WINTER 2019 | VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04

O R G A N I C C R O P I N S U R A N C E : A C onversation
wit h A F S C . . PA G E 3

2 0 1 7 S TAT I S T I C S : A L B E R TA O R G A N I C
P R O D U C T I O N B Y T H E N U M B E R S . . . PA G E 5

Q U A L I T Y S O I L I N D I C AT O R S : A G G R E G AT E
S TA B I L I T Y . . . PA G E 8

TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM AN

E D U C AT O N O R T R A I N I N G E V E N T . . . PA G E 1 2
 WINTER 2019 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mission: To represent and support
Alberta’s entire organic industry. means that it is possible that you could
Vision: A strong, sustainable and united
have conventional insurance but be denied
organic community in Alberta.
a claim because of uninsurable practices
(eg weeds in the field which is an indicator
Editor/Submissions & Advertising that you didn’t spray, and therefore
Editor: Dana Penrice
considered lack of use of best practices
587-521-2400
dana.penrice@organicalberta.org under conventional insurance).
Copy Editor
Becky Lipton Organic Alberta raised this issue with AFSC
587-521-2400
and they were open to discussing possible
becky.lipton@organicalberta.org
Graphic Designer
changes. The Organic Alberta board
Dana Penrice wrote a letter to press the importance
587-521-2400 of this matter and AFSC responded by
dana.penrice@organicalberta.org
proposing an alteration of their program.
Although as we go to print this change is
Executive Director still undergoing approval, the proposal
Becky Lipton: By Becky Lipton, Executive Director is that farmers who are in the last year
587-521-2400 of transition may be eligible for organic
becky.lipton@organicalberta.org
Until 2016, Alberta did not have an organic crop insurance. The farmers need to
crop insurance program. Because of this show evidence of being enrolled with a
Board Members
Representatives elected by region: Organic Alberta extensively surveyed certification body, and must also submit
(N) North (S) South (C) Central our membership – our membership their certificate in the fall post-harvest.
(M) Member at Large being everyone who is certified organic Should this program change be approved,
• President: Charles Newell (AB federal
within Alberta – to determine whether it will be launched in the Spring of 2019.
level):
780-809-2247 the organic sector saw this as a priority.
newellsfarm@gmail.com What we heard was that it would be an Member Concerns and a Feedback
• Vice President: Dawn Boileau (C): important tool for the sector, especially for Session With AFSC
780-218-2430
newly transitioning farmers as well as for
dawnboileau@gmail.com
• Treasurer: Heather Kerschbaumer (N): those expanding production. In response, This year we have heard our membership
780-835--4508 Organic Alberta worked with AFSC who raise new issues, and as always, we are
gaseeds@kerbagroup.com then developed an organic crop insurance listening and want to bring these forward
• Secretary: Trevor Aleman (S):
program. to AFSC. We are therefore organizing a
403-308-4003
trevor@busybeasmarketgarden.com session with AFSC at the Organic Alberta
• James Thiessen (N): In 2016, AFSC launched their first year of conference in Fort Saskatchewan on Friday
603-480-1158 the program. They cover Barley, Canola, January 25th from 4:30-6pm. This session
jkthie@telusplanet.net
Field Peas, Flax, Oats, Rye, Triticale and will be an opportunity for the organic
• Arnold Van Os (C):
780-312-1052
Wheat. The uptake of the program has sector to raise its concerns with AFSC
vanosdairy@xplornet.com increased over time with 30 subscriptions and to work together to find solutions.
• Abbie Stein-MacLean (M): in 2016, 40 in 2017 and 52 in 2018. The There are limited spaces available and
780-984-3068
acres under coverage have also increased we will work to ensure there is regional
asteinmaclean@gmail.com
from 12,632 in the first year, to just under representation as well as representation by
• Bernie Ehnes (S):
403-666-2157 20,500 in 2018. crop. We would also like to have both those
behnes@gmail.com who have organic crop insurance, as well as
• Frank Maddock (M): Good News for Transitioning Farmers those don’t in the room.
780-727-2333
jaspersprings@live.com
• Tracey Smith (M): After the 2017 year, Organic Alberta
northerncookinglake@gmail.com members told us that the crop insurance AFSC Organic Crop Insurance
program was not working for transitioning Feedback Session
farmers. The issue is that while in January 25th 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Spring 2019 deadline is Friday, March 1st.
Please send comments, transition, you are not eligible for the
To attend contact info@organicalberta.org
suggestions, ads, and/or articles to organic crop insurance program, but you
or call 587-521-2400
editor@organicalberta.org also have to follow organic practices. This

