foundation Booking program introduction for Alberta and improvements New products and equipment New rental rates 2014 GPS for tracking acre counts I would like to thank all rental dealers who attended the meeting for your support and hard work that goes into our business every year.  Thank you to the key suppliers that joined our meeting and helped sponsor the cost of the meeting to keep the costs down to dealers who attended.  Thanks to the Flaman staff who came and helped keep everyone looked after and entertained.  Thanks to Wayne, Ken and Kelsey for helping to organize the meetings and events. A very big thank you to Wayne Beckett who came up with the idea to have the meeting in Phoenix and did most of the work organizing the venue and travel arrangements.  And last, but not least, thanks to Rocky Amson and Frank Flaman for allowing us to organize these meetings for rental dealers and to give us the means to keep building this business. Parrish Kondra 2013 Flaman Rental Dealer Awards Top New Dealer – Interlake Rentals – Arborg, MB Community Service Award (Sask/Man) – MarDee Enterprises – Brandon, MB Community Service Award (Alberta/BC/USA) – Nanton Rentals – Nanton, AB Top Retail Sales (Sask/Man) – Triple D & P Farms – Birsay, SK Top Retail Sales (AB/BC/USA) – Smoky River Equipment Sales and Rentals – Falher, AB Top 5 Dealers (Sask/Man) #5 – Ike Friesen – Morden, MB #4 – B & D Rentals – Cutknife, SK #3 – Brendonn Holdings – Russell, MB #2 – B & A Petroleum – Swift Current, SK #1 – Reliant Sales and Rentals – Windthorst, SK Top 5 (Alberta, BC, USA) #5 – Wetaskiwin Bulk Sales – Wetaskiwin, AB #4 – Koch Fuels – Carstairs, AB #3 – Ray Agro & Petroleum – Barrhead, AB #2 – Will’s Welding – Ponoka, AB #1 – Keddie’s Rentals – Grande Prairie, AB   Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:02:35 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=156 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=154 Another fateful Movember is drawing to a close. I’m not sure if I will be sad or slightly relieved to see those moustaches shaved off. That being said, we had another very successful year here at Flaman. Many of our staff grew moustaches in support of Movember, and, with $100 per moustache donated by the company, we raised $11,000. Great job everyone!   Movember is all about raising awareness of men’s health issues. Men seem to be more reluctant to talk about health-related topics such as getting a yearly physical exam at their doctors or getting a prostate exam. But these are important tests that can detect cancer and other diseases early, which will mean a better chance of recovery.   The guys at Flaman use Movemeber as an opportunity to grow their best moustache and compete with their fellow co-workers. Our founder, Frank Flaman, even participated and grew himself a moustache as well. I have to say, my favorite moustache was “grown” by Zach Seely. The reason I use quotations around the word “grown” is because he decided to draw a moustache and goatee on his face in Sharpie. Now that’s commitment to the cause!   Last year we did things a little differently and collected donations from family, friends and even customers. We surpassed last year’s donation of $10,000. This year we had 110 employees participate. Our goal next year is to bump it up by another $1,000 and donate $12,000. I know we can do it because the employees here at Flaman are awesome and have impressive moustache-growing abilities.   Head over to our Facebook page and check out our photo album full of all our wonderful moustaches.              Fri, 29 Nov 2013 11:29:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=154 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=153 In this episode we hear from Mike Lloyd, President of Aluma, CFO of Kay Corporation and President of NATM (National Association of Trailer Manufacturers.) Lucky for us Mike has taken some time out of his busy schedule to tell us the back story of Aluma and what is on the horizon for Aluminum trailers. Thu, 24 Oct 2013 13:18:41 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=153 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=152 The Sled’N Snap photo contest has launched for its third year and we’re excited to showcase a brand new website! This site will make it even easier for people to share, view and comment on each other’s photos. Visitors to www.slednsnap.com can upload their pictures in a variety of categories and in April the public will vote for the grand prize winner. The site is also a place to celebrate all things snowmobiling, while promoting safe riding and registered sleds. It has valuable information like trail maps, upcoming events and safety articles. We’re also happy to announce that Sled’N Snap has turned international and Snowmobile North Dakota has joined the contest! Anyone with a registered sled in that state can enter a photo. “We are really excited about joining Sled’N Snap,” says Keri Wanner, executive director for SND. In 2011, she attended the Saskatchewan snowmobile show where an enclosed trailer with “Win Me!” on the side caught her attention. It was the grand prize given to the winner of Sled’N Snap to use for a year, which prompted Wanner to find out more about the contest and get involved. “As a manager of snowmobile trails, there is no other opportunity that can outshine promoting snowmobile registration,” adds Wanner. “That’s how you can maintain trails and do the work behind the scenes to make sure you can ride.” “Having North Dakota join Sled’N Snap is something I pushed for,” says Chris Brewer, executive director of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA), another Sled’N Snap partner. “I don’t believe in borders as a snowmobiler. We all have a common cause: we love to enjoy winter. To open up internationally is absolutely fantastic for snowmobilers.” Sled’N Snap isn’t the only thing turning international this winter. A new snowmobile trail linking Saskatchewan and North Dakota is opening in February. The first of its kind trail will connect the two systems at the Port of Carievale and allow snowmobilers from either side of the border access to thousands of kilometers of new trails. An international ride to commemorate this trail opening will take place on February 15. Snowmobilers with a legal sled in North Dakota may cross into Saskatchewan free of charge. Snowmobilers with a legal sled in Saskatchewan coming into North Dakota must purchase an out-of-state permit for $15. This fee will be waived for the International Ride on Feb. 15. Snowmobilers must still cross at the normal border security crossing and have a valid passport. Sled’N Snap is put on by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association, the Alberta Snowmobile Association, Snowmobilers of Manitoba, Snowmobile North Dakota and Flaman Group of Companies. For contest details visit www.slednsnap.com. Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:35:55 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=152 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=151 Standing at 28,700 feet above sea level, the crisp mountain air whipping around him, the first rays of morning sunlight glittering on the untouched snow ahead of him, Steve Whittington, Saskatoon mountaineer and Flaman Trailers division manager, took his final steps onto the South Summit as the top of Mount Everest exploded into view. The Hillary Step and final summit ridge were all that remained between him and the top. At that moment, after living on the side of a mountain for almost two months, he knew he was going to make it.  Whittington and his climbing Sherpa Dawa had been battling a storm for hours considering turning around. When they reached The Balcony they stopped to rest and have a drink. Assessing the situation, Whittington realized his oxygen consumption had been far less than he had originally thought and he didn’t have to change tanks. This meant he was doing better than he realized. “And then I got mad. After 56 days on this mountain I was not going to let a storm turn me around,” Whittington says.   After reaching the South Summit, Whittington traversed the corniced ridge line and quickly climbed the Hillary Step. Then it was an emotional victory march as he made his way to the prayer flag adorned summit. “It was clear, it was bright, it was beautiful,” Whittington recalls. “I burned the moment into my soul.”   As Whittington stood at 29,029 feet, staring at the world below, 10 years of his blood, sweat and tears had finally culminated into that one perfect moment. There’s not a lot of time to celebrate at the top, but he and Dawa took a few moments to place prayer flags and take photos. Snapshots show Whittington with a banner dedicating his summit to childhood friend Warren Thompson and posing with a Flaman Group of Companies flag.   The team at Flaman is extremely proud that one of our own was able to accomplish such an amazing feat. To celebrate Whittington’s summit, Flaman Trailers is introducing the exclusive Everest Edition sled trailers. These trailers come with bonus, value-added features for extra convenience and functionality. Our manufacturers stepped up to help us celebrate and we’re able to offer these features at no extra cost to the customer.   The 2014 XR Series trailers come with new interior kick plates, interior black matte trim, new aluminum rims, a cabinet, coat rack, bench and a 110 Volt Plug. You can see all these great features by clicking here.   All Aluma flat deck snowmobile trailers and the 2 place enclosed sled trailer come with special Everest Edition aluminum rims. To see the different Aluma trailers Flaman has, click here.   Check out these trailers soon, as they are only available this winter! Not all XR sled trailers will feature this new package, so please talk to your local salesperson.   Whittington’s journey to the top of Everest started 10 years ago. He has more than 40 summits to his name, including five of the world’s seven summits.  “Climbing Everest was a longing that I didn’t quite understand,” Whittington says. “But I knew I had to be patient enough to build the skills that I needed to climb it over the past decade.” Whittington followed a grueling program of work outs and went on several climbing trips to increase his strength and endurance, add weight (he lost 30 pounds on the mountain) and increase his maximal oxygen intake. You can read his training blogs on Flaman Fitness’ Fit Talk blog.   Could there be a second trip up Everest in the future? Whittington is steadfast in his answer: “I have no desire to go back.” But he does have plans to finish the seven summits and eventually tap the top of Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania. Right now, he says, he’s focusing on his family. But the pull of the mountain is strong.   “When you’re climbing there are so many uncertainties, so many what ifs. But where other people see uncertainty, I see possibility. This is why I climb.”     Steve on the top of Mt Everest with the Flaman Group of Companies flag.   The new XR Everest Edition sled trailer comes with many great features like:     New aluminum rims                                      Fold down bench Coat rack Tue, 08 Oct 2013 16:03:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=151 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=150 In this Episode we are joined by the President of the North American Dealer Association(NATDA) Andy Ackerman. Andy shares the history of NATDA, membership benefits and how NATDA is working to improve the trailer industry. Tue, 08 Oct 2013 08:04:25 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=150 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=149 Part 2 of Steve's Sled Trailer guide. To see part 1 which focuses on steel vs. aluminum click here Picking an Enclosed Sled Trailer:  You decided you did not want to clean off your sleds every time you reach your destination. Or you need somewhere to store your machines in the summer, or you want to work on your sleds out of the wind in the staging area.  Whatever your reasons, you’re going to buy an enclosed trailer; now which type? Your options are many.  To help you understand your options here are how they’re generally classified: The first way enclosed sled trailers are classified is by how many sleds they carry: 2 place, 3 place or 4 place.  The second way they are classified is by deck height: lowboy (deck is as low to the ground as possible) mid-deck (the deck is raised for some clearance but not too high, keeping the ramp angle down) and highboy (the deck is above the wheels so the platform is a full 8’ wide). The third way the trailers are classified by is width, which tends to fall into two broad categories 7’ or 8’ wide (which is really 8’6” wide). Lastly, the frames will either be steel or aluminum.    When it comes to deciding which class of trailer is right for you, it really comes down to your specific needs, but I will give you some things to consider with the most popular classes that may help your decision making.  2 place, highboy, 8’ 6” wide:  This class of enclosed sled trailer tends to be the most economical.  It is usually single axle without brakes, so a half tonne truck can pull it with no problem.  They are often aluminum so they are quite light, which makes them even easier to move around.   It is a great starter enclosed trailer. The down side of this trailer is that unless you bump up to tandem axles you do not have a drive off front ramp, and if you add another axle and a front ramp your costs sky rocket.  That said, with a reverse option on today’s sleds, is the front drive-off ramp really needed?  2 or 3 place, lowboy, 7 wide:  This trailer with a steel frame is also very economical.  Being 7’ wide and lower to the ground means they pull well behind a truck. Plus, they are tandem axles so their ride is smoother than a bouncy single axle trailer.  They also have a front ramp so you can drive your sleds in and out with ease.  Beyond those points this trailer is also being used year round as a traditional cargo trailer because it is just the right size – not too big, not too small. Contractors love the access to the trailer with two ramps.  The downside of these trailers is that the loading of three sleds can be difficult, but once you figure out the configuration needed it is not an issue.  As well, being only 7’ wide there is not a lot of room on the inside for cabinets and racking.  3 or 4 place, lowboy, 8 wide:  These enclosed units have become more popular as a multi-use unit or toy haulers.  Instead of just sled trailers the ramp can be reinforced and you can haul a car or side by side MUV if you make the rear door opening high enough.  If you have a lot of different toys this becomes a really economical option. Instead of two trailers you can get one built for all your toys.  The down side is that you have full size fender boxes inside the trailer to maneuver around when loading your sleds, but trust me that is not a difficult issue, and if it is, are you sure you want to chase powder  between the trees?  The other issue with the lowboys is adding a heater. Generally the propane tanks will have to go on an extended hitch so your trailer gets a little longer overall.  3 or 4 place, mid-deck, 8 wide: These units are another popular class of toy hauler, but with a little bit more clearance.  The extra clearance comes in handy for added features such an underbelly mounted fuel tank and propane tanks.  The fender boxes inside the units are not as high and can be easily driven over. The disadvantage of these units is the extra clearance; if it is going to be a toy hauler trailer a lot of cars will not be able to make it up the higher angled ramp.  3 or 4 place, highboy, 8 wide: If there is a traditional enclosed sled trailer, this is it. It is still the most popular option for an enclosed sled trailer. They have a full width deck so it is very easy to drive and position your sleds for travel. The full width provides lots of room for cabinets and racking on the walls.  They have lots of clearance, they track well behind a vehicle on snowy roads, plus with all the deck clearance there are no problems adding options such as on board fueling stations or under deck mounted propane tanks.  Quite simply, they are specifically designed to load sleds and all their accessories the easiest out of all the trailers on the market and as a result, people buy them the most.  The downside of the units is the fact that they are specifically designed for hauling sleds, being so high up you have a hard time loading cargo or recreational power sport vehicles.  Lastly, again being so high up in a cross wind they act as a big sail and they push the tow vehicle around a lot.  There many other options to consider when buying a sled trailer such as adding heat or cabinets, the type of interior walls, little features such as kick plates and floor drains...the list is endless.  I was talking to a manufacturer about his enclosed sled trailer production run this year and he estimated that 90% of the trailers will be unique coming down the line. The point is, there are a lot of choices in the market place. Make sure that when you are looking for a trailer you talk with someone that can educate you and provide you with all the options so you can get your trailer, your way. Mon, 30 Sep 2013 10:58:27 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=149 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=148 Flaman Group of Companies is proud to announce that we have been named #49 on Saskatchewan’s Top 100 Companies List for 2013. This list is published annually in Saskatchewan Business Magazine and looks at a company’s overall sales. The final rankings were revealed at a gala on September 4 and the full list is available in the September magazine edition. Saskatchewan Business Magazine is home to the original and official Top 100 Companies List for Saskatchewan. First published in 1984, the list remains the barometer of Saskatchewan’s top performing businesses.    “The only reason we made the list is because of our customers,” said Don Flaman, president. “Thank you to all our customers for supporting us.”   The Top 100 List paints a positive picture for business in Saskatchewan. According to the magazine, revenues are up across the board and Saskatchewan is a “must be” destination for business, boasting major private firms along with the traditional co-ops or Crown corporations.   “Saskatchewan businesses have found their stride, a testament to the quality of owners and managers who have developed a unique skill set, learning to excel in a market best characterized by its sparse population and expansive landmass while roughly two thirds of its output is destined for a buyer outside our borders,” writes Paul Martin in the September issue of Saskatchewan Business Magazine.   “This annual listing is as much a celebration of the past – of those who built an environment that attracts players from all corners of the planet – as it is a tribute to the new players who are helping to broaden and deepen our entrepreneurial pool.”     Fri, 27 Sep 2013 09:28:51 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=148 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=146  I grew up in the small northern mining town of Thompson, Manitoba.  We were a family of sledders, four of us, but at times we had upwards of six sleds. For my brother and I we had a red Yamaha Bravo, an orange Élan and a yellow Tundra. Mom and dad had bigger machines, both Polaris, a Cutlass SS and Indie Trail. The Cutlass was eventually upgraded to a liquid cooled Indie 400, and when we got older we could take it for a rip. It was fast.   Despite having all those sleds we never had a trailer. We transported our sleds by loading them in the back of our truck by running up a snow bank or a ¾” sheet of plywood as a ramp.  Usually we took one sled but sometimes we needed to transport two.  That was a chore, turning the sleds perpendicular to the truck and hanging the tracks over the side of the box.  Those were the days.   I am sure the struggles of loading sleds in the back of trucks helped bring about the evolution of the recreational sled trailer; much as loading horses and cattle in pickups prompted the building and selling of horse and stock trailers.  Either way, the expensive cargo moved from the back of the truck to behind the truck and the differentiation started there.   I won’t bore you with all the bumps and steps along the way, but fast forward to today and there are a lot of choices out there.  Here are some points to consider:   Picking an open deck or an enclosed trailer:  An open deck trailer is significantly less cost than an enclosed sled trailer, and easier to tow than a large enclosed trailer.   If you do not mind some road slush on your sleds (salt shields/rock guards mitigate this some) and you want something easy to move around, this is the choice for you.  Now you just need to decide between steel and aluminum.    Steel vs aluminum:  Aluminum will last longer and does not suffer as badly from weathering or mechanical road chip damage. The trailers tend to have the same capacity, but if you go with a well-built steel trailer they will be stronger and will be able to do more than just haul your sleds or recreational vehicles.  That tends to be the deciding factor between buying aluminum open deck sled trailers or steel open deck sled trailer. If you think you’re going to use it for more than just sleds, buy a steel open sled deck trailer, it will handle the abuse better.  Otherwise buy the aluminum, it pulls way easier and if you are putting on some miles you will appreciate that fact.   Stay tuned for part 2 which will look at how to choose the right enclosed trailer for you. Thu, 26 Sep 2013 08:07:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=146 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=145 In this episode we talk with Chris Brewer President of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) about the Sled'n Snap photo contest. The Sled'n Snap photo contest has been running for three years and has reached thousands of snowmobilers sharing their photos and comments in a fun online forum with a potential to win great prizes. SSA and Flaman Group of Companies united to create this intuitive and Steve reflects with Chris about how the contest has grown and provided benefits to the associations and members that were never expected. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Fri, 20 Sep 2013 09:15:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=145 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=144 I landed in St. Louis at 11:30 pm Wednesday the day before the North American Trailer Dealer Association Tradeshow started.  I have been making the pilgrimage to NATDA for that last five years.  The event has been improving every year with more vendors exhibiting in the tradeshow and a higher quality speaker line up for the education sessions.  As a team we travel to St. Louis to stay on top of industry trends, to learn about new and innovative products and how to improve our business practices.  Attending the show refocuses us on the trailer business and provides us with great ideas for what more we can do for our customers.  From Alberta Les Bachinsky and Tim McMullen flew down and from Saskatchewan Darrell Knash and Lee Prefontaine attended the show.  Les and I have been going to NATDA since the beginning but for the other three this is a new event.   Les and I both feel that it is important for different members of the sales team to get down to NATDA to see how big the industry is and to learn about what is out there. Additionally, I feel bringing new people every year brings new perspectives that see things differently than Les and I do, and I must admit I learn from the team and sometimes re-evaluate previous decisions.  Obviously lots of our manufacturers are in attendance and it is great to spend time with them and see what new products they have coming out for the next year.   From this show we decided to work towards adding the following to our line up: Air-tow trailers: Trailers specifically designed for ground level loading.  www.airtow.com   Jumping Jack Tent Trailer:  Easy to use pop tent trailers (with tent insert) that can be pulled out to provide full use of the trailer www.jumpingjacktrailers.com   Horse and Stock Trailers: there was a time that Flaman Trailers provided horse and stock trailers to our customers.  We have not carried horse and stock trailers for over five years and you, our customers, still ask for them.  Well, by spring of 2014 we will have aluminum and steel products for you once again. We are evaluating a number of brands but we are committed to providing these products to you.   Fuel Trailers:  We are reviewing Canadian regulations on this product line.  