We just got the numbers in from Hudye Soil Services at Norquay.... This is a huge boost to our Kernels of Hope totals for South Sudan from 2009... We had $210,000 including matching CIDA funds last week... On Dec 23 we had this added ! Another $116,000 totalling $326,000 for 2009. Thankyou so much to all those who contributed in any way... You have done a lot by each person just doing a little. Please see the story on the initiative below:
For Immediate Release: Dec 23, 2009
On Wednesday Dec 23, 2009 five local producers presented a cheque to "Kernels of Hope" in the amount of $23,205.75 . Kernels of Hope is affiliated with World Relief Canada and The Canadian Food Grains Bank and donations to it result in a matching donation in a factor of 4 to 1 by the Canadian International Development Agency. This resulted in a total value of $116,028.75 reported by Fallon Hudye of Hudye Soil Services Inc of Norquay, Saskatchewan.
The amount generated is to be directed into programs that provide food for those in dire need and for the purchase of seed and tools to help farmers in Southern Sudan Africa to reestablish there homes , farms and lives said Ray Baloun of Minnedosa, Manitoba who began the Kernels of Hope program in Norquay five years ago.
Krywy Farms, Leis Farms, LTS Grain Farms, Steven Nahachewsky and Hudye Farms stepped up to the plate and participated in the initiative organized by Hudye Soil Services Inc to to have each producer donate 10 acres of a crop of their choice to the project. The hope of the initiative is to potentially "snowball" into many more acres in the future in recognition of the efforts put forth by the farming community to "Helping Feed the World"
In these times when concerns are raised about the ability to produce enough food for a growing global population , producers are eager to rise to the challenge , incorporating all available research to produce more.
" The donation to Sudan provides hope to those who often have none", Baloun said
World news has never before highlighted the problems of hunger and access to food as much as it is now being done and everyone who is contributing in this way is making a huge difference at a time when it is so important.
"A difference is being made around the world from right here in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada," Baloun said
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
2009 Summary
Howdy !
We don't know everything yet but things have worked out well on our farms overall this year!
The summer was not normal and the harvest seemed to drag on longer than ever fighting the poor conditions. Low expectations for yield and quality were had by most over the season.
Here's where we are at :
Darryl and Delora Doell at Wetaskiwin in the heart of Alberta had a struggle with the weather .
We had 25 acres of Conlon barley there that didn't thrive. It was cool and dry at just the wrong times. We did however have crop insurance on it and since they almost always have wonderful crops the coverage for insurance was high. We got covered for 90 bushels / acre at $3.70 /bu
This is a higher yield than we usually ever can get in Manitoba and the price was higher than anyone else got too ! We still had all the costs of operating it but it did clear abot two thousand for us.
Gerald and Darla at Kinistino pulled in a good crop of Prodigy CWRS wheat from their 50 acres . It hasn't been able to move into the grain elevator yet to know exactly but we are estimating that it will grade # 1 and be about 12% protein... the higher the protein the more money we get . It was dry so that helps a lot for marketing and value and cost reduction... You might call it kissed by the sun ! It ran about 60 bushels per acre ...and should fetch about $5.74 / bu > We'll clear about $8500 there... Pretty good considering it could just as easily have frozen before it was mature this year and been drastically reduced in quality and quantity !
Brian Foxton of the Minnedosa area heard about the project and dropped off a tonne of wheat for us that will throw $217 into the pot.
James and Judy Nelson of Norquay " the Heart of Kernels Country" had Ferris & Lindgren custom farm 30 acres of CWRS wheat for us this year... That's the field I described earlier as being in the Bag ! Well, Stan Unger the Grain Guy of the North arranged to get it into the grain elevator in Kamsack . It was also #1 and higher protein at 13.9 protein We got 43.525 net tonnes of wheat from that field. There are 36.744 bushels in a tonne. The price was higher at $223/tonne . We will net about $4300 from that field.
The Tiede's at Strathmore, Alberta seeded early and were also having a struggle with this years weather. That 30 acres of wheat got delivered to Carseland ... the protein was even higher at 14 and it also graded #1. It had very low dockage... Dockage is stuff that shouldn't be there and that we don't get paid for at the elevator. Dockage can be composed of wild oats or chaff or broken seeds... Similar to parts of peoples lives I suppose... Dockage in grain is much easier to handle though ! We got 45 bu / acre at Strathmore and it will clear about $ 3600
Steve and Loni Marvin of Brandon were first time Kernels Farmers. They grew 10 acres of Wheat for us and it yielded about the same as Tiedes. The protein was 13.2 . This will clear about $1300 for our project. This wheat was delivered to the elevator that I work at north of Brandon.
Andrew & Riordan Dennis had a phenomenal crop of Clearfield Canola at Brookdale, Manitoba
The variety was 45 P 70. It ran 49 bushels per acre and was dry and it graded #1 . You can see the actual canola a couple of posts ago on this website as it was delivered to our elevator. We cleared $4800 on this but then the Dennis' topped that up big time with a donation. They also created awareness of the cause in their area !
Cash Crop Field .... Support was great again from all of you Virtual Farmers. All the actual production costs are covered and there will be about about $12,000 extra. This money also gets matched by CIDA ( Canadian International Development Agency ) at a rate of 4 to 1 normally, through World Relief Canada as a part of the Canadian Food Grains Bank .