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WINTER 2019
O R G A N I C C R O P I N S U R A N C E : A C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H A F S C
In lead up to the session on organic
crop insurance at the conference, Becky
Lipton reached out to AFSC to hear their
responses to a few concerns that had been
raised by Organic Alberta members. She
spoke with Jesse Cole, Supervisor, Pricing.
Here is some of their conversation
Becky Lipton: We have had some feedback
that the pricing you are offering is way
below what organic producers get in the
marketplace. For example, you are offering
somewhere around $11.50 for HRSW while
organic producers typically get around
$18.50. Can you please describe how you
set prices?
Jesse Cole: Organic is set on factors over
conventional. We take our conventional
spring prices, which are set by the federal
government and a forecast of what is
going to happen in October, then we add
in a factor between 1.5 to 2.7. Wheat is
currently set at 1.9.
There is always room to work with the
industry on these and there may be options
for addressing this going forward if we can
address some of the hurdles for creating
accurate prices in the organic sector.
Another thing to consider is that if the
pricing goes up, the premium goes up. The
Federal and Provincial governments cover
about 60% of the premium which means we
need to go through appropriate approval
channels.
Becky Lipton: How are the adjusters
trained in organic?
Jesse Cole: Good question. We have several
adjusters that went through the Prairie
Organic Grain Initiative Agronomy Training,
however, I think we have some gaps in
some areas. We are trying to incorporate it
as much as we can. At the end of the day, I
think working with you guys to get us right
up to speed would be desirable.
Becky Lipton: Some organic producers
have chosen to take conventional insurance
instead of organics. Can you share your
thoughts on this?
Jesse Cole: Why we set up the organic crop
insurance was reports from the field (our
staff and producers) that the uninsurable
causes weren’t working for organic
producers. If there are weeds in the field
the inspectors have the ability to prorate it
or it deny the claim because of uninsurable
causes. Conventional wasn’t fitting the
agronomic needs for organic producers.
That was the main driver of it.
W W W. O R G A N I C A L B E R TA . O R G
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04
However there are hiccups with prices
and coverage levels might not be enough
to take the organic insurance over the
conventional. The producer has to ask if
conventional or organic works better for
them. Given the feedback, I don’t know if
we are there yet on the prices. If there are
people that are still using conventional they
are running the numbers. There may be
other things there we need to look at.
At the end of the day, we want to be
insuring the individual farms as accurately
as possible given the guidelines and
mandates we have for the AgriInsurance
program. The relationship with Organic
Alberta has already been beneficial to that
end.
For more information on the Organic
Program please contact your local office or
the Client Contact Center at 1 (877) 899-
2372 or email info@afsc.ca.
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WINTER 2019
2 0 1 7 STATISTICS :
A L B E R TA O R G A N I C P R O D U C T I O N BY T H E N U M B E R S
The following is a brief excerpt from
the Organic Agriculture in Alberta:
2017 Statistics Report by Greg
DeJong.
Cereals
In 2017, there was a 16% increase
in organic cereal grain producers.
This was accompanied by a slight
increase in acres from 147,000 in
2016 to 154,000 in 2017. As far as
total numbers of growers are
concerned, oats are still king,
while wheat and barley are also
increasing. Certified organic oat
Figure 1. Alberta Organic Operations by Year (and Region where available)
growers showed a giant increase
from 2014 to 2016—about 200%—
then held steady into 2017. Over those
same years, barley grew by 12% in 2016,
then 26% in 2017; wheat, 51% and 16%
respectively. Other cereals grown include
buckwheat, quinoa, spelt and Kamut but
remain relatively small in numbers at 20
collectively.
Oats are also the largest crop in terms of
acres at 68,500, however, the difference
between number of growers of oats
and wheat are not nearly as dramatic
in acreage as they are in number of
operators, with wheat sitting at 48,800
acres. There were also 31,600 acres in
barley, 2,500 in Kamut, 2000 in rye and 800
in other cereals which includes buckwheat,
spelt and quinoa.
Pulses
Peas continue to take off with 54% more
producers growing them in 2017; this,
after a 107% increase from 2014 to 2016.
Overall, almost 9 out of 10 certified pulse
growers include peas, more than all other
pulses combined.
The dramatic increase in pea growers is
also reflected in the total acres, which were
56,300 in 2017. This was a significant 281%
increase over the 23,200 acres grown in
2016 and represented 60% of all organic
pea acres in the Prairies. Other pulses sat
at 5100 acres.
Oilseeds
Although the total number of oilseed
producers in Alberta remain relatively low
compared to cereals and pulses, organic
oilseed producers are on the rise. They
doubled (215%), going from 40 to 84
between 2016 and 2017. Flax and hemp
still dominate, together comprising 82.6%
overall, although mustard has shown an
increase of 2.5 times.
Oilseed acres remain relatively low at
11,600 collectively for canola, flax, mustard
and other. Hemp acres are not included
in these numbers and are estimated at
between 5,000 to 10,000 acres.
Fruit and Vegetables
Since as long as we have had records,
numbers of fruit and vegetable growers
have remained in the upper thirties.
However, there was a significant increase
between 2016 and 2017 of 38 to 59
growers. In 2017, there were 2100
acres in organic fruit, vegetables and
herbs. 23 (41%) fruit and vegetable growers
have just 1 certified fruit/veg crop, 21 (38%)
have between 2 and 9 crops, and 12 (21%)
growers have 10 or more crops (a few with
more than 40).
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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04
Forage
Pasture, forage and natural areas comprise
the largest total proportion of organic
acres in Alberta sitting at 306,300 in 2017.
The number of producers who certified
at least one forage crop has increased
5% from 2016 to 2017. Hay producer
numbers jumped 39% from 2014 to 2016,
and another 13% in 2017. Also strongly
represented are pasture, alfalfa, clover and
grass, though their numbers shifted only
minimally.
Livestock
Alberta is ‘cattle country’ with 52 organic
cattle producers. From calves to beef, cattle
clearly dominate among livestock and they
are raised across the province. Livestock
production in 2017 also included 16 poultry
producers, 7 dairy, 4 hog, 3 goat and sheep
and 1 bee producer.
TABLE LEGEND:
MC: Mackenzie County, from North Star to the northern
Alberta border
NW: Northwest, beneath MC and north of Valleyview
NC: North-Central, above Edmonton and approximating
Highway 16
C: Central, including Edmonton through Red Deer
SC: South-Central, below Red Deer and including
Calgary
S: South, below Calgary
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 WINTER 2019 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04