There are many different types being built in the U.S., however Canadian regulations are far stricter than our American counterparts and at this time we have not found a manufacturer that meets Canadian regulations.   Beyond these product lines there were lots of little ideas: color combination, speciality options, attachments, new parts and accessories.  The list goes on and on....we are excited about what we will have to offer in 2014. Wed, 18 Sep 2013 08:23:47 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=144 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=143 Flaman is excited to announce the launch of our first mobile app! We realize that a lot of our customers are coming to our website on their cell phones, and we wanted to make the mobile experience even easier for them. Simple download the free app and you can look for trailers or equipment, plus check out the lastest blogs, videos and downloads. Looking for equipment? Get instant access to our pre-owned and clearance equipment and trailer inventory right from your smartphone. See what each Flaman store has available and can check out the pictures, specs and prices. Contact Flaman right from your phone when you find what you need. Never miss out on a great deal again! If you’re out in the field and need to rent some equipment, you can use your phone to quickly and easily find your local rental dealer. See what equipment they carry and use the app to contact them directly as well. Want even more information? With the app you can get alerts when there are new catalogues posted online, new blog posts and new videos, so you’ll never miss anything. Read the blogs or watch the videos right from your phone. And if you’re trying to call or visit us, you can conveniently find contact info for all Flaman stores, including Flaman Fitness and our trailer and ag stores. To download the app, visit the iTunes app store, Google Play or go to www.flaman.com/mobile Tue, 17 Sep 2013 10:34:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=143 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=142 Now you can relive your favourite snowmobiling memories all year round with the new Sled’N Snap calendar, available from Flaman.  This 2014 calendar features beautiful winning photos from last year’s Sled’N Snap photo contest. Use it to keep track of your all important events, trips or keep on top of the kids’ activities schedule. The calendar also includes important dates and events from the Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and North Dakota snowmobile associations, and Flaman Group of Companies.  Even in the sweltering summer you can enjoy the photos and day dream about hitting the fresh powder next winter with your sled.  Stop by your local Flaman store today to pick up your free calendar. Or you can get a calendar from the Flaman Trailers booth at the upcoming Alberta Snowmobile Show in Edmonton Oct 18-20 and the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Show in Saskatoon Nov 1-3. Don’t forget to grab one for your friends too!  You can sign up for a Sled’N Snap account and submit photos to contest online at www.slednsnap.com. Next year your photo could be in a calendar! Mon, 16 Sep 2013 08:23:17 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=142 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=140 A few weeks ago when I started this blog entry, I was excited to report that agriculture equipment dealerships were approaching sold-out inventory levels and already delivering machinery to numerous producers province-wide. It was actually a bittersweet situation getting stuck on a secondary highway behind a semi hauling a combine for 16 miles with no option to pass. But, on the other hand, it was exciting to know that harvest was just around the corner. Needless to say, a few weeks later harvest is now in full swing and farmers are going hard. To date, 14% of Saskchewan crops are combined and are experiencing above average yields (Sask Agriculture). “We haven’t seen crops like this in years,” one producer told me as he was gearing up to go swathing. “Let’s just hope the weather permits.” The 2013 crop season is looking to record bumper crops in many areas. One major worry for many producers is the fear of the dirty “F” word – frost. A late spring has consequently resulted in many crops province-wide maturing over a week late due to limiting seeding situations. This creates a vulnerable situation as the growing season is also extended by a week or more. On the plus side, we have been experiencing lots of hot and dry weather with no sign of frost in the near future. Fingers crossed, but if weather continues to cooperate there is going to be a province full of happy farmers with full bins. As harvest is underway, producers are becoming more aware of volunteer varieties and other unwanted dockage in their crops. A windy harvest last year blew swaths all over fields and caused unwanted shelling of many commodities. Lots of these seeds germinated and grew into dockage this year. Flaman Grain Cleaning & Handling offers the answer to many of these situations, such as the Kwik Kleen grain cleaner. Whether you have volunteer flax in you oat crop or pesty Kochia growing in your wheat, the Kwik Kleen is designed to remove unwanted foreign material, as long as it can be sifted out. Although the Kwik Kleen is not a “grain cleaner” in the sense that it is not designed to produce grain clean enough for seeding purposes, it can help clean out the bulk of smaller weed seeds from the larger sample. Kochia is a prime example of a weed seed that farmers would want to remove from their grain with a Kwik Kleen cleaner. Kochia’s high moisture content causes heating once it is mixed in a bin with other grains. This heating can ruin an entire bin full of grain, leaving it fairly useless to the farmer. The Kwik Kleen cleaner removes the Kochia from various grains like wheat, Durum, and other cereals by dropping it through a screen separation as it is augered through the Kwik Kleen before entering the bin. I am pleased to say that in my opinion the future is looking bright for the 2013 crop year! Good luck to all the producers out there working from sunup to sundown and stay safe trying to get this year’s crop in the bin! Happy Harvest Mitch Flaman   Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:02:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=140 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=139 Aidan Thygessen and Kent Natrass, joined me on a call to explain truck decks, the evolution of truck decks and how the Marathon Truckboss is the pinnacle of that evolution. Marathon has been building Truck Decks for 17 years there have been a lot of changes along the way. Today the Truckboss is much more than just a truck deck, have a listen and learn why the truck boss is shipped and used all over the world. Mon, 19 Aug 2013 09:41:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=139 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=138 The reasons for purchasing a grain bagger are obvious. If you're still hung up on the decision, I'll try and make it a little easier for you. There has been quite a large shift over the past few years with farmers not being able to store all of the grain they yield in bins due to a really great harvest, so we're stuck with this problem. We need more storage, the grain bins are full, and the bin crews can't get out to the yard or it is impossible to even acquire more bins. The simple solution? Chuck the commodity in a giant plastic bag where it is not affected by weather or moisture changes, right in the same field it was harvested from. With the cost of grain bags dropping (0.6c / bushel) it's becoming much more mainstream, and I think we can expect to see more and more bags in the field as time goes on. There are a couple more main reasons for bagging. If you've got combines in different fields during a great year for harvest such as 2013, chances are you're going to be running trucks full time and putting wear on them just to keep up with the combines and getting the commodity into the bins. With a grain bagger, you can just drive over to the bagger in the same field with the grain cart or combine, unload into the bagger, and it'll sit there until you either have bin storage available to dry the grain, or until you'd like to haul it to the terminal. Remember that these grain bags don't fluctuate in moisture content, whatever you put in will come out the same way. If bin storage space is an issue, we see a lot of our customers using grain rings with tarps, but they let in moisture and whatever grain is sitting on the ground is sure to spoil at some point. You can keep the grain in a bag for even two years, and be able to pull it out and haul it away. All in all, the way we're farming changes every year, and bagging grain is something that is becoming extremely common. We carry the Flaman Pro Grain Bagger at all of our mainline locations, and the bags to go with them as well. Need the extractor to take the grain out? We sell those too, both new and refurbished. For more information and specifications of the Flaman Pro Grain Bagger, please visit www.Flaman.com.   Thu, 15 Aug 2013 10:53:15 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=138 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=137 Flaman Yorkton is planning an Equipment Demo Day for Tuesday, August 20, 2013. It will be held in the field behind Flaman and it will run from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The objective is to teach the proper operation of the equipment as well as to give some hands on experience. Equipment to be demoed: Schulte Kello Farm King Wishek Pro Dozer   Time permitting: Riteway Harrow Grain Bagger   If you are interested in attending e-mail laura.krantz@flaman.com. Tue, 06 Aug 2013 10:40:31 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=137 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=136 They called themselves the tinker club and during this timeframe the original design for an enclosed cargo trailer came about and so there was a decision that was made I think it was like in 1953 to hop into the cargo trailer business and start building trailers. You can actually see the first wells cargo trailers that were basically produced and sold on our dealer website. Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:38:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=136 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=135 There are a lot of reasons why you should choose a conveyor over an auger or vice versa, but I'll make it a little easier for you to figure out exactly which product will best suit you. One of the biggest factors in someone purchasing brand new for the first time will be the cost. Conveyors are quite a bit more expensive than augers, but tend to last two to three times longer overall than an auger. The flighting on an auger would have to be replaced before it has put through one million bushels, where we've seen the belting on a conveyor last three to four million bushels.   You can also get away with a shorter auger for the size of bin you're loading into, as the unloading angle is a lot higher on an auger, versus having the grain fall back down the conveyor belt once it reaches a certain angle. The motor on a conveyor is positioned higher up on top of its tube, to avoid the interaction with chaff, and requires less horsepower than an auger.  The last big thing that you may be concerned about is what kinds of commodities compliment the auger or conveyor. A conveyor will be more gentle and avoid cracking on pulse crops such as peas and lentils, but canola and other oil seeds are not recommended because the oil deteriorates the belt and gets gummed inside the conveyor. Augers, however, love oil seeds, as they almost lubricate the machine, leading to a much longer auger lifespan.  Now that you've got all your information, give us a call for some pricing or check out our selections of augers here and conveyors here. This handy infographic can help you decide whether an auger or a conveyor is best suited for your operation.  Download this infographic   Thu, 25 Jul 2013 12:35:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=135 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=134 A flatdeck is a flatdeck and customers sometimes just say, “I'm looking for a flatdeck”. They're not looking for a particular brand; they're not looking for anything like that, because they believe a flatdeck is a flatdeck. So that being said, what do you believe makes your trailers standout so they're not just another flatdeck? To find out listen to the podcast below. Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:10:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=134 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=133     With moisture accuracy within one tenth of a percent and temperature down to one Fahrenheit, OPI Temperature and Moisture monitoring systems have become the industry standard in grain monitoring over the past quarter-century. Most of us are aware about the savings and efficiency of the system, but there are a ton of other features that are often not mentioned.     For instance, you're travelling down south during the winter months and you haven't got a clue what's happening back at the homestead. All of the sudden, you get an alarm on your cell phone that tells you grain is being drained from one of your bins. If you haven't scheduled a truck to pick any of it up, chances are there is a theft underway. Now all you've got to do is call a brother or a cousin to go check things out. For most people, this is a fantasy but it has recently become a reality with the Integris system by OPI. It monitors the levels of grain in your bins, and can be set up to send you a text message or e-mail when grain is being drawn, if grain is overheating or if it's getting too wet or dry.     The system can also handle the automatic drying of grain if it's hooked up to a fan control that the system supplies. Basically, you tell the software what type of grain is in which bin, what temperature and moisture levels you want the grain at, and the system will automatically kick the fan on at certain times to ensure that your commodity is emptied in your ideal condition. An example would be the drying / rehydrating of soybeans. We've seen cases where a customer will fill a bin of soybeans with a moisture content of between ten and nineteen percent, and will end up with a final moisture content of between thirteen and fourteen percent, thus securing their premium.     The system can also be outfitted with a mobile weather station that measures different aspects of the outdoor ambient weather, and calculates when the optimal time to heat or dry grain would be. In any case, you're looking for the most effective way to monitor all aspects of your grain, not just the temperature. We have a team of experts and installers on staff to get you outfitted with the best setup for your bin yard. CLICK HERE for more information and specs on all of the grain monitoring equipment we sell.   Wed, 10 Jul 2013 16:08:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=133 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=131 With having associations like NATM it kind of allows the collaboration of all the manufacturers so we can all get together to say "what are our big obstacles right now". Whether government regulations or whatever it may be we can all work together to figure out how we can come up with a resolution to those... Listen to the rest of the podcast below. Mon, 08 Jul 2013 07:54:20 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=131 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=130 So imagine this. You've got a weekend warrior that you run at the track, and you need a lowboy trailer to throw your high horsepower car on top of. You've subsequently purchased a garden shed that measures eight feet by twelve, and you need a highboy to haul it up to the lake so that you don't have to worry about fitting it in between the fender wells. You need something that can tilt in either configuration so that you don't have to mess around with heavy ramps. Well fortunately for those of you who need this kind of versatility, we have an option that you may want to look further into. In 2012, we started carrying the Multideck built by Trailtech in Gravelbourg SK, and saw that the optional towing configurations of this trailer are the closest thing to endless we've seen yet. You can order them with a stationary deck on the front in case you've got a skid steer and you need a place to store a bucket that doesn't move. It features a four way lift system that not only elevates from a lowboy up to a highboy and back down, but also a two-way tilt feature to get the back of the deck on the ground for ease of loading. The trailer uses an electric / hydraulic pump to actuate the lift systems, and has an optional fast-charge kit so that you can plug the trailer right into the truck to charge it. Like the idea, but concerned about the weight on the hitch? No problem. We offer the Multideck in a gooseneck option as well. Some models come with hinged dovetails. It would be nice to one day see a charge kit built in so that you could simply plug it into a 110V receptacle, but I don't think it'll be too far down the road, as we're starting to see manufacturers implement this technology into trailers that feature electric components. Either way, you're sure to be hassled by your friends to use it on a constant basis. Wed, 03 Jul 2013 09:26:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=130 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=129 Well, we've had about as much rain as a person needs for the rest of the year. It seems like it's been raining across the province non-stop for the last two weeks of June. We've seen an exceptional amount of flooding this year across western Canada, mainly in High River & Calgary Alberta, but the immense rain stretched and blanketed over Saskatchewan for almost the whole of the last two weeks of the month. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, most farmers are at least a couple of weeks behind due to the late thaw of the snow, but as it happened, the thaw occurred too fast and now we're left with all this water. It's one thing when you see it on the news, but recently I've been seeing it a lot first hand in Saskatoon as well as the RM of Corman Park, where out Saskatoon store is located. There are farmers with children that have to get off the bus and throw on their rubber boots just to get down the lane way. There are also acreage owners here that have to leave a vehicle at the end of the driveway, and come back and forth to the house with an ATV.  There have been evacuees flooding in from northern Saskatchewan, from places such as Cumberland House who are staying at soccer & events centers around this city. These folks will thankfully be able to return home on July 3rd. But yet, nothing compares to the damage being done in Alberta. There have been fatalities due to the flooding, and there are going to be millions in damages by the time this is all said and done. The Calgary Zoo had to relocate most of their animals, and had a few scares with losing some to the flood. The Saddle dome and Stampede grounds are under water, and several neighborhoods had to evacuate and relocate to drier ground. As our nation's fourth largest city is crippled by these floods, we stand by them as they can use all the support we have to offer.  The weather forecast shows that this is about it for the rain we're about to receive, and brighter days are ahead. We had a great Canada Day July long weekend, and we're going to be hovering around the 25 degree mark for the next two weeks with the exception of a little rain this weekend. Tue, 02 Jul 2013 10:44:35 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=129 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=128 ...we've all been to those outhouses at concerts and stuff and they are just horrible, I mean do these things stink, what is it like? Personally I think that is where they shine, we have rented these out to the stars in fact, the VIPs at the Dauphin Countryfest where country acts like Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Eric Church have actually used these facilities. They are first class all the way and they give you all the amenities, and comforts of a nice bathroom at any kind of hotel. So the customers love them, the reactions been great? The reaction has been "wow" right from the get go. We've had these things at many weddings, country jamborees, graduations, and golf tournaments... Listen to the rest of the podcast below.   Wed, 26 Jun 2013 08:57:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=128 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=125 Although we thought it would never come, it’s beginning to look a lot like summer on the prairies. The snow is finally gone and the drills seem to be making the last few laps as seeding is wrapping up in many areas.  After what seemed to be an eternity, I’ve completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Saskatchewan and couldn’t be happier to get full swing into being a part of the team in the Grain Cleaning and Handling Division at Flaman Group of Companies. Although I have a lot to learn about the industry, I couldn’t be happier to get on the road and start building relationships with the customers we continue to serve and value.   Over the past few weeks, I have been on the road visiting various producers and processing facilities province-wide, trying to get a grasp of what is happening in the fields. It is evident that some areas are, without a doubt, feeling the effects of the large amount of snow Mother Nature dealt us this past winter. West of Saskatoon appears to be wetter than ever before. Many sloughs have turned into miniature lakes and some highways, specifically Highway 14, are even experiencing sections with water flowing over the road.   Other areas that didn’t get hit as hard with the snow, such as the southwest part of the province in Leader, are wrapping up seeding and hoping for some rain. It’ll be interesting to see the quality of the crops in the different regions as they start to sprout.   I’m especially looking forward to being part of a company concentrated on customer service and delivering relationship-focused results. Good luck in the up and coming growing season and I hope to see you around. Please check off June 19-21 on your calendars and swing by the Flaman booth at Canada’s Farm Progress Show in Regina to say hi! Mon, 27 May 2013 11:23:49 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=125 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=124 On Wednesday May 8 Flaman Group of Companies in Medicine Hat held its grand opening to celebrate its new, larger location. We couldn’t have asked for a better day weather-wise, although this meant that most farmers were in the field and unable to attend. We held a free BBQ lunch and had a great turn out. The official ribbon cutting was done at 12:30 p.m. by the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce and also in attendance was the mayor of Medicine Hat Norm Boucher. To top off the day the Frank Flaman Foundation donated $7,000 to the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter, which is the largest donation they had received to date. The day couldn’t have gone better for everyone. Thanks to everyone who attended. For more photos of the event, please visit our Facebook page here Fri, 17 May 2013 14:43:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=124 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=123 As of May 1, 2013, all Flaman Rentals stores and agriculture rental dealers across the prairies will be introducing a new damage waiver fee for all of our equipment rental customers. This new fee is designed to help our customers offset the high cost of equipment repairs if they accidentally damage any rental equipment while in their possession. By paying this small fee, our customers can now feel good knowing they have coverage for any accidental damage to tools or equipment they rent from Flaman. This coverage could save them hundreds of dollars in repairs. It’s just one more way Flaman is helping our customers have a positive rental experience, knowing that those expensive pieces of rental equipment are covered while in their possession. Please stop in or call your nearest Flaman rental store for full details. Flaman Rentals in Moosomin, Yorkton and Swan River currently offer a similar fee and this will remain unchanged. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:49:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=123 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=122 Open for two months, this new state of the art facility boasts a "rental drive thru bay" and a fully stocked 7000 sq ft showroom as well as a large service shop, wash bay and trailer set up bay. “It's going to be really nice to be able to service and set up all of our equipment inside now as well as being able to load or unload our rental customers in the comfort of our rental drive thru bay,” says Peter Nabholz, store manager. “We think our rental customers will really enjoy this feature, especially when the weather is bad, it's the only drive thru rental bay on the prairies as far as we know,” he added. This new 10 acre location on the west side of Moosomin along the busy Trans Canada Highway gives us great exposure, good visibility and easy access in all directions in or out of town. With over 90 trailers now in stock as well as grain bins, augers, grain carts, water tanks and other related short line agriculture equipment we are now a full line store for Flaman's. Similar to any of the other nine corporate Flaman stores in western Canada, Moosomin's new store also carries a fully stocked show room full of tow ropes, tow straps, trailer accessories, water pumps and over a dozen set up pieces of fitness equipment along with all the related fitness products. “While in the past our main focus was the renting of construction, agriculture and home owner equipment, Flaman's now are gearing up the retail side of the business seeing the potential for explosive growth in this area. Here in Moosomin we are in the center of the economic boom going on in SE Sask and have already realized a huge demand for the products we now carry,” added Nabholz. Flaman's saw the potential for a store like this in the area two years ago when they first came to Moosomin, buying out Wayne's Rental Centre. We now have the facility, the location, the staff and the inventory to take this store to the next level and hope to take advantage of the ongoing strong economy both in construction rentals and agriculture sales. To celebrate this new store, Flaman's are having a full week long open house event starting on April 22 and winding up on Friday April 26. There will be toonie lunches and local entertainment at noon each day sponsored by one of the many suppliers. Along with the celebrations, there will be many door crasher specials that you won't want to miss out on. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:08:13 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=122 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=121 We have nicely settled into our new store located at 92 Cook Road in Moosomin. This is a great location as we have good visibility and access to the #1 Highway and easy access from all four directions in Southeast Saskatchewan.   We are putting the final plans together for our Grand Opening week, April 22 - 26. This will be an exciting week as we will have Supplier Representatives on hand to promote equipment and answer customer questions; in store specials; and we will be hosting a light lunch each day. The Ribbon Cutting will take place Friday afternoon and we will have a social evening to follow. We will be hosting a Blind Driver Corporate Obstacle Challenge. Local business people will be blind folded and will drive a golf cart through an obstacle course with their passenger acting as the navigator. There will be daily heats with the finals on Friday. It should be very entertaining. Rentals remains to be our backbone, but with our broader inventory selection our trailer and Ag sales are steadily increasing and our fitness equipment has been “working out” very well! It looks to be a very exciting and busy spring for Flaman Group of Companies in Moosomin. If you are in the area come in and check out our new store. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:28:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=121 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=120 We’ve been busy these past couple of weeks getting everything moved into our new home at 3377 Gershaw Drive SW. We’re now located at the former Big Wheels dealership off of Highway 3, just half a kilometer south of the airport. This new, larger location will let us serve our customers better. We will now be offering a service department and a larger rental area. We can carry a larger selection of products, plus we’re in an easy to find location. Whether you need a trailer, agriculture equipment or fitness equipment, Flaman Sales is your one stop shop!  Come check out the trailers we have on special!   I invite you to stop by the new store to say hello! We’re looking forward to meeting some new customers and also continuing to serve those of you who previously shopped at Big Wheels. At Flaman Sales, customer service is one of our main goals and we feel this new location will better meet the needs of the community.   Our Grand Opening will be May 8th! Stay tuned for more details soon.   Here is the new store's location.   Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:36:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=120 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=118 Flaman Sales had another successful show in Brandon this year. As per usual, the show was very well attended; many people from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and even a few from Alberta were at the show. We showcased our new “Pull Dozer”, which brought a lot of attention to our booth. The Pull Dozer can be used to improve drainage, level land or move snow. We have one on display in Yorkton if you want to check it out. We also had a Wheatheart 10" x 41' diesel auger with aluminum rims, which was an eye-catcher. Diesel engines use half the fuel and last much longer than an auger with a gasoline motor. With the growing number of people attending the show, we are hoping to increase our booth space for next year so we can put more of our equipment on display. Thank you, to all that helped in the set-up/take down, trucking and logistics of the show. Thank you to all the customers old and new that stopped at our booth. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:35:28 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=118 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=117 On Thursday February 7 the Flaman Trailers division team toured the Wells Cargo plant in Ogden, Utah.  We toured all areas of the more than 100,000 square foot facility. The team was impressed by the quality control processes at every step and the craftsmanship apparent in the build process.  Wells Cargo staff provided training on all their product lines: Fast Trac, Road Force, and the Wells line. In addition to the standard lines, specialized training was provided on Concession Trailers, Job Shack Trailers, Mobile Restroom Trailers and Wells Cargo’s impressive custom trailer capability.  Last but not least, the Wells Cargo folks were great hosts!   The second day of the meeting was held at the beautiful Ogden Eccles Conference Center in downtown Ogden.  All of Flaman’s main manufacturers (Trailtech, Southland Trailer Corp, Diamond C, Aluma and ATC Trailers) were present to update the team on model improvements and changes for the coming year.   To cap off the meetings Friday evening, we headed to the Energy Solutions Arena and took in a Utah Jazz basketball game against the Chicago Bulls.  All in all, the meeting provided a great learning opportunity that will allow us to better serve you, our customers. Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:30:28 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=117 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=116 Our new Moosomin store opened for business on December 18th. It was a big move from our old location, which was known in the community as basically just a rental store. We now have a full selection of parts, products and are able to offer a full service department to our customers. Since we moved in our walk in traffic has increased. It's very exciting to meet new customers who are coming in now. December and January are typically slower months, so the interest in the new store has been a real positive. All of these new customers is getting us excited for spring when we have all the kinks worked out and will be running at full speed. Many of the products we are selling have not been offered locally before. It feels good to be able to give people what they need in town. We are seeing a lot of activity with our ag products like grain bins, Wheatheart augers and grain carts. Our fitness equipment moved in recently, which is very exciting because we will be the first fitness store in Moosomin. It surprised me how many people started calling for fitness equipment service as soon as we changed our name to Flaman. I ddn't realize there are that many people using Flaman Fitness in town! We are having our grand opening celebration the week of April 23 - 26th. I am looking forward to the specials. barbeques and the ribbon cutting on Friday. It will be an exciting time to kick off the spring season! Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:05:35 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=116 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=115 Cuba… oh boy where do I start? It was a fun filled week mixed with both business and a little pleasure. I was rather excited about this trip, as this was my first full dealer get together. I was rather nervous and not sure what to expect, especially with 100 of us crazy Canadians down in Cuba. As we finally arrived in Cuba I was blown away by the friendliness and welcome the entire group gave me. What an amazing dealer network we have here at Flaman Rentals. Not only that, but we even had our founder Frank Flaman join us. Many dealers enjoyed Frank’s presence in Cuba. The speeches he gave were very informative and it was nice to see dealers interacting with Frank throughout the week.   As this was my first visit to Cuba, it was a surprise to see the culture and way of life Cubans have. Everything from the vehicles to the pace of life is such a shock from what we are accustomed to here in North America.   After all our groups from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta arrived it was right to business with a meeting first thing Tuesday morning. The week was filled with all sorts of activities and tours. I had the pleasure of organizing the golf tournament, and we had a very good turnout despite the rain. We were only able to finish 13 holes but nobody complained as the course was absolutely beautiful right along the ocean. Thanks to my pro golf partner Wayne Beckett we were able to embarrass our Alberta team of Rocky Amson and Ken Barlott in a little game of best ball. Despite the rain we made the best of it and everyone had a blast.   During the golf tournament, a group organized by Tammy Weightman visited a local school and donated school supplies and small items Cubans just do not have. They also spent a lot of time with the children and the locals were all really appreciative for what our group did. Thanks again to all the dealers and staff that participated.   Other activities we had planned included a full day tour of Havana and a Catamaran trip. Most dealers really enjoyed the Havana tour as it was very informative and nice to see the Cuban culture. A few of us ventured out on our own to local towns such as Varadero, which was very interesting to see. I remember seeing part of the beach that was hit by Hurricane Sandy and it was a shock to see the beach completely washed out and trees wiped out, something we are not used to seeing in Canada.   Throughout the week you could really see friendships and memories being made. It was nice to see this type of bonding happening and I was proud to be part of this team. Although it was tough trying to spend time with all 100 or so people, each day would bring new conversations and opportunities.   As the week wound down, Saturday night we hosted our awards night. This gave everyone a chance to dress up a little and was a perfect night to end off the trip. Prior to this awards night, myself and Barrett Prokopie decided it would be fun to jump out of a helicopter at 13,000 ft over the ocean! Wow, what an unplanned amazing experience! I think I almost had a heart attack that night at the awards banquet. All in all, it was an amazing day I will never forget.   So that in a nutshell was our week in Cuba. Thanks for the knowledge, memories and friendships made. It was our most successful year ever with Flaman Rentals. We have a great group of people both at the corporate level and with our dealer network. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year. ‘Till then take care and all the best in 2013!   Congratulations to the following dealers who won awards: Most Improved Dealer Sask/Man Triple D&P Farms LTD – Birsay, SK   Most Improved Dealer AB Wetaskiwin Bulk Sales   Top Retail Sales Dealer Sask/MB Horizon Fertilizers – Humboldt, SK   Top Retail Sales Dealer AB Smoky River Equipment Sales & Rentals   Top 5 Dealers Sask/MB 5 Mardee Enterprises – Brandon, MB 4 B&D Rentals – Cut Knife, SK 3 B&A Petroleum – Swift Current, SK 2 Windthorst Rental Centre – Windthorst, SK 1 Brendonn Holdings – Russell, MB   Top 5 Dealers AB 5 Koch Fuels – Carstairs, AB 4 Wills Welding – Ponoka, AB 3 Ray Agro & Petroleum – Barrhead, AB 2 Wetaskiwin Bulk Sales – Wetaskiwin, AB 1 Keddie’s Rentals – Grand Prairie, AB Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:25:21 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=115 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=114 We’re proud to announce that on October 20, Flaman Group of Companies was awarded the ABEX (Achievement for Business Excellence) Award for Marketing.  The ABEX Awards were handed out by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce at the Delta Hotel in Regina.  In the spring we won the SABEX (Saskatoon Achievement in Business Excellence) Award for Marketing,but the ABEX is for the entire province, so it means much more to be named top in your field for all of Saskatchewan.   So what does it mean to be a great marketer? One of the things you need to win in marketing is the “big idea” that resonates with your customers.  In fact, perhaps the greatest challenge in marketing is to come up with these “big ideas,” and when you have many divisions and locations you need even more of them.    Having big ideas for marketing is one thing we do not lack of at Flaman. Everyone on our team has many great ideas.  A lot of our big campaigns didn’t come from the traditional “marketing team” but from the broader team in general. For example: The Great Stuck in the Muck Photo Contest came from Jody Kemp, a salesman in Southey. Flaman Man was thought of by Taylor Assen, a territory manager in Calgary. OPI Canola star commercials were the brainchild of store manager TysonBecker in Yorkton.  Because we get so many great “big ideas,” our job is to pick the very best from them and implement them with excellence given the resources we have. But marketing is not just about great ideas, it’s also about how you execute these ideas.   At Flaman, we’re also very strategic. We create long-term plans and product strategies, and we pay close attention to analytics and stats. We have to make sure our ideas are getting the results we want. If they’re not, we change direction. I’m proud to be part of a marketing team that has great ideas and excellent execution.   This award is our team’s award, so congratulations to everyone who has helped us be our very best.   L-R: Don Flaman (President), Jennifer Thompson (Marketing Project Manager), Steve Whittington (VP of Marketing & Communications), April Basset (Marketing Co-ordinator), Rudy Flaman (Southey Store Manager) and Jeff Basset (Saskatoon Fitness Store Manager) Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:15:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=114 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=113 As a project manager for Flaman’s marketing team, I am proud and excited to announce we’ve once again been nominated for a Marketing Award. Flaman Group of Companies was named a finalist in the 2012 Achievement in Business Excellence (ABEX) Awards in the Marketing category. Our team was then encouraged to apply for the provincial ABEX award after receiving the Saskatoon Awards for Business Excellence (SABEX) award for Marketing in May. On September 5, we waited with baited breath for the announcement of the ABEX finalists and were thrilled when we were listed. The nominees for Marketing this year are: Flaman Group of Companies Refresh Enterprises Inc. Century 21 Diamond Realty S&E Trusted Online Directory Silver Star Salvage The ABEX Awards are Saskatchewan’s largest celebration of private sector achievement. The event is hosted by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. The awards are open to any private sector business registered within the province, regardless of size, location or industry. In total, 46 nominations from Saskatchewan businesses were selected as finalists within the 10 ABEX categories. At Flaman, we’re honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award. We work very hard to have a marketing plan that’s both strategic and creative but that ultimately offers up to our customers the products and services that they need. “The quality and diversity of these finalists really showcases the way in which Saskatchewan’s economy is taking a leadership role within Canada, and across the global stage,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce in a press release. This year’s ABEX awards gala is set for October 20th at the Delta Hotel in Regina, and is themed as a tribute to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. For more information visit www.saskchamber.com.   Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:49:06 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=113 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=112 It's that time of year again! It's time to vote for your favourite photos on Stuck in the Muck! We had some great pictures submitted this year, and we need your help to pick the winners. Visit www.stuckinthemuck.com every day to vote for the best stuck photo. The winners will get a brand new tow rope to help them out next year. At Flaman Group of Companies, it's important to us to give back to our customers and the farming community. That's one of the reasons why we started this fun photo contest. We're thankful for your support of the contest over the years. I hope you'll enjoy looking at and voting for this year's group of photos. You can vote once a day for your favourite photos, so visit the website often! Winners will be announced at the beginning of November. Good luck to all who entered! Wed, 03 Oct 2012 09:54:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=112 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=111 The end of September is close, and every year at Flaman Trailers we review excess stock we have from the previous year and discount our snowmobile trailers.  All 10 locations have inventory to move, and all inventory is available at all locations (pending shipping).  The discounts are deep and the sale will not last long.  While there is not every choice you would want (you will have to wait for the new 2013 models for that) there is a lot of choice.   Here are some examples: 20’ enclosed steel-framed Summit Series sled trailer with heat 26’ all aluminum enclosed NashCar Rage snowmobile trailers 20’ two-tone XR Series enclosed sled trailer 12’ single axle two-place enclosed all aluminum NashCar Rage snowmobile trailer Plus 12’ aluminum and steel open deck sled trailers and 10’ steel and aluminum tilt sled trailers  Winter is coming and these units are starting to move fast, but unlike winter these deals will not last long. Hurry in to your local dealer!   Click here to see product details and photos.   Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:31:41 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=111 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=110 Every year, Flaman Trailers travels to the North American Trailer Dealer Association (NATDA) tradeshow to learn about changes in the industry.  This year the tradeshow was in St. Louis. This year, as we have every year, we learned a lot. There are new parts and new trailers coming into the industry and all manufacturers showcased new improvements to their line ups. This is a great event for the industry.  Besides the product specific learning, we also walked away with three big thoughts. So what did we learn?   First, the industry is consolidating: like all industries the companies are getting bigger and buying each other. Broadly speaking, this means two things: there will be less manufacturers and thus less choice, but more resources put into the remaining trailer manufacturers, meaning increased quality and options, more innovations and ultimately increased value to the end customer. This is a good trend for the industry.   Second, the industry is growing.  The amount of dealers waxes and wanes but the industry leaders are getting bigger and better at what they do. Customers are receiving more pre- and post-sale consideration and care. The dealer network is becoming more professional and more dealers are offering full service solutions.  This too is a good trend for the industry.   Last, we learned as we always do, that we have work to do. Flaman Trailers strives to be an industry leader by providing trailers for every use.  We have more products to receive training on, and shortly we will have more products to offer, thus more choices to help you find the trailer that specifically meets your needs.    We come out of this event every year with new ideas and new energy, with the ultimate goal of providing more value to our customers.  I can already say, I am looking forward to next year.   Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:24:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=110 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=109 The indent cylinder machine is designed primarily to separate grain by kernel length. It separates long kernels from shorter ones. The cylinder itself is a thin-walled tube with indents formed on the inside to the shape of a hemisphere. These indents are known as pockets. By using indent pocket size, the kernels that fit into the pocket are lifted up and dropped into a trough that runs the entire length of the cylinder, while the longer kernels slide off and tail out the end. Indent pocket sizes are measured in 64ths of an inch similar to screen sizes used on screen machines. These cylinders are case hardened to give them a longer life span. Cylinders not hardened would wear out very quickly. The cylinder always lifts up the shorter product that fits into the pocket and always tails off longer kernel; shorter from longer! A smaller pocket like a #13 will lift small weeds like buckwheat while tailing out wheat, while a larger pocket like a # 20 will lift wheat and tail out wild oats. Using combinations of different indent pocket sizes can do very fine separations of these products. Indents use a combination of pocket size, centrifugal force, friction and gravity to make separations possible. By using different pocket sizes, particles of a certain size are able to be lifted off. The speed that the cylinder turns creates friction and centrifugal force that hold the particle in place. As the cylinder turns, that particle is lifted to a point where gravity takes over and allows the kernel to fall into a collection trough. Speed of the cylinder is critical: too fast and the kernel is carried too far; too slow and gravity drops the product before reaching the collection trough.  Usually indent speeds are between 42 and 58 RPM. One or two RPMs can make a huge difference in separation and capacity. The receiving trough catches and carries the lifted kernel to the end of the machine and discharges them into a spout. This trough is adjustable in order to make the cut or separation at the exact point of the particle size variation desired. The separation of the products usually happens between 60 and 45 degrees ahead of top dead centre. Due to the fact that various seeds have different moisture, surface conditions, and specific gravity it is important to be able to hold the cylinder at a constant speed. Any fluctuations in speed will affect the actual trough adjustment and therefore the separations. While feed flow and constant cylinder speed are critical, the unit is no better than the person running it. If you take time to understand the operation of the unit and allow a reasonable time after making adjustments you will find that the indent cylinder, regardless of make will do a good job for you. It will do this with minimal attention and service for a long period of time. We at Flaman have several models and makes of indents available for sale. We are here to help. This is one man’s opinion... Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:00:49 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=109 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=108 As the new territory rental manager I had the chance to personally hand deliver a $10,000 donation cheque on behalf of the Frank Flaman Foundation to Ike Friesen of Morden, MB. Ike is one of Flaman’s all-time longest rental dealers, and has been part of the Flaman team for over 10 years now. He is also chairman for SHARE (Sharing Hope and Agriculture Resources of the Earth). The SHARE project already has 425 acres of farmland planted this year with all proceeds donated to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Community growing projects are a unique way for people to contribute grain and other agricultural commodities to help people who are hungry around the world. A typical project involves a group of people working together to farm a common plot of land. After harvest, the production is donated through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank for overseas food ais and agricultural development projects. Flaman’s donation will be used towards crop input costs. Frank Flaman likes to donate money that's going to go right to the people. I was honoured to present this cheque to SHARE as it made me feel part of something that is a good cause and helping to fight hunger in our world. For more information on the Canadian Foodgrains Bank please visit www.foodgrainsbank.ca/growing_projects.aspx Ike Friesen and Parrish Kondra Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:08:07 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=108 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=107 For the third year in a row, Flaman Rentals in Saskatoon has been named a Consumer Choice Award Winner. This division of Flaman rents out enclosed and flat deck trailers, along with agricultural equipment like discs, land rollers or mowers. I recently attended the Consumer Choice Award ceremony with our marketing VP Steve Whittington at the beautiful Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon. We got to sip champagne and rub elbows with a lot of great business owners in the city, and of course, celebrate our own success! This award is special because the winners are picked by our customers. It means a lot to us that people recognize our efforts to offer great customer service. We were also very pleased to win a Consumer Choice Award three years in a row. This means our team is consistent taking care of our customers’ needs. And we’re proud of that! What’s great is that the Consumer Choice Award is becoming a trusted name in the Saskatoon area. Looking at the other winners gathered in the room that night, we knew we were in good company amongst other top businesses in Saskatoon. A big “thank you!” is due to our rental team in Saskatoon for all their efforts and hard work every day and to our customers for continuing to choose Flaman Rentals. Steve Whittington (middle) receiving our award from Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison and Consumer Choice Award President Marcel Sbrollini Jennifer Thompson arriving at the awards ceremony. Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:27:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=107 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=106 At Flaman trailers we have offered concession trailers for some time. With the addition of the Wells Cargo line, we can really offer quality concession trailers from a company that knows the industry requirements.  We do receive requests for quotes for a concession trailer and they range from pointed requests such as “How much?” to more detailed inquiries. The fact of the matter is when it comes to a concession trailer purchase, it should always be a detailed inquiry. However, you need to know what questions you should be asking prior to contacting a Trailer Sales specialist.   Here is a list of things to think about. In fact, you can use it as a check list prior to contacting us!   What is the Application of the trailer? o   Food o   Vending o   Line-up o   Display o   Ticket booth o   Other:__________ Size (Select the base box size) o   Single axle 7 wide 12 or 14 long o   Tandem axle 7 wide 12 ,14, 16 long o   Tandem axle 8 wide 12 , 16 ,20, 24, 28, 32 long Floor o   Flat Floor o   Recessed floor Roof Profile o   Radius Roof o   Flat Roof Hitch o   Permanent A-Frame o   Removable Stabilizer Jacks o   Scissor Jacks o   Corner Posts Entry Door o   30”  Square o   36” Square o   36” Radius Service Windows -Style o   No (skip next two questions) o   Vertical Style o   Horizontal Style Service Windows – Quantity o   Curbside o   Roadside o   Front Lift up Awning – Quantity o   One o   Two o   Three o   More Lift up Awning Style o   Straight o   Sign type –Aluminum faced o   Sign type Plexiglas Faced Awning Supports o   Self Storing –standard up to 8’0” wide without supports o   Swing out supports Standard on awnings over 8’0” wide o   Gas Piston Supports o   Sliding Awning Supports Floors o   One piece standard vinyl linoleum o   One piece Heavy Duty skid resistant vinyl linoleum o   Other Insulation o   None o   Walls o   Ceiling Interior Side Walls o   Plywood o   White vinyl covered plywood (light duty) o   White embossed FRP plywood (heavy duty) Interior Ceiling o   White vinyl covered plywood (light duty) o   White embossed FRP plywood (heavy duty) Counter/Cabinets/Shelves o   Laminated Counter (no cabinet) o   Exterior Hinged Counter o   Tip-out Laminated Counter o   Base Cabinet o   Overhead Cabinet o   Overhead Plastic Storage trays Sink Units o   3 compartment sink – Straight o   4 compartment sink – Straight o   4 compartment sink – L -shaped o   4 compartment sink – Deep Electrical o   30 amp service panel (120 Volt only) o   50 amp service panel (120/240 Volt) o   100 amp service panel (120/240 Volt) o   120 Volt Duplex Receptacle(s) o   120 Volt Duplex GFI receptacle(s) o   240 Volt Bell Box (Stub Wire) o   Exterior 120 Volt Duplex GFI Receptacles   And this is just the start! Do you need and air conditioning, heating, lighting or a vent with an exhaust fan? The list goes on, but if you go through the checklist first you will have a good idea about what you need and the product specialist will be better equipped to answer your question: “How Much?”   For more information and images on options, check out www.flaman.com/trailers/Concession-Trailers/     Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:45:41 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=106 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=105 The Canadian Farm Progress Show is an annual event that starts on Wednesday June 20th  at Evraz Place in Regina. Known as “Canada’s National Farm Show,” it’s an agriculture industry show that focuses on innovation and technology primarily for dryland farming practices. The show attracts visitors from the across Canada, the USA and 45 other countries. Flaman has a booth at the show since the start. We sat down with Rudy Flaman to talk with him about the importance of the show and Flaman’s history there.   When did Flaman start going to the Farm Progress Show? We were there when it all began and every year since. The first year Frank had to be gone for some reason so Bernice looked after a small booth and has been helping out every year since by making sure all the troops are well fed with some home made food during the show. Thanks Bernice!   Why is it an important show to go to? It’s the number one ag show in western Canada, and it attracts a whole ton of international visitors, along with our local ag market. With the timing of the show, it’s traditionally been a kick off to summer. Everyone gets their crop in the ground and comes to the farm show in a good mood with their chequebook. You may not be able to talk to our customers for a year, but they’ll come to the show and look you up; it’s a meeting place.   Why do you think it’s still so popular today for farmers? A lot of new product is unveiled at the show. They have a new invention portion of the show, so farmers come to see what is new. If there is any new product or new way of doing something that will be important to the ag industry, it will be at the show.   How has the show changed over the years? What’s changed since it started is all the new advanced technology that’s been introduced. There have been new items at show that 15years ago weren’t even heard of.   What has been your most memorable Farm Progress year? One highlight was back in 1980s when we sold a whole ton of grain storage. And in the early 1990s we won more than one award for best display. But generally, it’s a time where everybody gets together. The P.A. boys come down, the guys from Saskatoon, Yorkton, a lot of the ag people get together and work as a team once a year. It’s an opportunity for the sales people to get together with customers. And it’s a big team effort. A heck of a pile of work goes into the set up and take down of the booth. Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:47:46 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=105 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=104 It may be summer, but there are a few people who are getting excited about snowmobiling next winter. Gerald Serson of Regina recently traveled to Saskatoon to pick up his grand prize from our Sled’N Snap Photo Contest. He won the use of an enclosed snowmobile trailer for a year!  More than 860 photos were submitted to Sled’N Snap from across Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. The grand prize winner was determined by public voting. Just over 27,600 votes were cast for the top 20 finalists.   Gerald says he was “pretty excited” to hear he’d won the trailer. There are four people in his family who snowmobile, and he says he’ll get great use of it. His winning photo was taken at a warm up shack in Hudson Bay this past January while Serson was sledding with his family.   “This photo contest has opened people’s eyes to snowmobiling,” Serson says. “I think some people didn’t realize what’s out there for shelters and trails and all the wildlife you can see.” He believes this contest will help promote the sport and more people will want to try snowmobiling next winter.   Random draw winners were also selected by the sled associations for a 2-place tilt sled trailer. The winners were: Charity Jarduk, Yorkton Todd Lander, Rocky Mountain House Treena Massey, Winnipeg   You can view all the winning photos at www.slednsnap.com.   Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:42:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=104 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=103 Good companies often win awards but what about their customers? Shouldn’t they be recognized? Are they not part of the reason for the award? At Flaman Group of Companies this year we have won two awards: Consumer Choice Award and SABEX Marketing Award. With both of these awards, it would be easy to position the employee efforts as the reason for the awards. Certainly the Consumer Choice Award is directly correlated to outstanding customer service by the staff and a marketing award is due the creative efforts of the marketing team.While both of these facts are true, there is more to each story. Let’s start with the Consumer Choice Award. Obviously customer service is an important factor, but so is customer convenience and variety of choice for product offerings. Customer Service is the number one value of Flaman Group of Companies (FGC) so we will take credit for that, but how did the other two factors, convenience and variety of choice evolve? The other two evolved by listening to loyal, engaged customers – customers who asked for more from FGC: more hours of operation, more product choice. It is these award-winning customers who pushed us to be better and by meeting their needs we ended up serving more people, more effectively. Without these loyal customers we would not have won the Consumer Choice Award. But how do customers influence marketing? Is not marketing self serving for a company, designed solely to convince customers to buy product? Advertising can be, but The Great Stuck in Muck Photo Contest and Sled’N Snap contest are both examples of customers coming to Flaman Group of Companies with an idea. FGC then took the idea and marketed it because we have the resources. Additionally, both contests rely on user generated content to make them come alive. So in the case of these marketing contests all FGC did was build the ball park,so to speak. It was our customers that showed up and played a great game that drew in the crowds, some of whom purchased our products. In 2012 FGC won two awards. The staff worked hard and deserved to be recognized for their efforts, but our customers worked hard and should be recognized as well. Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:48:04 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=103 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=101 On May 17, I had the honour of attending the Saskatoon Awards for Business Excellence (SABEX) ceremony. Flaman was named a finalist in the Marketing award category. This was a very exciting nomination for us. The SABEX awards honour businesses in Saskatoon and area in a variety of categories, such as Marketing, Customer Service, New Business and Business of the Year. Winners are selected from the finalists by a group of their peers. It meant a lot to us that we were recognized for our efforts by business leaders in our community. This was the first time Flaman was named a finalist for a SABEX award.The ceremony was held at Prairieland Park, which had been decorated in a glamorous 1950s theme. After a delicious supper, the awards began, and I have to say I sat on the edge of my seat until our category was announced. We were up against three other great local businesses, so I was pretty nervous. When they announced the winner of the Marketing award was Flaman Group of Companies, I couldn’t have been happier! Our tables clapped and cheered as Steve Whittington, our VP of Marketing, accepted our award. This award means so much to us. As a member of the marketing team, I know firsthand how much work goes into our marketing programs. We handle marketing for multiple stores, in many diverse divisions like fitness, trailers, grain cleaning and ag. Along with traditional advertising and marketing, I feel that Flaman is leading the way with things like our websites and online community building.   The goal of our marketing department is to give our customers what they want and create content that is engaging and interesting. To me this is exemplified in our “Great Stuck in the Muck” photo contest. This contest was created as a way for farmers to share photos and stories about getting stuck, which is a universal problem for anyone working outside. This contest quickly grew to be much more than just a photo site. It’s now known as “Facebook for Farmers” across Western Canada. This site was a way we could give back to our customers and I think it worked. The website regularly gets thousands of visitors each month and many more when voting is happening. I am so proud of our team! Along with those from our Saskatoon office, we have a strong team of marketers and web designers from all our locations. It truly was an honour to be named a finalist and of course we are so thrilled to be recognized as a leader in the business community. Thank you to the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and all those in the company that contribute to our success. Fri, 18 May 2012 17:31:23 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=101 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=99 Flaman Rentals has just finished producing and distributing the new Rental Rate Flyer for our eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba rental stores. It contains details and safety information as well as rental rates on all of our most popular equipment. A mass mailing was done in early March to farmers and business in these areas and it is also available to download off this site.   We hope that you will find it useful and informative and like the catalogue says, if you don’t see what you need in here, please call any of our branches and we will be glad to help find it for you. Our rental inventory is constantly being added to so that we can better serve the needs of our customers and their diverse markets.   When you think rentals, think Flaman! Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:19:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=99 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=98 I have been in the trailer industry for a long time: 3 years as a marketing consultant to the industry, 6 years as General Manager of a trailer manufacturer and 4 years running retail dealerships. Despite all this experience, I still get overwhelmed by the diversity of choice offered to a customer in today’s market place.  Unlike the auto industry, there are hundreds of large trailer manufacturers and thousands of small players. The dealerships to buy from range from a small, one-man band to professional, fully staffed dealerships that emulate the auto dealership model.   So how does a customer choose what and where to buy?   Some of you reading this may not be close to a Flaman Trailer Dealership.  (If you are in Western Canada you are never far, as there are ten locations.) Either way, when choosing a dealership to deal with, think about the following: How long has the dealership been in business? Do they carry brand name manufacturers? Do they offer service and parts? What are my product choices? Is there a range from good to best? Why does any of this matter?   How long has a dealership been in business?  As a consumer you may think this does not matter anymore, as many old companies have been swept under the rug lately. Fair enough, but do consider this; a company that has been around for a while is doing something right. That something is always about the how the customer is treated.    Brand Names:  For trailers, let's compare two brands: Trailtech and Blue Hill trailers. If you live in Western Canada, you know the quality of build that Trailtech represents and you know that brand will take care of its retailers and by default you, the customer. Who is Blue Hill? Well, they are in Texas. I honestly do not know much more.  Would you buy a car you have never heard of?  Then why buy a trailer that you have never heard of?   Service and Parts:  Would you buy a car from a dealership that cannot perform a service check?  Not a new car anyway.  Not all trailer dealerships provide this commitment to their customers. I personally believe there is duty of care that a responsible dealer should be able to provide to its customer.   Product Range Choices:  As a consumer you want to be able to choose the best fit for you.  If you are a four times a year user, you will need a certain grade of trailer with the appropriate price for that use.  If you are a construction company owner, you want a certain grade of trailer to take the work stress you will put on the trailer.  The point is, when you come to the lot you want to be able to make these choices and buy what you need, not what a sales person pressures you to buy because that is what the dealership offers.  At Flaman Trailers we believe in providing choice: good, better, best.  You pick.   Does it always come down to price?   Well I hope not – as a retailer the fight for the lowest price is a race to the bottom.  You never win and never create a sustainable customer orientated business, unless you cut all services, amenities and after sale care.  That is not the Flaman Trailer customer-focused business model.  That said, at Flaman we do often have the lowest prices due to our buying power, and we often have the highest prices due to our product offering.  Our sales team will consult you as to which grade (good, better, best) of trailer you need and then you pick.   I hope this has been helpful.  It is difficult to choose sometimes in this congested marketplace. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:15:53 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=98 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=97 Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Then mark your calendar and get your ticket for the 6th annual Frank Flaman Foundation Gala on March 30, 2012.  This annual event is the main fundraiser for the Frank Flaman Foundation, the charity created by Flaman Group of Company’s founder and owner Frank. The Foundation is funded by Frank's share of the profits from the Flaman Group, and by private donations. Along with being a savvy businessman, Frank has always been a respected philanthropist, and his foundation gives millions of dollars to local and international charities each year.   The gala is a fun and elegant evening, featuring a delicious supper, a silent auction with a large variety of items and an exciting live auction.   But this event is not just about raising money, it’s also about showing attendees and supporters how their contributions are making a difference. Representatives from a number of charities are on hand to receive their donations from Frank himself. As well, charitable groups are showcased for everyone to learn about the great work that they do.   The charities that the Foundation supports are too many to list, but some examples are: Operation Eyesight, the Salvation Army, Oxfam, Room to Read, Global Neighbours, E4C’s School Lunch Program and many other local and international charities that help women and children in need. To Frank, a needy person is a needy person, whether they live just down the street or thousands of miles away.   This year the fundraiser is on March 30, 2012 at the Shawn Conference Centre in Edmonton. Cocktails start at 6:30 pm, with dinner at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $100 or $900 for a table of 10. For tickets or more information, please contact Syndy Bisson at (780) 955-3400. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:48:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=97 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=96 As a new employee at Flaman Sales, and a new resident to Saskatchewan, I’m excited to be starting a new career in the grain cleaning industry. With a background in the field of computer technology, I’m definitely starting from square one. Being new to the field is a little daunting, but I hope my “fresh” perspective can provide valuable insights and new ideas. With the problem of ergot across the prairies over the last few years, there has been an ever increasing demand for efficient and effective grain cleaning. Ergot is a fungus which is toxic. It can cause infertility in humans and animals in fairly small doses and can cause a host of other health issues including death. Color sorters have been proven to be excellent tools to engage this problem with.   They are capable of removing almost all of the ergot from contaminated loads of grain. Since the tolerance level of ergot in the market (for wheat) ranges from about 0.04% to 0.01% depending on the spec, these machines are very necessary in sorting grain to a saleable product.   This is where I fit in. I have been hired as the new color sorter field technician. Basically, these machines are designed to separate “good” grain from “unwanted” grain. These machines are full of electronic, mechanical, and pneumatic components. The high flow machines are capable of sorting up to 25 tonnes of grain per hour. Flaman primarily sells two models; the Alphascan II and the Evolution. The Alphascan II is a monochromatic machine which is excellent for sorting high volumes of product with color differences in one light spectrum. These are the work horses for dealing with ergot. The Evolution is a full color sorting machine which is best utilized for sorting product with many different colored defects.   From what I’ve seen, both of these machines are phenomenal sorters and I’m excited to be a part of the industry which is providing better, cleaner products to the world’s markets. I’ll be traveling all over the prairies this year making sure these machines are in tip top shape and making their owners (our customers) money. I’m looking forward to meeting all existing customers and hopefully some new ones as well.   -Sheldon Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:58:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=96 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=95 Operation of an Air and Screen As the name implies, air screen machines use a combination of suction air that is drawn through the curtain of grain as it falls from the hopper onto a series of screens. The screens then size the product by width of the kernel, and a final air suction process is used. With an air screen, the grain is fed onto the screens by either a vibrating feed system or by using a metered feed roll. In either case a feed gate controls the flow and an even flow is given to the machine. Making sure there is an even flow is critical to the quality of the job to be done. As the grain falls from the feed system onto the screens, there is a process by which air is drawn through the curtain of grain. By doing so, light grain, chaff and dirt are drawn off the product before the grain touches the screens. The air mixed with dirt etc. is drawn into an expansion chamber where the chaff etc. separate and the heavy material is augured out. This process is the first thing that happens and it is also the last process as the grain leaves the machine. Increasing or decreasing the air volume allows the operator to decide how much product he wishes to remove. Screens size the kernels by width. A system of screens removes any product that is wider than the kernel chosen [scalping], or narrower than the product chosen [sifting]. Screens are generally measured in 64ths of an inch, For example a 5.5 round would be a sifting screen for flax and would be 5 and ½ 64ths of an inch in diameter. There are several types of screens available in perforated steel. Round hole, slotted hole, and triangular hole are the ones generally used for grain cleaning. There are also a variety of wire mesh screens available for special use. The type of grain dictates the type of screen. We at Flaman have over 100 years of combined experience in screens, over 55 sizes of screen material in stock, and are dedicated to offering our customers top notch service. This is one man’s point of view… Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:55:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=95 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=94 Flaman Sales and Rentals in Moosomin is happy to announce that we have officially begun construction on our new facility here in Moosomin. As part of the original take over from Wayne’s Rental Centre back in the spring of 2011, Flaman knew that they would soon need a much larger facility to work out of as business grew and expanded. The current building of 4,000 square feet and a half acre of yard space will soon become a building of more than 13,000 square feet and 10 acres of yard space located on the west side of Moosomin, along the busy #1 and #8 highway intersection.   It will be a full line rental store, as well as a fully stocked parts store and retail outlet for all the lines that Flaman carries in the other corporate stores, like Yorkton. The Moosomin staff are looking forward to the new facility and proud of it becoming a cornerstone of the local business sector. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:40:03 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=94 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=93 Nearly 20,000 people from all over the province, country and globe converged on Saskatoon for the 2012 Western Canadian Crop Production Show, one of Western Canada’s premier showcase events for the grain industry. This year’s Crop Production Show not only experienced record attendance (up 15% from 2011) but a general optimism across the grain industry as producers, manufacturers and industry representatives reflected on a previous year of challenges and hope for a year of good weather and strong agriculture markets. The Flaman Group of Companies was there, set up across Prairieland Park in three separate booths, staffed by both Flaman sales members and product specialists. Our Grain Cleaning, Grain Handling and Farm Hardware booths were fully stocked and ready to provide the level of service you see in our stores.   One of the biggest draws to the Flaman booths was our OPI Grain Monitoring. It seems that producers, big and small, are starting to see the benefits of a system that monitors temperature. And with the “Free Install” promotion running for the month of January, it is a real “no-brainer” to start monitoring your biggest asset…….the grain in your bin.   All in all, the 2012 Western Canadian Crop Production Show was a success and we are looking forward to a strong 2012 for Flaman Sales and Rentals. We would like to take the time to wish you the best of luck in 2012, thank you for all the support in 2011, and remind you that your local Flaman sales representative is ready and waiting to help you in any way he/she can. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:43:25 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=93 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=92 Well, we finally have snow! It's actually looking like winter now in many parts of Saskatchewan and Alberta. This is good news for snowmobilers, who can finally get out on the trails and have some fun. And the snow is good news if you're looking to buy a trailer. At Flaman Trailers, we're celebrating the snowfall by passing on some great savings to you on snowmobile trailers.   You need a trailer to get to where you can go sledding. You may need one for storing your sleds. Currently there are sales, clearance items and manufacturer rebates on trailers. Now is really the best time to buy.   Check our website for deals or call your local dealership. You will not be disappointed. Visit https://www.flaman.com/trailers/Snowmobile-Trailers/   Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:35:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=92 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=91 Another winter is among us! Combines are put away, fall work is done (we hope), and the cows are coming home. Here at Flaman we are looking forward to another grain cleaning season. I am really looking forward to getting on the road to see as many people as possible that are cleaning, or are thinking about cleaning their own grain. After an above average harvest in most areas of Saskatchewan and Alberta there is one thing on most people’s mind, Ergot. There was a number of ergot issues ranging from North Battleford all the way to Edmonton and as far south as Medicine Hat. This means busy times for Colour Sorters in Saskatchewan and Alberta. At Flaman Grain Cleaning and Handling we are offering free colour sorter demos where you can bring in your own sample and watch the Satake Colour Sorter do its’ magic! The Western Canadian Crop Production Show is back in Saskatoon from January 9th – 12th, 2012. I will be making my way down the Yellowhead to Edmonton on January 11th – 13th, 2012 for the Alberta Seed Cleaning convention taking place at the Westin Hotel. This is a first time show for myself and I am very excited to see the people behind the Co-op Seed Cleaning Plants of Alberta. Christmas is coming fast so make sure to get that Christmas shopping done and have a very safe and happy holiday season! Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:44:19 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=91 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=90 Ergot is a type of fungus that grows on many grasses, rye, wheat, barley, and triticale.It infects the floret of the grass or cereal and mimics the process of pollinated grain growing on the plant. On ergot infected plants, a spore destroys the ovary, and then connects to the plant by attaching itself to the plant’s seed nutrition system. An infected floret can also infect other florets by insect dispersal of the asexual spores. That means that an insect can carry millions of the spores to other plants in the region. When mature ergot drops to the ground the fungus remains dormant until proper conditions trigger its fruiting phase, germinate and re-infest an area. Ergot is toxic. Infestations in the grain can cause spontaneous abortions in people and animals, as well as some very unpleasant symptoms. It can cause irrational behavior, seizures, convulsions, unconsciousness, even death. This explains why there is almost zero tolerance for ergot in grain for sale. Much of the grain should not even be fed to animals. Point zero one [.01%] percent is all that is allowed for a #1 specification. Ergot has infected a wide area in Saskatchewan and Alberta over the last few years. Some places have had the infestation 3 or more years in a row with various areas having ergot at 0.7% and higher. It is getting worse. My personal belief is that it is here to stay. Some years will be better than others but it will always be a market factor. Plant scientists don’t even have a straight answer to this problem. There is a wide difference of opinion. Maybe a prolonged dry spell will reduce the amount but as soon as it rains at the right time again we are back to ergot woes. This is only one man’s opinion… Next installment, how do we proceed? Colour Sorters vs. Gravity Tables.   Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:28:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=90 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=89 A new website has been created to get the message out about safe sledding to local snowmobilers. Sled’N Snap (www.slednsnap.com) is an online photo contest and community forum that celebrates snowmobiling in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association and Flaman Group of Companies recently launched the new website as a way to reach out to the sledding community.   “Our biggest challenge is getting the message out to our many members about safe and courteous riding,” says Chris Brewer, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association. “This contest is a fun and interactive way to spread the word to a larger audience.”   “But it’s more than just a photo contest. It’s a destination site for anyone who snowmobiles. There are links to trail maps, articles about safety, a tips forum and more.”   Sled’N Snap’s premise is simple – visitors to the site upload their photos in a variety of categories like Trail/Scenery/Wildlife, Youth and Family, Action!, or Club Rides. At the end of March, the photos will be judged by an association panel who will select a group of finalists and then the public will vote for the grand prize winner.   Up for grabs is the use of the amazing, fully-loaded Stealth aluminum enclosed sled trailer for one year. There are also category prizes from the Saskatchewan Association and every entry is eligible for the random draw for a new two-place aluminum tilt trailer from Flaman Trailers.   And it’s a way for snowmobilers across the province to share memories and common experiences. They can leave comments on photos or share pictures on Facebook. “One of the submitted photos is of a cabin that’s used as a shelter, and someone’s already commented on how they remember going to that same place,” says Brewer.   The submission period for the photo contest ends March 31, 2012. To be eligible for any prizes, entrants must have a registered sled. For more information, visit www.slednsnap.com. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:43:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=89 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=88 This season the diversity of choice for a sled trailer can be daunting. There are many brands, different dealers, options and types to choose from.  Let me try to take you through the choices with a bunch of comparison points as follows: Canadian versus American, steel versus aluminum, open versus enclosed, enclosed 7 wide versus 8.5 ft wide deck over, heated versus not heated and dealer versus dealer.   1)      Canadian versus American. Let me start by writing “buy Canadian eh” whenever possible. There, I put it in writing. Not to get political but come on, if you can, support a Canadian company. That said, of the Canadian brands that provide sled trailers, the two leading players are Southland Trailers with their XR Series and Trailtech with their heavy duty steel trailers. There are others in the West notably Rainbow Trailers, Agassiz Trailers and CJay Trailers; however, their choice offering is less than the leading two. That said, the American companies do a good job, the problem is how fluid the industry is. Many companies rise and fall quite quickly (such as Pace American which recently shut its doors). Despite this, competition in the US is thick and there are all kinds of options to choose from, but beware of what you are buying and from whom. At Flaman Trailers we partner with the two leading Canadian companies and several American companies to round out our offering.   2)      Steel versus aluminum. The debate rages, but there are some simple facts. Aluminum is lighter and does not rust, but it costs about a 1/3 more. Steel is stronger and on an enclosed unit it is only the tip of the trailer and the tail that is really going to show any rust. On an open deck there is a little more exposure.  With the weight factor, several hundred pounds with a regular pick up makes a heck of a difference for hauling. For instance a two place aluminum open can weigh as little as 480 lb., while a two place steel open can weigh as much as 1345 lb.   3)      Open versus enclosed. To be honest, it comes down to available storage, usage and budget. If you have lots of room to store your trailers in for the summer, there’s no need for an enclosed trailer otherwise. As for usage, how many a times a year will you be trailering and how far? Do you need an enclosed staging area? The amount of time you have to spend cleaning grime off your sled gets older every time. That being said, if you are hauling only a few times or short distances, get an open deck trailer, save some money and put it into your sled.   4)      Enclosed lowboy/7 ft wide versus enclosed 8.5 ft wide deck over. Traditionally, if you wanted to haul sleds in Canada you purchased an 8.5’ wide deck over trailer. Your sleds parked side by side and loading and unloading was easy through the rear and front ramp. The 8.5’ wide deck over trailers, while convenient for loading, are big and if you have a steel frame trailer you need a big truck to haul your big trailer. Lowboy and 7 ft wide trailers are easier to pull and the 7 ft wide is a more convenient multi-use trailer in the off season than the 8.5 ft deck over. You can also see around the 7 wide and 8 wide lowboys with your mirrors when hauling. But loading is tricky, and you will not be walking in your trailer when loaded, there simply is no room.     5)      Heated versus not heated. To heat or not to heat is a question many a customer has. The benefits of heat are obvious, but are you going to use it enough to justify the added expense? Only you can be the judge of that.   6)      Dealer versus dealer. There are many dealers selling sled trailers. Your choices are many but should be made based on product knowledge, service and after sales support – not price! The trailers are all priced differently for a reason. If something is less or more at different dealers it is due to features, product quality and support the dealership offers.  Educate yourself and purchase from a professional that will help you choose the best sled trailer for you.   Hope this helps! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:27:54 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=88 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=87 Some lucky Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba producers have turned a frustrating wet season into a winning situation. The winners of the Great Stuck in the Muck Photo Contest have been determined by your votes! The winners of a new 50 foot tow rope are: Shauna - Perras, Montmartre, Sask. – Best Overall Dan - Vanbeselaere, Waskada, Man. – Best Stuck Tractor Eddy - Kish, Cupar, Sask. – Best Stuck Combine Tim - Bastable, Wauchope, Sask. – Best Stuck Sprayer Justin - Brown, Prince Albert, Sask. – Best Stuck Industrial Equipment Travis - Priest, Lethbridge, Alta. – Best Stuck Truck Evan - Sauer, Edenwold, Sask. – Most Comical Cody - Grasdal, Biggar, Sask. – Muddiest Digger Katherine - Palaschak, Edmonton, Alta. – How Did That Happen? Stuck in the Muck (www.stuckinthemuck.com) began two years ago as a place for farmers to upload and share photos of their equipment stuck in the mud. The site has since evolved to a place where producers can help each other with problems they face while farming in wet fields by leaving a tip in the Getting Unstuck Tips forum. At Flaman, we believe Stuck in the Muck has created a sense of community among producers. We call it Facebook for farmers – a place where they can share common experiences and have some fun. This year there were more than 50,000 visits to the website since it re-launched in May and over 155,300 visits since it was first created a year ago. We had 358 people from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba submit 383 photos and over 1,200 people from across the world visited the site to vote for their favourite pictures. One photo that got plenty of votes was Shauna Perras’s photo of her “stuck” tractor cake. She won in the Best Overall category.Perras, who has a cattle and grain farm in Montmartre, baked the cake for her nephew Nate’s third birthday. She entered the photo of the 3D cake that’s shaped like a John Deere tractor stuck in the mud when a neighbour suggested it. “It feels awesome to be a winner,” Perras says. “The community was really great about voting. And Nate just loved the cake.” Dan Vanbeselaere submitted a picture of a tractor that got stuck by a hired hand while he was seeding his father’s field near Waskada. He won in the Best Stuck Tractor category. “It was the second time we got stuck that day,” he explains. “We call the mud dinosaur snot because that’s what it looks like. That’s the only place I’ve seen mud like that.” Vanbeselaere says they had to use a track hoe to drag the tractor backwards through the trench to finally get it out. He entered the contest because he’d never seen anyone stuck that much in a long time. He says he can guarantee he’ll put the new tow rope to good use. The winning stuck photos will also be featured in a 2012 calendar that will be used as a fundraiser for local charities. Giving back to the community is an important mandate of Flaman. Our company’s founder, Frank Flaman, gives over a million dollars to local and global charities through the Frank Flaman Foundation each year. Flaman has also drawn three random winners from all of the entries, who will win a tow rope and appear in the calendar. Congratulations to: Leonard - Walder of Lauder, Man. Gary - Ostafichuck from Wakaw, Sask. Nathan - Stamp from Scandia, Alta. The winners, along with all the submitted photos, can still be viewed at www.stuckinthemuck.com. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:28:37 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=87 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=86 The days are getting  colder, Halloween has come and gone and this means Sled Trailer season has started! Flaman Trailers is excited for the start of the season. Flaman Trailers has already been to the Alberta Snowmobile show and the Saskatchewan Snowmobile show. We have more product choices for you than ever before. Starting with the economical offering of our steel framed Summit Series trailers to the all flat black Stealth trailer from NashCar Trailers, we truly have a trailer for every sled.  Our open deck line has expanded as well. Aluminum tilt trailers with a five year warranty are always popular units.  For the 2012 season Trailtech  has produced a special edition open deck two place. It is an eye catcher with flat black paint, silver reflective tape, white LED lighting and series 7 aluminum rims.  However, the show stopper is the ultimate custom Stealth 40 foot long gooseneck. This trailer features mirrored interior walls, black hard top flooring, a kitchenette, a rocking stereo system with no less than 4 subs, air conditioning, a 40,000 BTU heater, insulated generator set...and the list goes on and on.   Last and most exciting is the new photo contest Sled'N Snap (www.slednsnap.com). Flaman Trailers partnered with the Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba snowmobile associations to bring this exciting contest to the sledding community. The contest has it all: six categories to enter into, an entry prize of a two place aluminum tilt trailer per province, and the grand prize, use of a 28’ tag Stealth trailer for a year.   So this winter season there is a lot going on at Flaman Trailers.  Check back often to keep in the loop. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:58:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=86 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=85 Have you voted today? There were so many great photos submitted to the Stuck in the Muck contest that we need your help picking the winners. But you have to hurry, there are only a few days left to vote for your favourite photos.   You can vote once a day for each picture, but you can vote for as many photos as you like. This year there are new categories to choose from, like Best Overall, Best Stuck Tractor, Best Stuck Sprayer or Muddiest Digger.   Categories winners get a new tow rope, will appear in a 2012 calendar and get bragging rights!   Visit www.stuckinthemuck.com today.   Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:45:43 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=85 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=81 Southern Saskatchewan 2011 harvest is under way! The combines are rolling through peas and lentils in most of the areas that I have seen. The crops are looking above average in most areas of the south, after a rainfall of 25 to 30 inches in the south last year it is not hard to compare the quality of this year’s crop. Pea acres seem to be down substantially this year compared to recent years, after seeing what the quality of the peas are this year, this may be a tough pill for some farmers to swallow especially if the price continues to rise. The lentil quality also looks very good this year, after the European’s declared no glyphosate on lentils I have seen a few more lentil acres being swathed this year. Canola is being swathed daily and more and more acres are down every day, the canola crop’s look very good in southern Saskatchewan this year, which is a different look this year due to the fact that you would not usually see so many canola acres in Southern Saskatchewan, But with last year’s chem.-fallow acres very high it set farmers up well for a large canola year. Wheat and durum are slowly behind in some spots I have seen; staging anywhere from seeing wheat being swathed to wheat that still needs 3-4 weeks frost free weather to avoid another feed wheat year. As long as we can keep that white combine away, I would say that the 2011 crop year will be a very successful year in most areas of the South that did not drown out in June. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:40:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=81 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=80 In many ways this product is nothing new, but this product is part of new specialization occurring with trailer products. Let me explain. Living Quarter units for horse trailers have been around for a long time and the idea originated from cowboys tired of sleeping in the trucks and being on the rodeo circuit more than they were at home.    This evolved to include weekend riders and then weekend warriors thus the RV industry followed suit creating toy haulers. In many ways the living quarters began to outstrip the original purpose of the trailers which was move something somewhere.   In my career, the need for simple sleeping accommodation with a trailer has been a constant request. Over the years the options have been as follows:   High End LQ units Custom built units Customer modified units (customer takes a stock unit and makes what they need) Unit vented and the customer throws in a mattress     Now the Nash Car Trailers Rage Camper Unit meets this need in the following ways: A Simple pull out allows for affordable, quick, comfortable accommodation. The pull out allows for full use of the trailer box The unit can be customized for different cargo (extra height for side by side units, or extra length) or more features: Awning, Stereo, water, base cabinets, the list goes on. The unit is all aluminum so it will not rust, light to pull plus it is stylishly designed (the triple wedge front really stands out)   So if you are looking for a trailer which can haul all your toys and then provide decent sleeping accommodation the Nash Car Rage Camper is your unit. Ask any of our product specialists for more details.   Tell us what you think? Has the missing link between camper and hauler finally been filled?     Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:50:09 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=80 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=79 For Ryan Kahovec, getting stuck in the mud while farming near Rosetown was inevitable – there wasn’t much to be done to stop it. But he was convinced there was a better way for him to get unstuck, without damaging his equipment.   “We use a grain cart with a weigh scale, so if you’re stuck you can’t pull it from the back or you’d wreck it,” Ryan says, who farms 10,000 acres of cereals and pulse crops with his family. Unhooking the cart takes about half an hour, wasting precious time when you’re harvesting.   “We needed something to hook on the front of the tractor,” he says, but adds his John Deere had no place to hook a rope. “We needed something that ties the frame rail together so you can pull without bending.”   So Ryan decided to solve his own problem, and created a tow bar that easily attaches to the front of the tractor with eight bolts, using existing holes. The bar is made of a drop plate and tube with a lug in the centre. “You just hook up a rope or strap to the lug and away you go,” he explains.   Ryan made the first tow bar for himself, but soon his neighbours saw it and wanted one as well. He saw the Stuck in the Muck website as a great place to share his idea. Ryan himself has added some photos and he goes back to the site a couple times a week to see what’s new. “It’s important to me to try to help other farmers. So many frame rails on tractors get bent from pulling,” Ryan says. “If you hook on a four-wheel drive tractor and pull at a 45 degree angle, it takes less power and you won’t bend the frame. But you need that attachment to hook the rope onto. It’s handy at seeding too, as you can hook on and pull with another tractor to get the unit out and going quickly.” Cody Grasdal, who farms just north of Biggar, uses one of the tow bars on his 9530 triple tire John Deere. With the last tractor he had, Cody bent the frame trying to pull himself out of the mud. He knew he’d get stuck and need a tow bar this year because of all the rain that’s fallen.   The tow bar has worked really well, he says. It’s helped pull him out a couple of times and has not bent the frame. “One time we had two tractors pulling on the 9530 to get it out and the tow bar saved the frame from being damaged,” Cody says.   Right now the tow bars only work on John Deere tractors, for the 30 and 9000/20 series, but Ryan is looking at creating new ones for others manufacturers. For now, his advice to farmers who get stuck is to use heavy duty shackles and ropes, instead of chain, “and just take your time pulling.”   If you're interested in purchasing a tow bar, please visit our Parts website here.   Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:12:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=79 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=78 Three successful open houses/contractor appreciation days! The weather was perfect, well maybe too perfect as a lot of the contractors we not able to make the contractor appreciation barbeques as they were taking advantage of the nice weather and were trying to get caught up on the projects that have been delayed by rain. We would like to thank everyone who came out to Swan River, Moosomin and Yorkton to help us celebrate and take in all of our displays. $1,433.00 was raised for The Children’s Wish Foundation and again we would like to thank Hilti for covering all of our expenses so that all the cash donated will go to the foundation to help grant a child their wish. The lucky winner of our grand prize of an 11’ Progression Trampoline was Jeff Bimji from Yellow Grass, SK. We wish Jeff and his family many hours of fun on the trampoline. A special thank you to all the reps that were able to attend: Hilti, Multi-Quip, Bobcat, Ditch Witch, Top Con and Makita. If you weren’t able to make the open house in your area you can still stop by anytime and see what we have to offer for sale or rent. Hands on displays at Yorkton's Open House               Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:53:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=78 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=77 The trailer industry has traditionally been a fairly static industry.  Take the decade from 1998 to 2008: there were few developments other than more wide-spread use of enclosed trailers. The last three years have witnessed an explosion of developments.  A lot of these developments have been with hydraulics.  For instance, Roll Off Dump trailers, multi-deck trailers, 9’ hydraulic tails and more hydraulic tilt models than ever before.   What does this mean for you, a user of trailers? The hydraulics add cost, but not as much as before; because of the increased use of scissor lifts, the costs have been driven down by economies of scale. There is also a big increase in ease of use or just downright convenience.  The flip over ramps on an industrial trailer are nothing but heavy and awkward and a hydraulic tail is pretty nice to use in comparison.     The other thing besides convenience is versatility.  Some of the hydraulic trailers are multi-function.  Heck, one unit is called “Multi-Deck”, and a Roll Off Dump unit can roll on a cargo or flat deck attachment, making it “three trailers in one.”   All this being said, there are, as always, financial considerations.  The Roll Off Dump while being “three trailers in one” only starts to provide a cost advantage by the third attachment. One could make the argument that you could buy three trailers instead of one.  The same kind of argument can be made for a Multi-Deck.  Granted, I am comparing two or three entry levelled priced units to these top end units, but that still has to be a consideration. To be fair, one has to put operating costs in the equation; the hydraulic units have only the operating costs of one versus three, which is a point worth considering.   I can rant and rant about the pluses and minuses of the recent influx of hydraulic trailers.  I do believe they are here to stay and I do believe they have a place and application.  In some cases they not only make sense, but considering the alternative, an operator would be crazy not to have one given the choices available.   So are they the next big trend? Well no, I think trailer specialization is the next big trend and hydraulic units are just a part of that trend... but that is another topic for another time. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:35:23 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=77 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=76 This spring has been a very different one for many producers in the prairies, from near disastrous flooding in the southern parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, to drought in northern Alberta and B.C. It seems that nothing is predictable in the agricultural sector anymore (if it ever was). One thing is certain for all producers, in all provinces: we need all the help we can get. That is why Flaman Rentals has once again expanded our network of dealers, as well as the large line of products carried.   In Saskatchewan we’d like to welcome our newest dealers: B & A Petroleum, having enjoyed great success in their Maple Creek location, has now expanded into Assiniboia. In Blaine Lake you can now go to Blair Industrial and see Blair for all your rental needs and last but not least…. Andres Inc is now our newest dealer in Windthorst.   In Alberta we’re happy to announce these dealers to serve you better: visit Brian Headon of Headon Rentals in the Lloydminster and surrounding trading area, Dunvegan Fab and Welding in the Fairview area and Whitetail Ventures in the High Level and La Crete areas.   And what better way to mark this expansion then to introduce our new Flaman Rentals website. Please take some time to navigate the site and see what we have to offer. We think you’ll find it very user-friendly and informative. And check out the Flaman Rental dealer closest to you! Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:19:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=76 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=75 For the second year in a row, Flaman Rentals has received the Consumer Choice Award for the best Equipment Rental dealer in Saskatoon.  “This award speaks well for the service we strive to give our customers,” says Ellery Erb, the rentals manager at Flaman Sales and Rentals in Saskatoon.   “Our goal is to have quality equipment and trailers to suit the customer’s needs, friendly service at the counter and fair pricing. I think all of those factors combined are what helped us win this award again.”   Consumer Choice Awards are handed out annually in cities across Canada in a variety of categories. The awards are based on answers from accurate surveys conducted by a third party research firm, Leger Marketing. Leger Marketing looks at various industries in each city and interviews a sample of people that represents the majority of that city’s population.   The first round of research determines the nominees for each category and a second survey asks people which of the nominated companies is their choice for the year.   Erb says it’s especially important that this award was voted on by customers, as customer service is the rental division’s number one goal.   This year’s awards were presented at a dinner and gala June 23 at TCU Place attended by a host of dignitaries including Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant-Governor Saskatchewan’s David Barnhart and Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison.   Flaman Rentals in Saskatoon employs four full time employees and offers a fleet of 48 trailers and various agricultural equipment for rent.     Steve Whittington, an executive at Flaman, accepts the Consumers Choice Award for Flaman Rentals in Saskatoon.   Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:44:08 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=75 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=74 Are you interested in the next generation of farm processes and grain management? Want to win some prizes? Then stop by Flaman Sales in Prince Albert on Tuesday June 28 for a day of exciting product demonstrations. You can see the Flaman Pro Grain Bagger and Pro Grain Extractor in action, and learn all about J&M Grain Carts. It will be fun and educational!   This is all part of Flaman Sales’ Customer Appreciation Open House, which will be showcasing many other agriculture products such as Opi grain monitoring, bin aeration solutions and a Kioti tractor obstacle course. There will also be raffles and great prizes available to be won, plus burgers and refreshments! All proceeds from food sales will go to the Prince Albert Women’s Shelter. A special donation will also be made to the shelter from the Frank Flaman Foundation.   “Flaman Sales wanted to show our customers how much we appreciate them with a day of demos, food and fun,” says Barrett Prokopie, Operations Manager at the Prince Albert store. “This is truly a way to showcase our products and spectacular staff, and get the producers out to discuss their wants and needs, and play our part in the community.”   Flaman Sales will have suppliers, product specialists and leasing representatives on hand to answer any questions producers may have and to lend a helping hand. So come on down for a good time!   Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:10:10 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=74 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=73 At Flaman Trailers, we’re dedicated to customer service. So much so, that if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you! That was the motto behind one of our salesman’s recent trip to Fort McMurray. Aaron Farrell, a trailer specialist at the north Edmonton store, loaded up a H370 flat deck trailer with a XR7 cargo trailer and an Aluma 638 utility trailer and headed up north To Fort McMurray on June 3 and 4.   This is the first time Flaman Trailers has gone on the road. Not long ago Aaron was looking through his customer list and noticed that many of them were form Fort McMurray. Talking with his customers, they expressed some difficulty in getting trailers up there. Many of them made the drive down to Edmonton.   “I thought: why not go up there? I had nothing to lose,” Aaron says.   He set up shop at the Fountain Tire in the MacKenzie industrial area, displaying the trailers on government land right in front of the store so everyone could see them as they drove by. Although Aaron says he had a bit of bad weather on the first day, the set up worked. He even sold the utility trailer on the spot.   “Lots of people were pulling over on the side of the road,” he says. “Many recognized the ad we had put in the paper. I talked to about 24 people over the 2 days I was there. It was great!”   Feeling confident, the second day he was there Aaron pulled his trailer over to a mall parking lot and set up for a few hours, where he also got a lot of traffic. He says he got a lot of interest from the oil field in equipment haulers and flat decks, but also a lot of interest in cargo trailers.   Aaron says he would “absolutely” like to take Flaman Trailers on the road again, and plans to go back to Fort McMurray.     Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:37:06 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=73 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=72 You’re invited …   Three Flaman locations, three rental’s open houses. June 21 – Swan River, MB June 28 – Moosomin, SK July 5 – Yorkton, SK   If you are in the Moosomin area you have to check out the “Wall of Wow”. Imagine a total of over 30 flat-deck trailers lined up side by side and stacked 3 – 4 high. If you are in the market for a flat deck trailer this is the place to go.   Contractor specials. Book your rentals the day of the open house and receive:                 10% off – rentals between $1,000 - $2,499                 20% off – rentals between $2,500 - $4,999                 25% off – rentals over $5,000   Come check out the new Hilti TE 3000-AVR jack hammer. All the power of an air tool without the need for a compressor. The TE 3000-AVR delivers explosive breaking power without sacrificing mobility. It brings impressive hammering power to big concrete demolition jobs. The TE 3000-AVR is also a quick, easy way to break up asphalt for road building, repair work and pipe laying.   Hilti will also be doing demos with their DSH 900 hand-held gas saw. The Hilti diamond blade has lower friction which gives a higher cutting performance. It has high torque when needed with minimal hand-arm vibration. This saw is perfect for cutting curb stones, paving stones, sewer pipes and ducts, asphalt, metal and a whole lot more.   There will be hands-on demos of the ICS concrete chain saws. Come see for yourself how easy to use these concrete saws are.   Flaman’s is the only rental store in the Yorkton area to have a ride-on power trowel. Be the first to rent our brand new Barikell 30” ride-on power trowel. This ride-on power trowel is extremely responsive; features synchronized steering and is a labour saver wherever used instead of walk-behind trowels.   Come meet our suppliers and participate in Hilti, Bobcat, Ditch Witch and Multi Quip demos. Enter your name for a Progression 11” trampoline and for our many other great door prizes and stay for the barbeque lunch.   All proceeds from the barbeque lunch go to The Children’s Wish Foundation. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:04:48 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=72 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=68 Often the perception is that utility trailers are the bottom rung of the trailer world when it comes to build construction. Granted, the $899 bolt together group of products with 8” tires at the big box stores are well...garbage. Tough words I know, but I have been around long enough and have had to deal with the aftermath of customers' price point purchases to write that strong language.   Things are shifting with manufacturers and trailer retailers, especially at Flaman Trailers. Speciality manufacturers and retailers like Flaman Trailers and Trailtech have recognized a customer need in this area and we are now supplying utility trailers that are quality built at a value.   Are these trailers $899? Well no, they are not. They start at $1,115 or in all aluminum by Aluma for $1,550. These are not bolt together units. They are welded, they have torsion axles or 3500 lb spring axles, some with aluminum rims and the smallest tire is 13” rubber. The steel utilities are generally sporting 15”  rubber most of the time.    These are quality built units for only a few dollars more and I believe worth your consideration. Thu, 26 May 2011 09:12:16 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=68 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=67 No, we’re not opening a new Flaman Trailers location in Siberia. But an interesting story unfolded this past March where trailers purchased from Flaman Trailers in Nisku played a background, but important, role in taking some special guests to the northern Russian region.  Parks Canada moved 30 Wood Bison calves from Elk Island National Park in Alberta to Lenskie Stolby National Nature Park in Sakha, Russia as a way to preserve the animals’ endangered population. This move created what is called an “out-population” in a region where bison went extinct thousands of years ago. Essentially, having these bison in Russia is an insurance policy, in case anything happens to the vulnerable population here in Canada.   So where does Flaman Trailers fit into all this? Well, as one woman quips in the documentary of the bison’s journey filmed by Discovery Channel, you can’t transport the bison in passenger seats.   The 30 calves were loaded into Southland stock trailers purchased from Flaman to make the one hour trip to Edmonton International Airport. These loaded trailers were then put on a Russian transport plane for the 10 hour flight to Yakutsk, Russia, then continued on a four hour drive along bumpy roads and a frozen river to the nature park.   These trailers had been in Russia since 2006, after they carried bison there as part of a pilot project. Almost five years later, as they were given the once over before the bison were loaded in, the trailers looked “excellent” according to the General Trades Assistant at Elk Island. I think it’s a testament to the quality of these Southland units – not only their durability but the fact they were trusted with carrying such precious cargo.   You can watch the story of the Flying Bison on Discovery Channel’s “Daily Planet” by clicking this link www.discoverychannel.ca/article.aspx?aid=31897       Fri, 06 May 2011 09:35:05 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=67 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=66 Every two years we replace the rental trailers in our fleets across all of our stores. We combine our pre-existing used inventory with our ‘birthday’ (clearance) trailers and add the trailers that come out of our rental fleets to make the largest trailer sale in our organization. We are currently clearing out over 350 trailers across western Canada, and we are sure we’ve got one to fit your bill. From small shuttle trailers, to motorcycle trailers, to car haulers, to dump trailers, to goosenecks, you’ll be hard pressed to find something we don’t have in our used inventory. Everything from aluminum to steel, light-duty to heavy-duty, in all sorts of colors, shapes and sizes. All trailers go through our service centers for a full inspection before they are put into our used inventory.  Stop in at your nearest FLAMAN dealer, or visit our used selection online HERE.   Mon, 02 May 2011 09:41:58 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=66 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=65 Wayne Beckett, from Flaman’s newest store in Moosomin is the new president of the Canadian Rental Association (CRA), and will serve in this role throughout 2011. The CRA is an industry trade organization dedicated to advancing the growth of the rental industry. His association with the CRA goes back almost to the day he started in the rental business, back in March of 1987.   Wayne originally joined the CRA to meet and learn from other rental operators. He is a firm believer in learning from other rental operators at every opportunity. When travelling for business or pleasure, he makes a point of stopping at most of the rental stores along the way.   Wayne is looking forward to the challenges of running the organization and implementing some new ideas. He hopes to meet with a lot of the members to get their input on what issues are important to them.   Wayne is also involved with the Moosomin Chamber of Commerce. On April 30 Wayne will be accepting a community recognition award from the Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years of dedicated service.   Congratulations Wayne and good luck in your new position! Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:00:06 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=65 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=64 We are excited that as of April 1 Flaman Group of Companies took ownership of Wayne’s Rental Centre in Moosomin. The Moosomin store will be expanded into a full size yard site like Flaman Sales in Yorkton, and will sell a full line of ag implements and equipment—such as bins, aeration fans, grain carts and grain augers—and will include a store with a full retail area, fitness equipment, service bays and a rental area. The store will be managed locally by Peter Nabholz and the general manager will be Tyson Becker who works out of the Yorkton store. There will be a close relationship between the Yorkton, Swan River and Moosomin locations so if an item is not available in Moosomin we can bring it in from Yorkton or Swan River. L-R: Peter Nabholz, Charlene Swanton, Darren Kindlein, Wayne Beckett and Randy Fyke The Moosomin location is currently looking to buy about 12 acres of land to build a new store on and be in the new location by 2013. Until then the store will operate out of the former Wayne’s Rental Centre. Almost a million dollars of rental equipment, trailers, water fittings, pumps and water tanks will be added to inventory. The Yorkton store started 15 years ago with just one employee and has evolved into a store with 25 employees. We can see the same thing happening in Moosomin. Moosomin is a very strong community and a good fit for the Flaman Group. We have a lot of customers in the Moosomin area that have supported us over the years and we felt a need to be there to look after and serve them better. Wayne Beckett decided to sell to Flaman Group as he sees us as a well-run company that values its employees and customers. As a family-run company, the Flaman Group looks after its staff and places a lot of importance on being a part of each community it’s in. In the future the Moosomin store hopes to work with local charities as Flaman’s philosophy is to give back to the community as much as we can.   If you are in the Moosomin area stop in, say hi and see what our new store has to offer.   Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:28:48 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=64 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=63 Residents in southern and central Saskatchewan could face severe flooding this spring if unfavourable weather conditions continue. According to a report from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, there is potential for above normal spring runoff throughout the southern part of the province, as well as the central area bounded by Kindersley, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford and a large portion of the eastern agricultural area. This high runoff is linked to excessive rainfall last year and an above average snowpack. “Above normal precipitation and/or rapid snow melt will increase the threat of high runoff and risk of flooding,” states the report. “Even with average weather conditions between now and runoff, some localized flooding can be anticipated.” To help mitigate the potential damage from yet another year of flooding, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing have created a $22 million Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program. Through this program, communities, rural municipalities and farm and country residences can access funding and assistance to implement flood reduction or prevention measures. The program will cover 100 per cent of engineering costs to design flood protection works and cost share a variety of flood protection such as: construction of dykes or berms, pumping, sandbags, material to fill sandbags and equipment rental to fill sandbags. In anticipation of the needs of many farmers and rural residents this spring, Flaman Sales went looking for products that could help prevent flooding and financial losses at farmyards and homes. “Flooding is a big concern this year,” says Dave Weightman, Director of Operations for the Flaman Group of Companies. “And being prepared is critical. You can’t start planning for a flood when you see the water coming down the road. We’re here to help our customers and offer them services that, unfortunately, could be in very high demand again this year.” This year Flaman has a sand bagger to purchase or rent, which easily fills 400 50-lb sandbags in only one hour. The company also carries items like tear-resistant sand bags and water pumps, which can be covered under the funding program. “I think the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program is a great way to offer assistance. With every disaster there is a cost,” says Weightman. “Many municipalities may have a flood plan, but a lot of individual people may not have access to those resources because of demand.” Please contact your local watershed authority to learn more about the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program and how to apply. You can also call their head office at (306) 694-3900 or visit www.swa.ca. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:48:24 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=63 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=60 On February 24th 2011, Ryan Sailer, General Manager of Southland Trailer Corp. won the NATM (National Association of Trailer Manufacturers) Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. I personally nominated Ryan and extend professional congratulations. I first met Ryan when he was 16 years old and I was the Marketing Manager for an umbrella organization that included Southland Trailer Corp.  Ryan had been “told” to help with set up for images in a photo shoot. What immediately struck me was his poise and ability to organize. Ryan immediately started to help with the layout of the shoot and was not afraid to make suggestions as to how he thought the trailer looked best.   At first I was a little taken aback - a kid suggesting to me, a former VP of a Marketing Agency, how to conduct a product shoot.  Luckily, with an open mind I listened and used Ryan’s suggestions. He knew trailer; he had been loading and helping build them all his life and now he pulled them all the time.  In fact, in those days, standard issue when a Sailer boy turned 16 was a truck, I suspect with the motivating factor to have them pull trailers.   Monty Sailer (Founder of STC) trained Ryan (his middle son) well over the years, and  I would like to think during my time at STC as Marketing Manager and then General Manager and finally VP of Business Development, I may have helped in the process as well.  What I have seen in those eight years since I met Ryan has been the remarkable development of a future leader in the trailer industry.  Ryan’s contributions to date are many and will continue to grow but below are some of the highlights in the two (only two!) years he has been GM of STC.   Manufacturing: He was part of the initial Project Team for Lean Manufacturing at STC (Project Consolidate), of which STC won an Alberta Manufacturing award.  (Previous to his role as GM.) Under Ryan’s Leadership as GM of STC he has taken the organization and manufacturing of trailers to a new level. Project Consolidate was only the start of the lean process and Ryan has been the ongoing leader. Notable to date in this process is the integration with an Enterprise Resource Planning system into the manufacturing environment and implementation of a new paint prepping process.   Product Development: In the past two years under Ryan’s leadership STC has rolled out 20 new models (that is almost 1 a month!)    ·     Light duty Engineered Beam trailers    ·     Roll trailer concept complete with cargo, flat deck and bin    ·     New Monster Dump    ·     Re-engineered the entry level cargo offering of STC   Education: At every opportunity Ryan educates the industry on the following:    ·     Safety – issued with every STC trailer is required PDI checklist to the STC dealer group, which forces the dealer to educate the customer on trailer safety    ·     Manufacturing process of trailers, how a consumer can spot a well built trailer versus one that is not i.e. VHB tape, Phosphate acid wash process    ·     NATM certification and what it means to the customer and how a manufacturer achieves the certification Why is all this important? Flaman aligns with manufacturing leaders. Clearly Southland Trailer Corp is a leader. Together Flaman Trailers and Southland Trailers hope to continue to bring you, our customer, innovative and industry leading products. Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:14:59 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=60 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=59 The 2011 Lightning line by Southland Trailer Corp has been redesigned away from a V-nose back to the traditional flat front. Economy without Comprise Sure it's a tag line, but really what else should I write, because the line is the proper description for the Lightning trailer. Sometimes you do not want a trailer with all the bells and whistles - you might be a customer that is only going to use a trailer several times a year, or maybe you have just started a business and cash is tight. Either way with the new Lightning line, Flaman Trailers has the trailer for you. The new Lightning line has an all tubing main frame. The interior is lined with plywood not luan and the units ride on robust spring axles. Sure the aluminum skin is mechanically fastened with screws and the the lights are incandescent as opposed to LED lighting, but these are standard specifications for this class of trailer.  The rear taillights are rubber mounted and most LED lights are fix mounted. I personally still debate whether a rubber mounted LED which can absorb travel shock will last longer than a fixed mounted LED with has to take the full jarring impact of the road. As mentioned above, the unit is a flat front in the traditional style of enclosed trailers and conforms to the standard box sizes.  You, our customer, have been asking for an entry level priced unit and through consultation with our partner manufacturer this line up is it. Canadian made, Canadian value, Flaman Trailer services what we sell. Come to our locations and see the new Lightning trailers starting at $2,995. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:03:45 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=59 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=58 The Flaman Grain Cleaning and Handling Division would like to congratulate Blaine Cowan from Storthoaks Saskatchewan, as well as Jason & Sheila Marshall from Inglis Manitoba, on winning the Flaman Grain Cleaning 2011 draws! Each winner will receive a 12-piece hand tester sieve package just for entering their names in the draw bin at either the Crop Production Show hosted in Saskatoon or Brandon Ag Days hosted in Brandon. This package retails at $250 and makes testing the dockage in your grain a breeze. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter their names at the Flaman Grain Cleaning and Handling booth at each show. Thanks again and we’ll be seeing you soon! Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:22:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=58 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=57 The Annual Trailer Division Meeting was a great success! Flaman Trailer product specialists from all eight locations gathered in Mankato, Minnesota for product training and an Aluma factory tour.   The Aluma folks were beyond great hosts and a full day was spent reviewing the aluminum manufacturing process, new Aluma products and reviewing Aluma product specifications. All of the Flaman Trailer Team greatly benefited by the knowledge shared. As an example of Aluma’s dedication to customers, all trailers are now waxed prior to shipping! Waxing the trailer protects the units from travel stains and  yard weathering.    Flaman Trailers is committed to training its team. The more we know the more we can help you make the right decision. Once a year the team gathers for a formal learning seminar, and continually throughout the year training occurs. Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:18:51 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=57 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=55 Steve Flaman has started a supply drive in Prince Albert to fill a cargo shipping container with items to send to refugees in Thailand. Steve and his wife Denise travelled to Mae Sot, Thailand this past November with P.A.-based Global Neighbours to distribute relief supplies to refugees from Myanmar, also called Burma. Hundreds of thousands of people are squatting in Thailand in refugee camps after fleeing their country because of the military junta in power and more than 20 years of violence.   “These people have nothing. They’re just trying to make some money to get food,” says Steve. “We went to a lot of villages where people literally had all the items they owned in a plastic bag.”   Global Neighbours makes three-to-four trips a year to Thailand to distribute supplies. They own a warehouse in Mae Sot, where they sort and organize the items, then take them by truck to villages or camps in need.   Steve says after he got back home to Prince Albert, he started thinking immediately about when and how they could get more supplies back there. “There’s so many things here we take for granted,” he says. “And there’s so much need there.”   Steve realized it would take only about 100 people to fill a container with supplies, so he organized a supply drive. The container is already 25 per cent full, and he thinks they could ship by the end of February. Global Neighbours will be delivering the items in Thailand.   If you’d like to drop of items, distribution centres have been set up around Prince Albert at Flaman Sales, Canadian Tire, Midtown Transmission, Truck Outfitters and Econo Lumber. Items that are needed include: blankets, towels, hand tools, soap, shampoo, school supplies, pots and pans, sewing supplies, light jackets, backpacks and bikes. Wed, 26 Jan 2011 09:22:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=55 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=54 One year after a devastating earthquake struck the capital of Haiti, Frank Flaman has once again generously given half a million dollars to support the relief effort. In a simple presentation on Jan. 12 at Flaman Sales in Nisku, Flaman donated $250,000 to the Salvation Army and $250,000 to Oxfam. These funds are in addition to the $500,000 he donated to the same charities shortly after the earthquake hit in 2010 through the Frank Flaman Foundation. “These charities do a lot of good work,” says Flaman. “And there’s a real need in Haiti. There’s still so much suffering there – people are living in tents with no clean water.” Around 230,000 people died and 1.5 million were left homeless after a magnitude seven earthquake struck the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince last year. Billions of dollars in international aid have been donated toward relief work, but money is still needed to reconstruct the devastated city. “This donation is a symbol of the generosity Canadians continue to demonstrate as Haitians struggle to rebuild their country,” says Robert Fox, executive director of Oxfam Canada. “It's a tremendous display of support at a time when it's needed most." Since the earthquake, Oxfam has provided clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to more than 400,000 displaced people, provided 98,000 people with emergency shelter, distributed hygiene kits containing personal-care items like soap, shampoo and towels to 120,000 people and assisted 175,000 people in reopening businesses and removing rubble through cash-for-work programs. Among other programs, the organization has spent $19.5 million on water, sanitation and hygiene and $11 million towards emergency food security and livelihoods programs. The Salvation Army currently operates 49 primary schools throughout Haiti, along with several children’s homes and secondary schools. The Army’s medical work includes maternity programs, dispensaries, tuberculosis clinics, primary health care centres and a nutrition centre. “I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the support Frank Flaman has provided for our work in Haiti,” says Karen Diaper, The Salvation Army’s assistant public relations director. “This donation will help many people on their road to recovery and redevelopment. Without such community minded, generous people as Frank Flaman, The Salvation Army wouldn't be able to provide such assistance, in Haiti and around the world.” Along with its support for Haiti, the Frank Flaman Foundation has funded and helped countless global charities provide their valuable services, both locally and around the globe. For more about the foundation visit www.flaman.com/foundation Sat, 15 Jan 2011 13:33:57 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=54 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=47 We’re doing it again! Due to the overwhelming success of our first contest, Flaman Sales is once again hosting the Great Stuck in the Muck Photo contest. But this year’s contest will be bigger and better! We are opening it up to entries from across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. And this time entrants have the chance to have their best “stuck” photo featured in a calendar for 2012. The public will vote for photos just like last time, but this year they can vote for pictures in different categories such as Best Overall Stuck, Best Tractor Stuck, Best Combine Stuck or Most Comical. The winners of these categories will be included in the calendar, which will be on sale in November. All proceeds from calendar sales will support local charities. Here’s how the contest works: Upload and view photos at www.stuckinthemuck.com starting March 1 until Sept. 30. Voting will begin Oct. 1 and go until Oct. 30. The winners featured in the calendar will also win a new tow rope. There will be five random winners again (including at least one from each province), so everyone has a chance to win!   Start taking your pictures right now! You can still visit www.stuckinthemuck.com to see all the great photos from last year and check out the new ones starting March 1. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:23:48 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=47 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=46 If you’ve gotten bored of the snow and have some free time over the next couple days, stop by the Crop Production show at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon! We will be exhibiting our Agriculture, Parts and Grain Cleaning divisions. We have on display at the Agriculture booth (Hall E) two J&M Grain carts (one with an electronic scale), an Arc Alloy Pro Grain Bagger, a Tridekon Extractor, a 41’ Batco Conveyor with a mover kit, a Batco Transfer auger, a Wheatheart 10”x41’ auger with a diesel motor and mover kit, an OPI Systems Grain Monitoring display, a Schulte Crop Residue Shredder and a Hi-Man tow rope display. In Hall A, we find the Grain Cleaning booth filled with Satake Color Sorters, grain elevator bucket systems and grain cleaning screen. You can see the Color Sorters working at any time! If you stop by there, be sure to check it out, it looks and works like something from a fiction novel. Our Parts display in Hall B replicates a miniature version of our full-size Highway 16 location showroom. We’ve got water tanks on stands, fittings, pumps, engines, tow ropes and straps and any of the odds and ends you can think of when it comes to servicing or replacing parts and accessories for your agricultural equipment. The show runs from January 10th to the 13th.   Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:43:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=46 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=45 This year we brought in a standardized insulation and heating package for our XR enclosed sled trailers. The package was designed to be simple and robust and it really is! It includes a 25,000 BTU forced air propane heater with a 35 lb underbelly mount propane tank. To start the unit the operation is simple – move the thermostat to the desired heat level and an interior battery will fire up the unit. Presto! You now have heat. To understand the units we have been field testing them. The system is easy to use and warms a three place enclosed sled trailer at -10 in about ten minutes. It really is quite comfortable and fast. The insulation in the roof, walls and floor keep the heat in well. You’re going to need that in this weather! There are a couple of things we don’t like: there’s no remote fill on the tank. Not having this option does keep the costs down, but that is hardly remembered when you are struggling on your back beneath the unit to fill the propane tank. While filling the tank is not an everyday occurrence, when it does happen it is a nuance, and you have to make sure wherever you are getting it filled has a long enough hose to reach. The second thing we did not like was shutting the system down. If you do not push the thermostat into the right position it stays on and drains your battery. This has occurred for us in our lots with customers while showing off the unit, so most likely this is not applicable in the field. In conclusion, the good far outweighs the bad. The system works well and produces heat fast! We are looking at carrying a remote fill kit for aftermarket purchase in case you get tired of crawling around beneath the trailer.   Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:20:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=45 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=40 We’ve made the draw for the random winners of the Great Saskatchewan Stuck in the Muck photo contest. Congratulations to the winners who also get a new tow rope: Trevor Berkan, Southey Rick Yagelniski, Springside Diane Coombs, Wroxton Nicole Squires, Prince Albert Monty Kovlaske, Humboldt   You can view all the voting results and photos at www.stuckinthemuck.com   We’ve had more than 72,000 visits to the Stuck in the Muck website from across the globe since the contest launched. Over 300 people signed up and submitted 365 photos. Thanks to everyone who support us and helped make the contest a success!   We’ve been getting lots of attention in the media too! We’ve had stories on CBC Radio, CBC Online, CTV, Global, CJWW, News Talk CKOM, CKBI in Prince Albert and CJGX in Yorkton to name a few! If you’d like to check out all the media coverage that Stuck in the Muck has been getting, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Flaman-Group-of-Companies/147896325258199 Don’t forget to give us a “Like”!   We know many producers had a rough time seeding and harvesting in the mud, but we hope you had some fun with this contest and were able to have a few laughs about the “sticky” situations.   Trevor Berkan   Rick Yagelniski   Diane Coombs   Nicole Squires   Monty Kovlaske Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:00:37 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=40 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=36 What started out as a frustrating time with spinning tires and sticky terrain has turned into a winning situation for five Saskatchewan farmers. Flaman Sales has announced the winners of the Great Saskatchewan Stuck in the Muck photo contest, as voted on by the public. The winners of a brand new tow rope are: Carla Debnam, Chruchbridge Wayne Ratzlaff, Waldheim Richard Semchuk, Meath Park Evan Sauer, Edenwold Lori Wuchner, St. Gregor After farmers across Saskatchewan dealt with record rainfall this past spring and summer, Jody “Joe” Kemp, with Flaman Sales in Southey, soon realized that getting stuck in the mud was a province-wide epidemic. He came up with the idea of the contest where farmers could submit their best “stuck” photos and share their experiences with each other. And share they did – since the contest launched Nov. 8 there have been more than 60,800 visits to www.stuckinthemuck.com as people have viewed and voted for the over 360 photos entered from across the province.   “This contest has exceeded our expectations,” Kemp says, noting he’s received a lot of positive feedback from customers as well. “I think it became so popular because everyone was in the same predicament this year. Everyone could sympathize with each other. While getting stuck was depressing at the time, people are looking at all the photos and they’re laughing about it now.” First place winner Carla Debnam, who combined 10 quarters of grain near Churchbridge, agrees the contest has been fun and enjoyed looking at all the “wonderful” photos that were entered. She says it’s nice to win a prize after dealing with such a difficult harvest.  “Saskatchewan farmers had it rough,” she says. “Everyone deserves a pat on the back.” After getting stuck pretty bad this year, Debnam is sure she’ll need a new tow rope. With all the snow, she thinks there could be a wet spring next year. Flaman Sales will also be drawing five random winners from all of the entries on Wed., Dec 22 who will win a new tow rope as well. The winners, along with the Top 25 and all the submitted entries, can be viewed at www.stuckinthemuck.com. Photos can still be uploaded for sharing and the site will remain up for viewing.   1st   2nd   3rd   4th   5th Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:16:11 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=36 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=33 It’s time to vote! We need your votes to help pick the winners of the Great Saskatchewan Stuck in the Muck Photo Contest. We received more than 280 great photos and it’s too hard for us at Flaman Sales to choose.   From Dec. 6 to Dec. 20, you can visit www.stuckinthemuck.com every day and vote for your favourite photos. You can vote once per photo each day, but there’s no limit to the number of photos you can vote for every day.   The top 5 photos with the most number of votes will win a brand new tow rope!   But don’t forget, every photo has a chance to win. We’re drawing five random winners from all the entries to win tow ropes as well. If you still have a great stuck in the muck picture you’d like to submit, that’s OK, we’ve extended the deadline for entries.   People are already voting so hurry and cast your vote now! Check back each day to see the front runners – you never know, your vote could make a difference. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:33:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=33 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=32 Flaman Rentals would like to welcome both Flaman Rental Dealers and our valued rental customer to the new site. Please take some time to check out our new look as well as our new features. From agricultural equipment, cargo and flatdeck trailers, to construction, acreage and tool rentals, Flaman Rentals is continually striving for excellence. We believe that the only way to truly be the best rental name in the game is to always take care of you, the customer. In the coming weeks you will see videos, blogs and other helpful resources, so keep an eye on the website and let your local Flaman Rental location know what you are looking for and tell us how we can assist in helping you in your rental needs. Now more than ever - It Makes Sense to Rent. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:47:33 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=32 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=29 Frustration regarding grain standards is on the rise. Although the Canadian Grain Commission claims that they try to equally apply grading standards from year to year, a number of grading factors are still susceptible to human discretion. It is important to know just exactly what is in each bin and what you may potentially be offering as a sample, especially on a year like this where quality problems are sinister. Flaman Group of Companies offers a variety of different tools and equipment to make sure your sample is as accurate as possible this year. They offer Brass Grain Probes for obtaining samples, Hand Tester Sieve Kits for testing dockage, and even bug lights for checking for insects. Various Air/Screen machines, and even colour sorters can be purchased for an exceptional result. Swing by your local Flaman location today and check out some of these great products. Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:30:12 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=29 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=25 With record rainfall across Saskatchewan this past spring and summer, many farmers found themselves in sticky situations. “It’s no secret that everyone in the province was getting their equipment stuck in the mud,” says Jody (Joe) Kemp, with Flaman Sales in Southey.   Almost every customer he spoke with had gotten stuck at one point and Flaman Sales even had a waiting list for tow ropes. Kemp says his friends kept sending him photos of their tractor or sprayer caught in the mud, and each one was unbelievable. But he soon realized this wasn’t just happening in southern Saskatchewan – getting stuck in the muck was a province-wide epidemic.   “As farmers, we are all in this together,” Kemp says, adding he thought it would be neat to have a place where farmers could share their experiences. So Flaman Sales created the Great Saskatchewan Stuck in the Muck Contest, where producers can upload their best stuck photos on the Internet and have a chance to win great prizes.   “Getting stuck is depressing at the time, but when you look back at the photos afterwards you can laugh,” Kemp says, “If a guy was having a bad day and he sees a picture of someone 10 times more stuck than him, it might make him feel better.”   Farmers can visit www.stuckinthemuck.com to submit their photos and view and comment on the other entries. Starting December 6, the public can vote for their favourite photo and the top five photos will win a 50 foot, $469 tow rope. Flaman Sales will also be drawing for five more tow ropes from all the entries, so everyone has a chance to win.   “We feel for all of the farmers in the province and care about the wellness of our customers,” says Kemp. “This is a way to build community with the agricultural producers. If there’s someone in Estevan looking at photos from Yorkton, he’ll know we all had to deal with the same issues.”   In one of the worst stories he heard, Kemp says a farmer had a stuck sprayer, so a truck and trailer was brought in to unload the chemical. But the truck and trailer got stuck so a four-wheel drive tractor was brought in to pull it out. A backhoe was needed to dig out the sprayer, but it too got stuck and needed to be pulled out by the tractor. In the end, it took two four-wheel drive tractors to pull out the sprayer.      “When they got that equipment out, people were cheering like the Riders had just scored a touchdown,” Kemp says. “I’ve talked to farmers who’ve been farming for 80 years and they all agree it’s never been like this.”   Producers can submit their stuck in the muck photos until Dec. 5 and there’s no limit to the number of photos you can upload. Voting will run from Dec. 6 to 20. Voting is limited to one vote per person per day. Visit www.stuckinthemuck.com for more details.   Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:01:29 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=25 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=23 Sometimes seeing is believing. Last night was the opening night for the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Show and Flaman Trailers has a 4,200 square foot booth, twelve trailers, five Flaman Salesmen and three factory representatives working the booth, plus three show girls to hand out brochures. With all the space and trailers and the draw of the Boom Boom trailer it was all the girls could do to keep up with handing out brochures. Why is our booth so popular? Well the Aluma trailers and the XR Series enclosed sled trailers are dialed in to provide the best value on the market. They are a big draw by themselves but the all black Stealth Nash Car unit and the Boom Boom trailer really get people excited. I mean really excited! While I was working there was a lull in the crowd for just a moment. When I mean lull, one Product Rep was not helping a customer and the rest of us were busy...so being a salesman he cranked the Boom Boom's stereo.  I shot him a nasty glance as I was trying to answer questions and now the roar of the music (from six speakers and two subs) made it more difficult. He shrugged his shoulders and pointed at the wave of people coming to check out the Boom Boom trailer. I am not exaggerating...a literal wave of people was working down the aisle and through the booth to the trailer. If we were being invaded we had just become completely overrun! Over twenty people lined up and started working their way through the trailer. Sometimes seeing is believing,  so if you read this post and are anywhere near Saskatoon you ought to come down to the show and see the Boom Boom and the Stealth for yourself. You will not be disappointed, and if you want the girls will give you a tattoo! Sat, 06 Nov 2010 07:46:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=23 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=21 Well, snow has arrived and so have our sled trailers.  This year Flaman Trailers is very excited about our line up.  The XR Series Enclosed Sled Trailer is packed with features. An all aluminum interior, overhead cabinet and black hard top flooring are just a few of the standard fetaures. Two tone colours to match your sled have been brought in across our eight locations, and we have more selection than ever before: heater packages, insulated, lowboy toyhualers, 7 wide inline sled trailers and the list goes on. Our flat deck sled trailers have the same amount of choice: aluminum or steel, tilt or drive on drive off.  Salt shields, aluminum rims, torsion or spring axles are available.   Once you pick your trailer our parts departments are stocked with accessories to make your trailer your way: helmet bays, shelving, broom hangers, base cabinets and much, much more. Come in today to outfit your trailer needs for this winter!  Sat, 30 Oct 2010 10:13:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=21 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=20 Producers across Saskatchewan had a challenging spring and summer with all the rain and bad weather, so the group at Flaman in Prince Albert wanted to show farmers they care, and give local producers and their crew a well-deserved break. With the Flaman Chuckwagon’s Comin’ Contest, Prince Albert area farmers could enter a draw to win a free dinner out in the field while they’re harvesting, cooked and served by Flaman staff members.   Scragg Farms from the Meath Park area won the first draw, and had a delicious meal delivered to their field on Oct. 15. The Scragg family and workers were all there, along with two engineers from the U.S. who were checking out their new Holland combines and neighbour Terry Lubyk who farms nearby. And we’re not talking sandwiches and coffee – Searl Reynish, Mark Evans and Elizabeth Clarke from the P.A. store cooked up a steak dinner complete with potatoes, Caesar salad, garlic bread and bean pot. Elizabeth even got to drive the combine. Having never seen a combine up close before, she said it was a pretty cool experience. “The dinner was a really fun time. Everyone was pretty excited that we were coming,” she says. Corriveau Farms was the second winner and had dinner delivered by Searl and Elizabeth on Oct. 22. The Corriveau family was joined by Doug Kerley, Rene and Marie Piche, and Marcel and Simone Brassard for a total of 11 hungry people! Dinner was served in the garage because of the weather but everyone had a great time and socialized until 9 p.m.! There will be two more lucky winners and the draws go until Oct. 29. If you farm in the P.A. area you can enter on www.flaman.com or enter your name at the store.     Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:12:50 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=20 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=19 When customers come to Flaman Trailers, they can expect not only the best product at the best price, but a knowledgeable sales staff that will find them the right trailer to fit their needs. One of our own trailer experts, trailer division manager Steve Whittington, was recently interviewed by SnoRiders magazine for an article on how to choose the best snowmobile trailer. There are lots of options, Whittington points out, such as an enclosed or open sled trailer, or a steel or aluminum sled trailer. To read the story in the Fall 2010 edition of SnoRiders click here. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:35:18 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=19 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=18 The Alberta Snowmobile Association Show in Edmonton and the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association Show in Saskatoon will soon be here. On October 22nd, 23rd and 24th at the Edmonton Expo Centre, Flaman Trailers will be exhibiting enclosed sled trailers, aluminum sled trailers, drive on drive off flat deck sled trailers,  tilt deck sled trailers,  plus a full line of sled trailer accessories.  Come down to see the all new 2011 XR Series enclosed snowmobile trailer complete with a heater and insulation package. On November 5th , 6th and 7th in Saskatoon at Prairieland Park, Flaman Trailers again will be exhibiting the same line up.  There will be show specials and free draws.  Be sure to take advantage of these pre-season offerings. Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:00:02 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=18 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=17 By Mary MacArthur, Camrose bureau August 12, 2010 CLIVE, Alta. — A colour seed sorter has kept the Clive Seed Cleaning Coop in business, says the chair of the co-op’s board. “We think it’s going to save our operation,” Dave Rainforth said. “We realized it would shut down if we didn’t look for ways to improve our cash flow.” The seed cleaning plant in Clive, northeast of Red Deer, is similar to the hundreds of plants that were once as common in small towns as grain elevators. They were built in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to encourage and help farmers clean grain for seed. However, the amount of seed cleaned at the aging plants stagnated with the introduction of new crop varieties that must be bought new each year. The Clive plant cleans 150,000 bushels of grain per year, down from a high of almost 300,000 bu. in 1998- 1999. The addition of the $250,000 colour sorter in March has already increased the amount cleaned and has saved farmers thousands of dollars in dockage. “It’ll save guys like me $100,000 a year or more,” Rainforth said recently as he unloaded a truck of moisture-damaged wheat. He expects the computerized colour sorter will improve the grade from feed to No. 2. Assistant plant manager Kelly Giles said he’s seen a wheat grade increase from feed to No. 1 when the ergot was removed with the help of the new system. Another farmer, who accidentally dumped canola into a bin that contained fertilizer, was able to use the colour sorter to remove the fertilizer and make the crop acceptable at the elevator after it was initially rejected. The sorter can remove anything that is a different colour: wheat from barley, barley from canola, ergot from wheat. “As long as there is a colour change, we can take it out,” Rainforth said. The board paid for the sorter and other improvements by selling 130 $2,500 shares to local farmers. Each share guarantees farmers the ability to sort and clean 10,000 bu. per year. The plant expects to clean 800,000 bu. of grain this year because of a bigger than normal ergot problem caused by wet weather. Rainforth said local support for the project was significant. The county gave the plant a matching $250,000 grant and the village of Clive gave it a tax break. The plant is the village’s only industry. Local farmers and community residents volunteered to pour cement and build a climate-controlled room for the machine. Rainforth said the colour sorter earns farmers money by increasing their grades, while the extra revenue allows the plant to pay for repairs and upgrades as well as hire Giles as a second employee. “The potential to make shareholder farmers money is huge and it will make us money too,” Rainforth said. The share sale and volunteer labour have also allowed the plant to increase its elevator storage capacity to 50,000 bu. from 5,000 bu. Rainforth said farmers will now be able to grow malting barley on wheat stubble and not worry about wheat contamination in the grain. A camera reads colours as the grain flows down a panel and shoots out blasts of air to remove the off-colour grain. “I’ve got it set for ergot,” Giles said as he cleaned grain. “It’ll blast that out and usually a couple of the neighbouring pieces.” Added Rainforth: “It’s an amazing machine.” https://www.producer.com/Markets/Article.aspx?aid=25163 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:05:20 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=17 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=13 Southland Trailers Has recently came out with a new addition to their enclosed line up. The XR Sport Model is designed specifically to haul your side by side ATV. The trailer comes standard with extra 8” of height with allows you enough room to ride your ATV in with ease. (rear door height - 81", rear door width - 74") The entire frame is constructed of hollow structural steel (HSS). Full tubing construction means increased strength and rigidity. We upgraded the flooring to high grade structural mezzanine decking, perfect for construction or recreational use. The Sport model comes standard with 4, recessed D-rings rated at over 500lbs each for the safety of whatever you’re hauling. An aluminum tread plate 24” rock guard wraps the front of this trailer, On some models we have also added aluminum rims, this increases longevity of the rim and gives the trailer a polished look. The XR Sport comes standard with Flo thru vents and utilizes slim line LED lighting throughout the exterior of the trailer. There are many color options available to you, here we feature our “Camo Edition” this is a limited edition trailer with only a few models available. This unique trailer would be great for hauling your side by side on your next hunting trip! Because of the many features this trailer has such as the extra height and heavy duty flooring we have been getting a lot of positive feedback from customers who use the trailer for more commercial and industrial uses as well. Whatever you chose to use this trailer for, you will be satisfied with the quality and workmanship that Southland Trailers provides For more information, please contact your local Flaman Trailer Dealer. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:32:58 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=13 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=12 Farming is full of variables, there is no denying that fact. You need equipment that can be customized to meet your needs. With Grain Carts we recommend the JM Grain Storm series. This series comes equipped with a front folding corner auger, low profile and narrow transport design. All very important standard features. 1)     Front Folding Corner Auger this is very important as the unique design on the JM Grain Cart provides 100 % visibility during unloading AND equally important 100% visibility during the folding process 2)     Low Profile and Narrow Transport Design – farm to farm transport is easier and faster with the narrow design plus maximum clearance is allowed from the combine header. The low profile makes it easier for the combine operator to fill the tank. To customize to your needs choose from: 1)      Flotation Tires or 2)      Walking tandem dual wheels or 3)      Storm Tracker tracks 4)      Sizes from 1000 –to 1325 bushel capacity 5)      20” or 22” unloading auger Flaman product specialists will help you determine the best fit for your farming needs, specifically built for you. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:57:06 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=12 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=7 The first thing you need to do is qualify what your intended use is: Often (2- 5 times a week) Frequent (2 -5 times a month) Infrequent (2 -5 times a year) Next set of basic questions you need to answer are as follows: Size required Payload to be hauled Any special requirements (i.e. extra tie downs) Armed with this information you should have an idea of the amount and type of use required from your future trailer. This will help you pick a unit in the quality class you need. The trailer world is divided much like the car world into classes of trailers of different quality, for simplicity at Flaman Trailers we simply say: Good Better Best The differences between the classes depend on the type of trailer, enclosed, flat deck or utility: However some generalities are as follows: As you move towards best the strength of the frame increases, for instance a good trailer may have all light channel construction, a better many combine tubing steel with heavier channel steel with the best unit being built entirely with HSS (High Structural Steel) tubing. The same sequence will occur with the features on the units.Good trailers will have a straight springaxle, Better a torsion while Best may have an adjustable torsion. So knowing the quality of the unit you require will help you and a trailer product specialist pick your required unit. Another major item to consider is who are you buying from? There are so many manufacturers and dealers popping up that have only been in business for a few years one must question whether they will be present down the road to service your unit, or provide warranty. Flaman Trailers has been in business for over 50 years as have several other dealers, but not many so be aware! Buy from accredited dealerships that can support you and the product you have purchased. Your trailer needs to be serviced at least annually and you want a dealership that cantake care of you. The final and a very important consideration is the trailer brand which you are purchasing. Flaman has partner manufacturers that have been in business for many years, known in the industry, and stand behind their products. As well Flaman Trailers support Canadian manufacturers. Trailtech Inc and Southland Trailer Corp are the two largest and oldest Canadian manufacturers that build for Canadian conditions. Do you think a trailer built in Texas has the heavy gauge wire to stand up to a Canadian winter? So there are a lot of things to consider but to summarize Determine the amount of use and what you need to haul Determine the class of trailer that will work for you Chose a dealer that has a proven track record in the industry Pick a quality brand of trailer. (I would pick Canadian) All the other details in between a professional trailer product specialist will be able to guide you through… have fun! Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:21:00 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=7 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=6 The new Trailtech MD270 MultiDeck Trailer is one of this season’s hottest innovations. This is a must see unit for trailer users that have been thinking about another trailer for their fleet, or looking to replace/reduce trailers in their fleet. The trailer has a lowboy position, a highboy position and is a powered tilt in both positions. So this unit is really four units in one.  The dovetail at the rear of the trailer with  the tilting deck eliminates the need for ramps, combine this with the hydraulic cushion, loading equipment is truly a one person job. Features on this unit include: 1.       Self Contained Hydraulics 2.       Patented MultiDeck 3.       Load Securement: rub rails and stake pockets standard plus D-rings in the axle location. This unit rides on (2) 7000 lb Torfex (Rubber Torsion) axles with 16” tire providing a 16,100 lb GVWR.  Contact your local rep for more details. Available at all Flaman Trailer locations.   Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:22:31 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=6 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=5 On June 20th, Flaman Rentals was the recipient of a Consumer Choice Award in the Equipment Rentals Category at the 2010 Consumer Choice Award Gala in Saskatoon. The Consumer Choice Awards have been recognizing and promoting business excellence since 1987. This year represented the inaugural year for the awards in Saskatoon, Steve Whittington accepted the award on behalf of Flaman Group of Companies. Dignitaries in attendance to help celebrate included: Mayor of Saskatoon: Mayor Donald J. Atchison; Minister of Justice & Attorney General: Honorable Don Morgan; Minister of Advanced Education, Employment & Labor: Honorable Rob Norris; Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification: Honorable Lynne Yelich For management at Flaman, this award is a remarkable accomplishment by its staff. To be chosen by consumers from amongst our competitors truly distinguished the Rental Division and the team that serves the customer. The number one goal at Flaman is the achievement of customer service and it is our staff that make this happen. It is great to be part of a team that works with this goal in mind. We hope to win this award next year as we continue to strive for excellence in customer service. Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:32:38 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=5 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=4 The New Roll off Dump Trailer is truly a versatile unit. The same chassis can serve as a cargo trailer, flatdeck or dump unit. Currently Southland trailers has released the garbage bin attachment, with the above other attachments soon to follow. We are pretty excited at Flamans to be the first to bring this new unique paradigm changing trailer to the market place. Often when you drive to a construction site there are multiple trailers present. Cargo Trailers serving as mobile tool cribs or a job site shack. Flat decks for hauling equipment, garbage bin on the ground, and dump trailer for moving dirt or landscaping. Imagine the possibilities and cost shavings of having all these functions combined with one chassis. What if you have two or three job sites! You only need to register and maintain only one trailer instead of multiple units or if you are renting eliminate rental fees for the occasional rentals by purchasing a cost effective attachment. Additionally the attachments can be spotted and picked up at your convenience and you do not have to worry about the theft of your trailer. These units are due to be released the middle of March just in time for the start of the spring construction season. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:21:30 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=4 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=3 Well, there are many reason to buy an aluminum trailer vs a traditional steel trailer. Firstly Aluminum is lighter by 35- 45% which means your payload is going to be higher than a steel trailer with the same axle rating. Generally though most aluminum trailers have a lighter axles than their steel counterparts but are still able to offer the same payload. This equals a less weight to haul (better fuel economy) and your trailer is easier to move around when hitching up. Another big advantage of aluminum is that it does not rust nor will you have a rotting wood deck to replace (considering you purchased an aluminum decked trailer). A simple acid wash brings the shine of the trailer immediately back. One of the main misperceptions about aluminum trailers is that aluminum is not as strong as steel. Actually pound for pound aluminum can be two and half times as strong as steel. The extruded shape and type of aluminum used provides a higher tensile strength. Finally if aluminum was weaker why are airplanes made of it? Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:34:44 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=3 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=1 We are really excited about this new four by eight foot dump trailer we have in stock at our Flaman locations. The product is constructed with an all tubing frame which provides ample strength and allows the wiring to be enclosed. The trailer rides on a 5200 lb spring axle..plenty of payload for an acreage heck plenty of payload for a landscaping contractor! A gas shock on the tool box lid is a nice touch as well as the light mounted on the underside of the lid for when you are working at dawn or dusk. Robust jeep style fenders plus plank brackets for building up the already ample height side walls. All around a Must see! Must have! trailer at a very reasonable price! Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:31:29 +0000 http://www.flaman.com/rentals/blog/?id=1