Hudye Farms and Soils at Norquay, Saskatchewan will also soon have some totals from the project they contribute to Kernels through Helping Feed the World... There are producers there that are donating the entire value of 10 acres of their crop....
Kernels of Hope 2009 will be able to help the people in South Aweil County in Southern Sudan to farm / fish, supply emergency food and food for work to the tune of $210,000 this year (counting matching CIDA funding ) You can't imagine all the good you have done by supporting this effort. Making a Difference in peoples lives both short term and long term !
Thanks so much to all the real farmers for making this possible and to all the virtual farmers for being truly Outstanding in their Field!
Stay tuned for more updates as they arise.
Till next time,
Here's a short poem for you...
We will farm again in 2010 !
Ray the Grain Guy
We don't know everything yet but things have worked out well on our farms overall this year!
The summer was not normal and the harvest seemed to drag on longer than ever fighting the poor conditions. Low expectations for yield and quality were had by most over the season.
Here's where we are at :
Darryl and Delora Doell at Wetaskiwin in the heart of Alberta had a struggle with the weather .
We had 25 acres of Conlon barley there that didn't thrive. It was cool and dry at just the wrong times. We did however have crop insurance on it and since they almost always have wonderful crops the coverage for insurance was high. We got covered for 90 bushels / acre at $3.70 /bu
This is a higher yield than we usually ever can get in Manitoba and the price was higher than anyone else got too ! We still had all the costs of operating it but it did clear abot two thousand for us.
Gerald and Darla at Kinistino pulled in a good crop of Prodigy CWRS wheat from their 50 acres . It hasn't been able to move into the grain elevator yet to know exactly but we are estimating that it will grade # 1 and be about 12% protein... the higher the protein the more money we get . It was dry so that helps a lot for marketing and value and cost reduction... You might call it kissed by the sun ! It ran about 60 bushels per acre ...and should fetch about $5.74 / bu > We'll clear about $8500 there... Pretty good considering it could just as easily have frozen before it was mature this year and been drastically reduced in quality and quantity !
Brian Foxton of the Minnedosa area heard about the project and dropped off a tonne of wheat for us that will throw $217 into the pot.
James and Judy Nelson of Norquay " the Heart of Kernels Country" had Ferris & Lindgren custom farm 30 acres of CWRS wheat for us this year... That's the field I described earlier as being in the Bag ! Well, Stan Unger the Grain Guy of the North arranged to get it into the grain elevator in Kamsack . It was also #1 and higher protein at 13.9 protein We got 43.525 net tonnes of wheat from that field. There are 36.744 bushels in a tonne. The price was higher at $223/tonne . We will net about $4300 from that field.
The Tiede's at Strathmore, Alberta seeded early and were also having a struggle with this years weather. That 30 acres of wheat got delivered to Carseland ... the protein was even higher at 14 and it also graded #1. It had very low dockage... Dockage is stuff that shouldn't be there and that we don't get paid for at the elevator. Dockage can be composed of wild oats or chaff or broken seeds... Similar to parts of peoples lives I suppose... Dockage in grain is much easier to handle though ! We got 45 bu / acre at Strathmore and it will clear about $ 3600
Steve and Loni Marvin of Brandon were first time Kernels Farmers. They grew 10 acres of Wheat for us and it yielded about the same as Tiedes. The protein was 13.2 . This will clear about $1300 for our project. This wheat was delivered to the elevator that I work at north of Brandon.
Andrew & Riordan Dennis had a phenomenal crop of Clearfield Canola at Brookdale, Manitoba
The variety was 45 P 70. It ran 49 bushels per acre and was dry and it graded #1 . You can see the actual canola a couple of posts ago on this website as it was delivered to our elevator. We cleared $4800 on this but then the Dennis' topped that up big time with a donation. They also created awareness of the cause in their area !
Cash Crop Field .... Support was great again from all of you Virtual Farmers. All the actual production costs are covered and there will be about about $12,000 extra. This money also gets matched by CIDA ( Canadian International Development Agency ) at a rate of 4 to 1 normally, through World Relief Canada as a part of the Canadian Food Grains Bank .
Hudye Farms and Soils at Norquay, Saskatchewan will also soon have some totals from the project they contribute to Kernels through Helping Feed the World... There are producers there that are donating the entire value of 10 acres of their crop....
Kernels of Hope 2009 will be able to help the people in South Aweil County in Southern Sudan to farm / fish, supply emergency food and food for work to the tune of $210,000 this year (counting matching CIDA funding ) You can't imagine all the good you have done by supporting this effort. Making a Difference in peoples lives both short term and long term !
Thanks so much to all the real farmers for making this possible and to all the virtual farmers for being truly Outstanding in their Field!
Stay tuned for more updates as they arise.
Till next time,
Here's a short poem for you...
We will farm again in 2010 !
Ray the Grain Guy
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Canola Trivia
One of our fields ( The Dennis's ) was canola this year. One major thing you make from canola is cooking oil... Did you know that one canola producer can produce enough canola seed to give every adult in Winnipeg a bottle of Canola Oil !
Long Harvest
This has been a Looooooong Harvest Season ! The snow in most areas now has stopped most of the harvest... In many areas people were able to finish with the nice weather in November...
There were many phenomenal unexpectedly high yields in the prairies this year...
The odd timing of the weather had expectations low but in the end the bins filled up quicker than ever !
With the slow harvest it's made the gathering of our info and marketing of our Kernels Fields Crops slower and it has also kept me super busy buying grain at my real job !