A L B E R TA O R G A N I C M A R K E T S TAT S

SOURCE: CANADIAN ORGANIC TRADE

A S S O C I AT I O N , 2 0 1 8

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WINTER 2019 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04

ORGANIC GRAIN
MARKETING CORNER

OrganicBiz gathers and posts monthly organic grain price
information at organicbiz.ca/category/markets/. Visit their
website to find the most up to date prices.
We are pleased to include a new section in our magazine to help
you with your marketing. We’ll reach out to industry’s leading
organic grain buyers for insights on the markets. Hit the ground
running when it’s time to harvest your crops!
Q: What are some strategies for creating a successful
producer marketing group?
Grain Millers: In our experiences with producer marketing
groups, diligence and diversity has made them successful. You
need to be in constant contact with your producers, and you
need to stay on top and in touch with your markets and buyers
in order to capture any premium opportunities. Having good
leadership within the group is also key, as buyers will respond
well to that.
Field Farms Marketing Ltd.: Having a nuanced understanding
of the products, their markets, and consumer trends is key to
developing a successful producer marketing group. A strong
example of a good producer marketing group is Ontario Goat.
One resource this organization provides to producers is a
holiday calendar that targets various observances that lead
to an increase in goat meat consumption. This is an excellent
approach for providing producers with the marketing knowledge
necessary to be competitive in the marketplace.
The above approach is of course specific to the goat industry,
however the lesson stands that market knowledge is key to
successful marketing. For organic grain farmers, creating
marketing groups allows producers to pool crop lots and
become more competitive in the marketplace by being able to
offer buyers more significant volumes. As well, we all know that
not all grains are created equal, and marketing groups allow
producers to homogenize grain quality by mixing lots.
Find more marketing insights at
http://www.pivotandgrow.com/resources/prices/

O R G A N I C S crosswor D
DOWN
ACROSS

1. Minimum buffer zone, meters 3.

2. First name of Organic
Most common crop covered under
Alberta’s Mackenzie County’s
organic crop insurance
Agronomist
5. Canada’s oldest organic-
4. Transition years to become
conventional study’s lead
organic
researcher, last name
7. Location of Organic Alberta’s
6. Years Canada’s oldest organic-
Central Alberta Conference
conventional study has been
on Jan 25 & 26
running
9. Both green and brown, best
7. Every __ years the Canadian
source of nutrients.
Organic Standards have to be
10. Canada’s oldest organic-
reviewed
conventional comparison study
8. Gold standard among standard
soil health measurements,
_____ stability

FIND THE ANSWER KEY LATER ON IN THIS ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE.

W W W. O R G A N I C A L B E R TA . O R G 7
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W W W. O R G A N I C A L B E R TA . O R G 9
 WINTER 2019
Q U A L I T Y S O I L Q U A L I T Y I N D I C AT O R S - A G G R E G AT E S TA B I L I T Y
Reprinted from USDA National Research
Conservation Service ( June 2008)
Soil aggregates are groups of soil particles
that bind to each other more strongly than
to adjacent particles. Aggregate stability
refers to the ability of soil aggregates
to resist disintegration when disruptive
forces associated with tillage and water or
wind erosion are applied. Wet aggregate
stability suggests how well a soil can resist
raindrop impact and water erosion, while
size distribution of dry aggregates can be
used to predict resistance to abrasion and
wind erosion.
Factors Affecting
Inherent - Aggregation and stability of soil
aggregates are affected by predominant
type and amount of clay, adsorbed cations,
such as calcium and sodium, and iron oxide
content. Expansion and contraction of clay
particles as they become moist and then
dry can shift and crack the soil mass and
create aggregates or break them apart.
Calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum
stabilize aggregates via the formation
of organic matter – clay bridges. In
contrast, aggregate stability decreases
with increasing amounts of exchangeable
sodium. Dispersion is promoted when too
many sodium ions accumulate between
soil particles.
Dynamic - Aggregate stability is highly
dependent on organic matter and
10
biological activity in soil, and it generally
increases as they increase. Fungal hyphae,
thread-like structures used to gather
resources, bind soil particles to form
aggregates. Other soil organisms, like
earthworms, secrete binding materials. Soil
particles are also aggregated and stabilized
by organic “glues” resulting from biological
decomposition of organic matter. Physical
disturbance, e.g. tillage, accelerates
organic matter decomposition rates,
and destroys fungal hyphae and soil
aggregates. Soil biota help create
aggregates and use them as habitat or
refugia to escape predation.
Relationship to Soil Function
Changes in aggregate stability may
serve as early indicators of recovery or
degradation of soils. Aggregate stability
is an indicator of organic matter content,
biological activity, and nutrient cycling
in soil. Generally, the particles in small
aggregates (<0.25 mm) are bound by
older and more stable forms of organic
matter. Microbial decomposition of fresh
organic matter releases products (that are
less stable) that bind small aggregates
into large aggregates (>2-5 mm). These
large aggregates are more sensitive to
management effects on organic matter,
serving as a better indicator of changes
in soil quality. Greater amounts of stable
aggregates suggest better soil quality.
When the proportion of large to small
W W W. O R G A N I C A L B E R TA . O R G
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04
aggregates increases, soil quality generally
increases.
Stable aggregates can also provide a
large range in pore space, including small
pores within and large pores between
aggregates. Pore space is essential for air
and water entry into soil, and for air, water,
nutrient, and biota movement within soil.
Large pores associated with large, stable
aggregates favor high infiltration rates and
appropriate aeration for plant growth. Pore
space also provides zones of weakness for
root growth and penetration.
Problems with Poor Function
Aggregate stability is critical for infiltration,
root growth, and resistance to water
and wind erosion. Unstable aggregates
disintegrate during rainstorms. Dispersed
soil particles fill surface pores and a hard
physical crust can develop when the
soil dries. Infiltration is reduced, which
can result in increased runoff and water
erosion, and reduced water available in the
soil for plant growth. A physical crust can
also restrict seedling emergence.
Wind normally detaches only loosely
held particles on the soil surface, but as
blowing soil particles are accelerated by
the wind they hit bare soil with sufficient
energy to break additional particles loose
from weakly aggregated soil. This action
increases the number of particles that
WINTER 2019 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04