Please stay tuned for a wrap up of the season !
Ray the Grain Guy
There were many phenomenal unexpectedly high yields in the prairies this year...
The odd timing of the weather had expectations low but in the end the bins filled up quicker than ever !
With the slow harvest it's made the gathering of our info and marketing of our Kernels Fields Crops slower and it has also kept me super busy buying grain at my real job !
Please stay tuned for a wrap up of the season !
Ray the Grain Guy
Monday, October 12, 2009
This is the project we are supporting this year thru World Relief Canada
Relief, Rehabilitation and Hope in Sudan
After years of war, hope is returning to the Aweil South County in the Northern Bahr el Ghazal region of Souther Sudan, but the need is still great. Families who had been forced to flee the area because of fighting in the region are beginning to return. Although farmers have been working hard to plant crops and create a secure and dependable food supply for the area, their produce will not be enough to provide for a community that is swelling with families returning home. Floods in some parts of the area, as well as poor rainfall patterns in others, have added to the trouble, destroying approximately 35% of the farm produce that families managed to grow. Although the overall malnutrition rate has decreased because of World Relief’s recent relief work in this area, it does still exist to an alarming degree. It must be addressed immediately and for the long-term through building the capacity of local farmers to provide for the needs of their own families and community. In order for the work in this area to truly move from relief (immediate help) to rehabilitation (long-term hope), we must conquer things like the malnutrition rate. It would be too easy for the population to slip backwards in their fight against extreme poverty, instead of move forward as they are so very ready to do. This is no small challenge in a remote community with a huge returning population. It is estimated that over 300,000 people have returned home to Southern Sudan since the signing of the peace accord in 2005. They desperately desire to return to their homes and their lives — as anyone would — but they are returning to communities mired in terrible poverty who have been struggling to meet immediate food needs, let alone plan for the future. That is where World Relief Canada can play an essential role. And we need to do it immediately to stop the malnutrition rate in its tracks, put it in reverse, and then work with the families to move forward in creating a secure and nutritious food supply. The direct beneficiaries of this project are malnourished children and their mothers or caregivers as well as pregnant and lactating women. And who could need our help more? World Relief Canada, with your partnership, will improve the nutritional status of 4500 moderately malnourished children under five and 1000 pregnant or lactating mothers. We will improve the nutritional status of 1000 severely malnourished children under five, while building the capacity of the community and local health staff to diagnose and treat malnutrition themselves. We know that in order for children to grow strong, their families need to be strong and healthy. This project will improve the general hygiene practices of 5500 caretakers of malnourished children and 1000 pregnant and lactating mothers. And to build their future even stronger, we will focus on increasing the availability of nutritious food and teach farmers how to farm even better so that their crops will be diverse and sustainable. The production of a high-energy porridge — using local and available food — will be an indispensable part of what we do in this part of Southern Sudan. We are also working with farmers to acquaint them with the benefits of using their highly-prized cattle as work animals for plowing fields, which increases productivity dramatically. We need your help and partnership to keep this project going. We have seen the difference we are making in this area already. Gardens have been planted. And they are growing. Now is the moment we can begin to move this community from relief to rehabilitation, instead of going back the other way. A five person Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) Delegation just returned from a visit to South Sudan. WRC is an equity member of CFGB and we are endeavouring to increase our programming in the Aweil Integrated Nutrition program there. This trip was part of the exploring process to make that happen. The Aweil program has been primarily a nutrition and therapeutic feeding program, but during this last year our partner has begun addressing the issue of food security. This includes providing ox plows and training to farmers and their animals. The Dinka people in the area are pastoralists, and keeping cattle is not a new idea. Using the animals for plowing however, requires a new way of thinking, as they typically think of their cattle as an investment. Aweil is an arid area, and in order for a family to feed itself, they need to be able to plow and plant enough land. That is hard to do using a hand held hoe. In addition to the animal traction initiative, farmers have been given good quality early maturing sorghum and millet seeds. This visit was important for WRCanada to share how our partner has been working. It was a good way for us to share the challenges, frustrations and successes of working in a hostile environment, in a very remote part of South Sudan. Other members were able to see what is possible, and are better informed about the high cost of programming in South Sudan, especially as it relates to communication, travel and transportation in this vast land. The needs in South Sudan are overwhelming. Much of the population has lived in camps during the years of war, and have developed a dependency syndrome. We hope and pray that the work being done by our partners will result in people feeding themselves, as they move from dependency to being more fully in control of their lives in days to come.