activity, improves aggregate stability. Measuring Aggregate Stability

However, it can take several growing
seasons or years for significant organic
matter gains. In contrast, management
activities that disturb soil and leave it bare
can result in a rapid decline in soil organic
matter, biological activity and aggregate
stability.
Aggregates form readily in soil receiving
Long-term use of a conservation tillage
organic amendments, such as manure.
system (no-till) and cover crops resulted in
They also form readily where cover and
increased soil organic matter and improved
green manure crops and pasture and
soil structure and aggregate stability of this
forage crops are grown, and where residue
north Georgia (Cecil) soil. Photo courtesy
management and/or reduced tillage
James E. Dean, USDA NRCS (retired).
methods are used.
Measuring Water Stable Aggregates
is described in the Soil Quality Test Kit
Guide, Section I, Chapter 8, pp. 18 - 19.
See Section II, Chapter 7, pp. 69 - 71 for
interpretation of results
Arshad MA, Lowery B, and Grossman B.
1996. Physical Tests for Monitoring Soil
Quality. In: Doran JW, Jones AJ, editors.
Methods for assessing soil quality.
Madison, WI. p 123-41.
Kemper WD, Rosenau RC. 1986. Aggregate
Stability and Size Distribution. In: Klute
A, editor. Methods of soil analysis. Part
1. Physical and mineralogical methods.

can be picked up by the wind and abrade Improving aggregate stability on cropland Madison, WI. p 425-42.

a physically-unprotected soil surface. typically involves cover and green manure

Practices that lead to poor aggregate
stability include:
• Tillage methods and soil disturbance
activities that breakdown plant organic
matter, prevent accumulation of soil
organic matter, and disrupt existing
aggregates,
• Cropping, grazing, or other production
crops, residue management, sod-based
rotations, and decreased tillage and soil
disturbance. Aggregate stability declines
rapidly in soil planted to a clean-tilled crop.
Pasture and forage plants have dense,
fibrous root systems that contribute
organic matter and encourage microbial
activity. However, grazing and fertility
must be managed to maintain stands and
Specialized equipment, shortcuts, tips:
Determine for the top three inches of
soil. However, in rangeland conditions
determine for the top ¼ to ½ inch of soil as
it is most likely to be removed by erosion.
A 400-watt hairdryer and drying chamber
are required to conduct the wet aggregate
stability test.
Time needed: 2 hours

systems that leave soil bare and expose prevent development of bare areas or

it to the physical impact of raindrops or sparse vegetation.

wind-blown soil particles, Conservation practices resulting in

• Removing sources of organic matter aggregate stability favorable to soil

and surface roughness by burning, function include:

harvesting or otherwise removing crop • Conservation Crop Rotation

residues,
• Using pesticides harmful to beneficial
soil microorganisms.
Improving Aggregate Stability
Practices that keep soil covered physically
protect it from erosive forces that disrupt
aggregation, while also building organic
matter. Any practice that increases soil
organic matter, and consequently biological
• Cover Crop
• Pest Management
Conservation tillage systems, such as no-till
• Prescribed Grazing with cover crops, reduce soil disturbance,
and provide and manage residue for
• Residue and Tillage Management
increased soil organic matter and improved
• Salinity and Sodic Soil Management aggregate stability. Additionally, surface
roughness provided by crop residues
• Surface Roughening
protects soil from wind erosion.