After years of war, hope is returning to the Aweil South County in the Northern Bahr el Ghazal region of Souther Sudan, but the need is still great. Families who had been forced to flee the area because of fighting in the region are beginning to return. Although farmers have been working hard to plant crops and create a secure and dependable food supply for the area, their produce will not be enough to provide for a community that is swelling with families returning home. Floods in some parts of the area, as well as poor rainfall patterns in others, have added to the trouble, destroying approximately 35% of the farm produce that families managed to grow. Although the overall malnutrition rate has decreased because of World Relief’s recent relief work in this area, it does still exist to an alarming degree. It must be addressed immediately and for the long-term through building the capacity of local farmers to provide for the needs of their own families and community. In order for the work in this area to truly move from relief (immediate help) to rehabilitation (long-term hope), we must conquer things like the malnutrition rate. It would be too easy for the population to slip backwards in their fight against extreme poverty, instead of move forward as they are so very ready to do. This is no small challenge in a remote community with a huge returning population. It is estimated that over 300,000 people have returned home to Southern Sudan since the signing of the peace accord in 2005. They desperately desire to return to their homes and their lives — as anyone would — but they are returning to communities mired in terrible poverty who have been struggling to meet immediate food needs, let alone plan for the future. That is where World Relief Canada can play an essential role. And we need to do it immediately to stop the malnutrition rate in its tracks, put it in reverse, and then work with the families to move forward in creating a secure and nutritious food supply. The direct beneficiaries of this project are malnourished children and their mothers or caregivers as well as pregnant and lactating women. And who could need our help more? World Relief Canada, with your partnership, will improve the nutritional status of 4500 moderately malnourished children under five and 1000 pregnant or lactating mothers. We will improve the nutritional status of 1000 severely malnourished children under five, while building the capacity of the community and local health staff to diagnose and treat malnutrition themselves. We know that in order for children to grow strong, their families need to be strong and healthy. This project will improve the general hygiene practices of 5500 caretakers of malnourished children and 1000 pregnant and lactating mothers. And to build their future even stronger, we will focus on increasing the availability of nutritious food and teach farmers how to farm even better so that their crops will be diverse and sustainable. The production of a high-energy porridge — using local and available food — will be an indispensable part of what we do in this part of Southern Sudan. We are also working with farmers to acquaint them with the benefits of using their highly-prized cattle as work animals for plowing fields, which increases productivity dramatically. We need your help and partnership to keep this project going. We have seen the difference we are making in this area already. Gardens have been planted. And they are growing. Now is the moment we can begin to move this community from relief to rehabilitation, instead of going back the other way. A five person Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) Delegation just returned from a visit to South Sudan. WRC is an equity member of CFGB and we are endeavouring to increase our programming in the Aweil Integrated Nutrition program there. This trip was part of the exploring process to make that happen. The Aweil program has been primarily a nutrition and therapeutic feeding program, but during this last year our partner has begun addressing the issue of food security. This includes providing ox plows and training to farmers and their animals. The Dinka people in the area are pastoralists, and keeping cattle is not a new idea. Using the animals for plowing however, requires a new way of thinking, as they typically think of their cattle as an investment. Aweil is an arid area, and in order for a family to feed itself, they need to be able to plow and plant enough land. That is hard to do using a hand held hoe. In addition to the animal traction initiative, farmers have been given good quality early maturing sorghum and millet seeds. This visit was important for WRCanada to share how our partner has been working. It was a good way for us to share the challenges, frustrations and successes of working in a hostile environment, in a very remote part of South Sudan. Other members were able to see what is possible, and are better informed about the high cost of programming in South Sudan, especially as it relates to communication, travel and transportation in this vast land. The needs in South Sudan are overwhelming. Much of the population has lived in camps during the years of war, and have developed a dependency syndrome. We hope and pray that the work being done by our partners will result in people feeding themselves, as they move from dependency to being more fully in control of their lives in days to come.
The difference between Night and Day
Here are 2 pictures of Gerald And Darla's Kernels of Hope harvest at Kinistino !
Nighttime and Daytime ... The difference being made to people in South Awiel County in Sudan is exactly the same, the difference between night and day...
Thanks to everyone who contributed this year enabling us to improve the lives and give Hope to so many.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Canola Grading
Here's an actual shot of our canola being graded at the elevator...
You can only determine the value of canola by looking at the inside of it...There are 500 seeds on each strip...you put the tape on and then crush the seeds flat... If they are green inside the canola is not mature...it doesn't makes as good a quality of oil... also it's a lower quality if you find brown or black inside the seed...that means it as , or has begaun to spoil and go out of condition...
This reminds me of people...you can't tell their value by looking at them... In both people and canola... It's what's inside that counts !
Andrew and Ryerson Dennis in the Drivers Seat !
A lot of planning, ideal weather for canola production and big hearts let's people in Southern Sudan also get some control in their lives !
The Dennis Kernels of Hope Canola Field
Saturday, Sept 26 in a very quick time...the 5 combines arrived, fired up and ate up the 28 acres of Clearfield Canola... It ran a terrific 49 bushels per acre... Making a difference in a hurry !
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Brookdale Canola
Riordan and Andrew Dennis' canola field at Brookdale, Manitoba
Yields are turning out much better than expected in this part of Manitoba... This is excellent looking canola.... Eat lotsa margarine because we are gonna need room for this crop ! More later ...
Not able to load the pictures tonite . hmmmm
Yields are turning out much better than expected in this part of Manitoba... This is excellent looking canola.... Eat lotsa margarine because we are gonna need room for this crop ! More later ...
Not able to load the pictures tonite . hmmmm
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Jim and Judys Kernels Field at Norquay
Ferris and Lindgren grew the crop for us on Jim and Judy's land at Norquay. It's in the bag... Have you ever seen wheat stored in a bag ? We'll get a guess of the yield for now and more detail later
Darryl making the barley flow
The yield wasn't as good as hoped but there were some bushels harvested...We'll have more accurate numbers later... We did have crop insurance there and it will make up some of the proceeds...
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Doell's Barley at Wetaskiwin, Alberta
The Conlin Barley of Darryl and Deloras !
Seeded May 11, harvested soon.... With a whole lotta looking after before during and after its growth !
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Jackets Create Shelter in the Sudan
On July 30 Hudye Soils and Hudye Farms once again presented one of the biggest Ag Days of the Prairies ...Field of Dreams ! This is an annual event at Norquay, Saskatchewan that shows all of the latest ways of growing bigger and better crops. Hudyes have been terrific supporters of Kernels of Hope and the CFGB through their Helping Feed the World initiative. I was able to give an update to the crowd on Kernels and the CFGB and the Sudan while promoting the purchase of Field of Dreams 2009 jackets... The Jackets were sold at $50 each and every penny of that went towards Kernels of Hope ! Farmers are often used to gettin free jackets at promotional events but 40 people spent $ 50 each that night ! That makes $2,000 ...If that is matched by CIDA at 4 to 1 that makes $10,000 for people in need ! Really amazing how it adds up...
There will be more later on the producers in the area that are donating the entire proceeds of 10 acres each to Kernels this year...
Prodigy at Kinistino
Darla isn't really the Prodigy... that's the variety of wheat in our Kernels Field at Kinistino ! They both look great on August 19th !
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Ugly Sweater Day
You've already heard about my ugly sweater purchase ... $ 2 brand new at Walmart ! Farmer Larry came in and was quite critical of it and ended up donating a crisp $100 bill to Kernels if I promised to take it off and never wear it again... Done ! Before he came in coworker Greg had many of the same comments... makes you look heavy, makes him dizzy, Should lean over sideways so the stripes are vertical ... so.... we challenged him. We gathered up $265 Friday August 28 and he wore that sweater at work ALL Day long ! .... He was a great sport about it, now lets do the math, $100 plus $265 = $365 X 5 because of CIDA's 4 to 1 match = $1825 for a $2 investment The story is not over because Larry has now agreed to wear it for a day for pledges also ! Good Fun while helping people so much.... It doesn't get any better than that!
Friday, July 24, 2009
A letter from Saskatchewan
Ray,
This spring our grandson asked why I didn't plant the seeds hanging in a little plastic bag on our fridge - wheat seeds that we received last year. What a great idea! - so we have one short row of wheat in our garden. Every time I go out there, it reminds me of the Kernels of Hope wheat fields and how God is blessing the Canada Covenant's committment. Attached is a picture of our small wheat "field"! Since I grew up in a city, I am really enjoying watching it grow!
Jim and Carolyn
This spring our grandson asked why I didn't plant the seeds hanging in a little plastic bag on our fridge - wheat seeds that we received last year. What a great idea! - so we have one short row of wheat in our garden. Every time I go out there, it reminds me of the Kernels of Hope wheat fields and how God is blessing the Canada Covenant's committment. Attached is a picture of our small wheat "field"! Since I grew up in a city, I am really enjoying watching it grow!
Jim and Carolyn
Here's the Barley story from Darryl in Alberta
The barley field is quite the sight. We started very cold and dry. In may we had more nights of frost than nights with not. We have had only about 2 inches of rain this year and most of that in the last 2 weeks. This has lead to a patchy germination of the seed. The plants then sent up less tillers (smaller extra heads) than normal. When we recieved the rain the plants started making different decisions and either germinating or sending up 2-3 more heads. If we continue to have showers the plant will try to finish these new heads. To do this we will need no frost well into september if we are to finnish these heads. If we get hot dry weather the plant will adjust by not filling these new heads. To be honest we just have to wait and see what will happen.
The new twist for the year is that because it was so dry when we normally sprayed not all the weeds germinated when they were susposed to. With the latest rain we now have many broadleaf weeds starting to grow. We must spray them now or they will be in the way for harvest. We cannot swath because the crop is to short and we cannot kill the Roundup volunters with preharvest spray. Well no one said that every year would be the same.
Well thats where we are at.
Darryl Doell
The new twist for the year is that because it was so dry when we normally sprayed not all the weeds germinated when they were susposed to. With the latest rain we now have many broadleaf weeds starting to grow. We must spray them now or they will be in the way for harvest. We cannot swath because the crop is to short and we cannot kill the Roundup volunters with preharvest spray. Well no one said that every year would be the same.
Well thats where we are at.
Darryl Doell
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Update for July 14 / 09
The Kernels fields are looking good ! Some were too dry earlier. If the soil is too wet in the early life of a crop the crop doesn't send roots down deep because they can get all they need right on the surface...but crops are like people... If they build a good healthy root system when they are young they have something to fall back on in times of adversity ! A deep rooted crop can reach moisture and nutrients that can help it thrive when the heat comes. We have 170 acres total this year in the 6 fields and have the expenses covered for about 140 right now. If you were planning on farming this year we still need help ! The Dennis' canola missed the early frost and is catching up well.... The Marvin's wheat is headed out at Brandon and you can see pictures from last week on the website ...click on this to get there www.kernelsofhope.blogspot.com Darren of Strathmore gave this update today when I asked how the wheat was doing ! "Well, I wish I could tell how its doing. Had every curve ball thrown atus this year, and yet wheat has held fairly well. On the plus side wereceived 2 in. of rain yesterday so what is there should fill nicely. Atthis point I think we can look forward to a decent crop. This year isproof that God does have a sense of humor! Gerald and Darla of Kinistino reported this on the wheat there...