W W W. O R G A N I C A L B E R TA . O R G 11
 G R O W I N G H E A LT H Y
FA R M E R S , F I E L D S A N D FO O D
JANUARY 25 - 26 | FORT SASKATCHEWAN , AB
Dow Centennial Centre

S C H E D U L E AT A G L A N C E

F R I D AY J A N U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 9 S AT U R D AY J A N U A R Y 2 6 , 2 0 1 9
Tough Enough To Talk About It: Lessons in Dealing
Scaling Stewardship: Synergies of Soil, Science and Spirit
With Stress on the Farm

Using Pollinator When to Hire an Teaching Livestock to Improving Soils

Strips in Cropping Extra Hand Eat Weeds Through Cover Crops
Improving Soils Grain Buyer
and Intercropping for
Through Grazing Networking Session
Fruit and Vegetable
Producers
A Systems Approach Direct-Marketing:
Women in Farming:
to Improving Soil and How to Get New
Stories from the Field
Plant Health Customers Soil and Regenerative Agriculture

What is Organic
Organic Alberta Annual General Meeting Farming?
(Free to the public)

Micorrhizal Fungi and

Thinking of Organic Soil Health
Permaculture from Direct-Marketing: Farming:
Intercropping:
an Indigenous Retaining Customers What’s involved in Sally Fallon
Benefits and Risks
Perspective certification? Nourishing Traditions
(Free to the public) Seminar

(Tickets purchased
separately)
Intercropping: An
Conscious Special Topic
interactive workshop Soil Testing: How do
Communication on in Livestock Marketing your
to make it work on I get the right soil
the Farm Management organic commodities
your farm information for my
(Free to the public)
farm?

Organic Food and Wine Gala and Banquet featuring Sally Fallon
Nourishing Diets: How Paleo, Ancestral and Traditional
Peoples Really Ate Producer Panel Thinking of Organic Farming: Agronomic decisions you
(Tickets purhased separately) need to make
(Free to the public)

Thinking of Organic Farming:

Our Farm Story
S AV E T H E DAT E (Free to the public)

LA CRETE ORGANIC GRAIN &

FIELD CROPS CONFERENCE Consumer and Farmer Speed Dating (Public Tickets $10)
APRIL 5 & 6
WINTER 2019 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04