"The wheat crop is in the flag stage which is about 10 days behind normal due to the cool weather. Other than that it looks okay. "
Wetaskiwin had very little rain but I know in early June the Doell's said the cereal crops were doing better than the oilseeds there . ( Oilseeds are crops like canola , flax and sunflowers )
I haven't heard specifics on the Nelsons Norquay field but I know the area is doing fine...Now we need the warmth... Global warming could kick in a bit for us this summer...
Sudan has been in the news recently and is needing help this year more than ever... Together we'll be able to make a significant difference there this year...
Happy Farming !
Ray the Grain Guy
"The wheat crop is in the flag stage which is about 10 days behind normal due to the cool weather. Other than that it looks okay. "
Wetaskiwin had very little rain but I know in early June the Doell's said the cereal crops were doing better than the oilseeds there . ( Oilseeds are crops like canola , flax and sunflowers )
I haven't heard specifics on the Nelsons Norquay field but I know the area is doing fine...Now we need the warmth... Global warming could kick in a bit for us this summer...
Sudan has been in the news recently and is needing help this year more than ever... Together we'll be able to make a significant difference there this year...
Happy Farming !
Ray the Grain Guy
The Marvin's Kernels field at Brandon
Steve and Loni have their green thumbs working ! Here's the wheat during the first week of July. Starting to head out ....
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
News from the CFGB
One Billion Hungry – In June the FAO released its new estimates on levels of hunger, estimating a historic high in 2009 of one billion people going hungry every day. The FAO notes that the most recent increase in hunger is not the consequence of poor global harvests but is caused by the world economic crisis that has resulted in lower incomes and increased unemployment. This has reduced access to food by the poor. A dangerous mix of the global economic slowdown combined with stubbornly high food prices in many countries has pushed some 100 million more people than last year into hunger and poverty.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Our Canola at Andrew and Riordan Dennis'
Andrew says the canola is off to a good start. We have the 30 acres in 2 fields right at the edge of Brookdale, Manitoba... It has just been sprayed for weeds...
It is a Clearfield type of Canola... meaning it can be sprayed for weeds with chemicals that will kill most everything except the canola....
The variety of Canola is 45P70
We bought 3 22.7 kg bags of seed. Each bag covers 10 acres.
Here is a description of 45P70
It is an Argentine Hybrid ... The seed costs about $38 / acre Seeding rate is about 5 pounds per acre... It is a good yielder at 121 % of the check variety...
It is Resistant to the disease Blackleg and to Fusarium Wilt.
Lodging tolerance ( ability to stand up ) ... Very Good
Maturity Medium - early maturity
Height 3 cm taller than the check
We'll get you a picture of it as it matures !
It is a Clearfield type of Canola... meaning it can be sprayed for weeds with chemicals that will kill most everything except the canola....
The variety of Canola is 45P70
We bought 3 22.7 kg bags of seed. Each bag covers 10 acres.
Here is a description of 45P70
It is an Argentine Hybrid ... The seed costs about $38 / acre Seeding rate is about 5 pounds per acre... It is a good yielder at 121 % of the check variety...
It is Resistant to the disease Blackleg and to Fusarium Wilt.
Lodging tolerance ( ability to stand up ) ... Very Good
Maturity Medium - early maturity
Height 3 cm taller than the check
We'll get you a picture of it as it matures !
Thursday, June 4, 2009
An Acre ?
How big is an acre?
Acres can be any shape but they are always 43,560 square feet in area !
Most Canadian farmers did not adopt hectares when the metric system arrived
In western Canada land was divided in 1 mile square parcels called sections.
There are 43,560 square feet in 1 acre, there are 640 acres in 1 section...
I have heard of a Hector on a prairie farm but I think he was someones Uncle !
Acres can be any shape but they are always 43,560 square feet in area !
Most Canadian farmers did not adopt hectares when the metric system arrived
In western Canada land was divided in 1 mile square parcels called sections.
There are 43,560 square feet in 1 acre, there are 640 acres in 1 section...
I have heard of a Hector on a prairie farm but I think he was someones Uncle !
Vanburgsteden Wheat
Here is an update from the Vanburgstens !
We seeded 50 acres of Prodigy wheat on May 13.
It is up nicely and we are patiently waiting for warm weather.
Gerald and Darla
( Prodigy is also a hard red spring wheat... These are our farmers in the Kinistino / Melfort , Saskatchewan area. )
We seeded 50 acres of Prodigy wheat on May 13.
It is up nicely and we are patiently waiting for warm weather.
Gerald and Darla
( Prodigy is also a hard red spring wheat... These are our farmers in the Kinistino / Melfort , Saskatchewan area. )
Monday, May 25, 2009
7 Habits of Successful Farmers
To all you virtual farmers and real farmers !
Warning ! This could be beneficial !
Seven Habits Of Successful Farmers – Canadian Association of Farm Advisors – Spring Edition/2009
AgDay TV, part of the online programming from U.S. farm mag Farm Journal, recently had a series called “Seven habits of successful farmers. Here are the highlights
Habit 1: Adopt new and useful technology. A big part of farming, the show says, is to research practical applications for new technology to make sure it will pay off. New technology is a good investment if it “increases efficiency” and “maintains profitability” for the operation.
Habit 2: Create and follow a business plan. The business plan includes crop marketing, financing, accumulation of land and equipment, soil testing, seed evaluation and crop protection. One farmer interviewed says his family gets together for weekly meetings to review the plan and make sure everything is happening according to plan, oradjusting the plan as necessary.
Habit 3: Set goals. With challenging but realistic goals, you are motivated to make the farm better next year. What are you trying to achieve in life and in the business setting?
Habit 4: Protect your investment for the legacy generation. Do your children want to take over? If yes, make sure they’re ready. Get them involved in management earlier in their careers. Have an exit strategy for yourself.
Habit 5: Build business relationships. Farm business has expanded outside your immediate township, but good face to face relationships still have value. Social skills are very important. Know that any deal you make has to benefit both sides of the table in order to keep the relationship strong.
Habit 6: Keep learning. Tap any sources, from the old farmer down the road to the young kid right out of university to extension services. Five tips:
Listen more, ask questions, give some wisdom to get some, get peers outside your area, keep an open mind.
Habit 7: Share learned knowledge through mentorship. A person can’t help you be more successful unless you give them feedback.
Warning ! This could be beneficial !
Seven Habits Of Successful Farmers – Canadian Association of Farm Advisors – Spring Edition/2009
AgDay TV, part of the online programming from U.S. farm mag Farm Journal, recently had a series called “Seven habits of successful farmers. Here are the highlights
Habit 1: Adopt new and useful technology. A big part of farming, the show says, is to research practical applications for new technology to make sure it will pay off. New technology is a good investment if it “increases efficiency” and “maintains profitability” for the operation.
Habit 2: Create and follow a business plan. The business plan includes crop marketing, financing, accumulation of land and equipment, soil testing, seed evaluation and crop protection. One farmer interviewed says his family gets together for weekly meetings to review the plan and make sure everything is happening according to plan, oradjusting the plan as necessary.
Habit 3: Set goals. With challenging but realistic goals, you are motivated to make the farm better next year. What are you trying to achieve in life and in the business setting?
Habit 4: Protect your investment for the legacy generation. Do your children want to take over? If yes, make sure they’re ready. Get them involved in management earlier in their careers. Have an exit strategy for yourself.
Habit 5: Build business relationships. Farm business has expanded outside your immediate township, but good face to face relationships still have value. Social skills are very important. Know that any deal you make has to benefit both sides of the table in order to keep the relationship strong.
Habit 6: Keep learning. Tap any sources, from the old farmer down the road to the young kid right out of university to extension services. Five tips:
Listen more, ask questions, give some wisdom to get some, get peers outside your area, keep an open mind.
Habit 7: Share learned knowledge through mentorship. A person can’t help you be more successful unless you give them feedback.
Bicycles for people in Ghana, Africa
I've told some of you about this , here are more details !
This is a great contest I found that supports a very worth cause in Ghana and allows you to feel good about eating chocolate bars ! Each Bar code (play on words there) entered contributes one of one hundred parts needed to build a bike. They are donating up to 5000 bikes to people in Ghana this year. Go to the website and see the videos .... they also have a cool animated factory that you can see your bar code entered and turned into a bike part. Look on the top left and see your name and how many parts you have contributed and how many total bikes have been contributed... Plus ...at the end of the contest someone wins a trip for 2 to go to Ghana all expenses paid to help distribute the bikes... Check it out at www.thebicyclefactory.ca
Program Description
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.To participate in The Bicycle Factory* Program and help build 5000 bikes for Africa (the “Program”), you must first register by completing the online registration form at www.bicyclefactory.ca. All fields on the registration form must be completed unless indicated as optional. After registering, you can participate in the Program by submitting a valid UPC code from the wrapper of any participating Cadbury product (including Canadian labeled Dentyne*, Stride*, Cadbury*, Maynards*, Trident*, Bubblicious*, Certs* Chiclets*, Clorets*, Jersey Milk* and Halls*, but excluding some seasonal products) with a net weight of 18g or more (“Participating Product”) and submit as instructed. Limit of five (5) unique UPC entries, per person/day during the Program Period. A full list of Participating Products is available at www.bicyclefactory.ca. Offer valid from April 13 to July 30, 2009 or while supplies last (the “Program Period”). For every one hundred (100) UPC’s entered, Cadbury will donate one (1) bicycle for delivery to Africa up to a maximum of five thousand (5,000). Further details regarding The Bicycle Factory* Program and this donation are available on this website. Must be thirteen (13) years of age or older and a resident of Canada to participate in the Program.
This is a great contest I found that supports a very worth cause in Ghana and allows you to feel good about eating chocolate bars ! Each Bar code (play on words there) entered contributes one of one hundred parts needed to build a bike. They are donating up to 5000 bikes to people in Ghana this year. Go to the website and see the videos .... they also have a cool animated factory that you can see your bar code entered and turned into a bike part. Look on the top left and see your name and how many parts you have contributed and how many total bikes have been contributed... Plus ...at the end of the contest someone wins a trip for 2 to go to Ghana all expenses paid to help distribute the bikes... Check it out at www.thebicyclefactory.ca
Program Description
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.To participate in The Bicycle Factory* Program and help build 5000 bikes for Africa (the “Program”), you must first register by completing the online registration form at www.bicyclefactory.ca. All fields on the registration form must be completed unless indicated as optional. After registering, you can participate in the Program by submitting a valid UPC code from the wrapper of any participating Cadbury product (including Canadian labeled Dentyne*, Stride*, Cadbury*, Maynards*, Trident*, Bubblicious*, Certs* Chiclets*, Clorets*, Jersey Milk* and Halls*, but excluding some seasonal products) with a net weight of 18g or more (“Participating Product”) and submit as instructed. Limit of five (5) unique UPC entries, per person/day during the Program Period. A full list of Participating Products is available at www.bicyclefactory.ca. Offer valid from April 13 to July 30, 2009 or while supplies last (the “Program Period”). For every one hundred (100) UPC’s entered, Cadbury will donate one (1) bicycle for delivery to Africa up to a maximum of five thousand (5,000). Further details regarding The Bicycle Factory* Program and this donation are available on this website. Must be thirteen (13) years of age or older and a resident of Canada to participate in the Program.
Very Expensive Striped Sweater
Ray the Grain Guy may know about Grain but not about fashion !
I bought this sweater new at Walmart 2 weeks ago. I had it in the office before I even put it on and was getting teased because of the stripes ! It was new and my size and it cost $2.00 plus tax.. that was good enough for me !
The recommendations at the elevator were that it should only be worn at a cabin... hmmm.... so , thursday night we went to my brothers cabin at Killarney and I thought of the sweater. I took it along and did wear it there. Gail dropped me off at the elevator Friday morning, It was cool (the temperature not the sweater) and so I put the sweater on in public ! Lot's of teasing right away....suggestions that I should stand sideways so that they would appear to be vertical stripes... then in comes a producer named Larry ! He hadn't heard all the comments but the first thing he said was... maybe he had been in the farm chemicals too long that day as the sweater was making him dizzy.... then he had the same suggestion to lean over sideways creating vertical stripes... ( Stick with the story just a little longer. I do have a point ! ) I told him it cost $2... he said he'd give me $5 to not wear it...
That got me thinking... I said... Larry, if you donate $100 to the CFGB I will take off the sweater and never wear it again...there was even talk of burning it....
He thought for a second and said that was a very good cause... he reached in his wallet and gave me a $100 bill ! That's one half a Kernels acre !
Even it we just got that matched 4 to 1 by CIDA that turns into a $500 sweater ! I removed the sweater and it is now pinned to the wall as a conversation piece ! A very good return has resulted from my fashion sense !
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Norquay
Friday, May 8
A planning meeting took place at Hudye's in Norquay, SK of what could be a major boost to Kernels of Hope and people of need in Sudan ! We have a group of very caring real farmers there that will be pledging the entire production from a portion of their farms while they assist in Feeding the World. More on this later !
A planning meeting took place at Hudye's in Norquay, SK of what could be a major boost to Kernels of Hope and people of need in Sudan ! We have a group of very caring real farmers there that will be pledging the entire production from a portion of their farms while they assist in Feeding the World. More on this later !
Insight meets Steve and Ray
May 1, 2009
Insight stops to visit at of Steve and Loni Marvins'
Kernels of Hope field at Brandon. Insight (The Hybrid Car) of Honda Canada is driving across Canada learning about projects making a difference. We explained the whole project !
You can follow the trip by going to their blog site.
From left to right.... Insight, Steve, Ray ...
Loni had to work so she missed out on the visit.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tiede's Wheat is in the ground !
Cheryl And Darren Tiede have just seeded 30 acres of wheat for Kernels ! Their farm is right along # 1 highway just west of Strathmore, Alberta. The crop was seeded April 16... Much ahead of the Manitoba seeding dates !
We really are already growing in 2009 !
We really are already growing in 2009 !
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Insight Meets Kernels Stay tuned
This is the car talking ! Not me...(Ray the Grain Guy)
Waiting for the Big Day
Monday, April 13, 2009 @ 19:09
Victoria, BC… I’m waiting for the Big Day, April 21, next week. That’s the day I start this month-long cross-country drive from sea to shining sea. Very excited. Butterflies in my batteries.
I’m the very first Honda Insight to be registered in Canada. I came over on a ship from Japan and my first assignment is to drive across Canada. Woohoo!
A pair of journalists will be driving me from Victoria to Vancouver on the first leg of my journey on Tuesday April 21. From there, it’s eastward bound to watch Canada burst into spring.
Aaah, think of what I’ll see out on the road! The Rocky Mountains, Prairie grasses swaying in the breeze, the awesome drive north of Lake Superior, the mighty Saint Lawrence River, the Maritimes and then, the Rock, Newfoundland.
I’ve heard so much about these Canadian icons and I’m sure that seeing them will reinforce our need to be responsible and protect this beautiful place.
Maybe I’ll even meet that special someone, another pretty Insight. It’ll have to be a quick courtship. I’ve got a lot of moving to do. But hey, I definitely believe in Love at First Insight! Don’t you??Tags: Insight Posted in Honda Insight Comments Off-->
Kernels getting more Insight
Kernels of Hope is creating interest more and more across the country !
Honda Canada and their hybrid car Insight will be stopping by our Brandon Kernels field on May 1 to learn more about Kernels and how people in Canada can help people in other countries with aid in getting farming tools and seeds and in general helping with their nutrition and well being through World Relief Canada and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank ...check this website April 21 if you'd like to follow the cross Canada tour of Insight ! http://www.insightintocanada.ca/
Honda Canada and their hybrid car Insight will be stopping by our Brandon Kernels field on May 1 to learn more about Kernels and how people in Canada can help people in other countries with aid in getting farming tools and seeds and in general helping with their nutrition and well being through World Relief Canada and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank ...check this website April 21 if you'd like to follow the cross Canada tour of Insight ! http://www.insightintocanada.ca/
Friday, April 17, 2009
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