W W W. O R G A N I C A L B E R TA . O R G 13
 WINTER 2019
T ips for getting t h e most from an
education or training event
By Robert Spencer, Alberta Agriculture and
Forestry, Commercial Horticultural Specialist
Reprinted from Hort Snacks (December 2018)
There is a lot to be said for education. I’m
a big fan (I’d better be, given the number
of years I’ve spent in a classroom). We
spend the better part of our childhood
and youth learning (or being encouraged
to do so) and anytime we start out on a
job, one of the first things we do is “train”.
Training and formal/informal education
(whether brief or extended/intensive) can
be a tremendous benefit to us, to our lives
and to our careers and businesses. It is a
fairly well-established fact that well-trained
individuals (whether owners, employees or
other) function at a higher level than their
untrained counterparts.
I think that Aristotle summed it up nicely
when he said “Excellence is an art won
by training and habituation. We do not
act rightly because we have virtue or
excellence, but we rather have those
because we have acted rightly. We are what
we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not
an act but a habit.” You can find a selection
of other deep thoughts on education
and training, but I consider training and
education as a way to build our mental
and intellectual capacity until our physical
experience has a chance to catch up.
Think of it as mental muscle memory,
until we have actual muscle memory. And,
when we’ve settled comfortably into our
experience (rut), training and education
works nicely to stir things up.
14
I know that I (and many others before
me) regularly recommend that producers/
growers invest time in education and
training. But how do you get the most out
of what you attend? How do you maximize
the value of the time you spend in a
classroom, on a tour, walking around a
tradeshow or in a field? I don’t have all of
the answers, but here are some tips.
1. Know why you go and then go with a
purpose
Go into the training with some specific
goals, whether for specific things to
learn (that is easier if the event has clear
outcomes) or even with the goal to just
get 2 or 3 new ideas. If you are going, “just
because” or “because you have to”, you’ve
already stunted your ability to benefit from
the experience.
If you set goals, or go with honest intent,
you will be more likely to retain what you
are taught and then apply what you learn.
You’ll also find that you are more likely
to be satisfied. I’m not saying that you
are lowering the bar in advance, but it
shouldn’t take as much to see what you are
gaining.
2. Keep an open mind
Sometimes nuggets of learning come
unexpectedly and from unusual angles. If
you predetermine WHAT you are going to
learn, you might miss out on some really
valuable stuff. You might see that you
could make changes to what you are doing.
W W W. O R G A N I C A L B E R TA . O R G
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04
You might have an “Aha” moment about
something. You never know.
3. Be open to inspiration
Have you ever been thinking about
something, and seemingly out of the blue,
an unrelated thought pops into your head?
Don’t fight it. Note it down for chewing on
later and just let it flow. The exercise of
thinking seems to shake things up, allowing
stuff we wouldn’t have considered to filter
down to our now open mind.
4. Take notes (even if it is just a few
bullet points)
Years ago, I was sitting in a session at a
conference, busily scribbling notes on the
subject. Someone that knew me, and knew
that I’d spoken on that particular topic
myself several times previously, questioned
why I was taking notes. I responded that
it serves several purposes. 1) It keeps me
alert and engaged; 2) it helps to push
and pull the content more firmly into my
brain; 3) it opens up my mind to consider
elements that I hadn’t previously thought
about. The moment that you think that you
“know it all”, you are hooped.
Taking notes is also important, because
who can remember everything? Jot
down the things that seem important to
remember. I like to divide up my pages
a little, with a ¼ of the page separated
off from the main notes. That column is
labeled “IDEAS” or something like that. By
labeling it, it almost invites my brain to look
for ideas on things I can ACT on later on.
WINTER 2019 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04

Plus, I know where to look for things that I

had decided were important to work on. ANSWERS TO THIS MONTH’S
ORGANICS CROSSWORD
5. Meet someone new

I’ve often found that I learn more from the

people I meet than from things I attend.
Not that speakers aren’t great, but I love
to “collect” contacts. I often claim that I
don’t know everything, but I know lots of
smart people. So go into events with the
intent of making a new friend or at least
a useful contact. Collecting brains (which
you can access again and again later) beats
scribbled notes almost any day.

6. Exit with resolve

Whatever you learn and retain, don’t end
your experience without an action plan.
Leave with a plan to do something.

“On the mountains of truth you can never

climb in vain: either you will reach a point
higher up today, or you will be training
your powers so that you will be able
to climb higher tomorrow.” – Friedrich
Nietzsche

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W W W. O R G A N I C A L B E R TA . O R G 17
 2 0 1 9 A nnual general meeting
Saturday, January 26, 2019 | 12:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Dow Centennial Centre 8700 84 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 4P5

Organic Alberta Council Board of Directors 2019 Elections 2019 AGM Agenda
Positions up for election are: 12:30 p.m. Call to Order
1. Two North Region representatives (must be certified organic)
12:35 p.m. Additions to agenda
2. One Central Region Representative (must be certified organic)
3. One South Region Representatives (must be certified organic) 12:40 p.m. Approval of the agenda
4. One Consumer At Large Representative 12:42 p.m. Acceptance of the minutes
5. One Alberta Representative at the Federal Level of the last meeting

Nominations:
12:47 p.m. Treasurer’s Report
If you are interested in running, or know someone you would like to nominate, please contact us at 1-855-521- 1:07 p.m. Executive Director’s Report
2400 or info@organicalberta.org. Nominations will be accepted up until the beginning of voting.
1:17 p.m. President’s Report
Voting:
For those attending the conference, you will vote on the day. If you are unable to attend the conference, please 1:27 p.m. Elections
vote by proxy by checking off your choice on the below ballot. Please note other nominees may come forward
1:42 p.m. Other business
between now and voting at the AGM.
1:47 p.m. Organic Industry
Who can vote?
Annoucements
Northern – Only those who are certified organic and who reside north of Valleyview
Central – Only those who are certified organic and who reside between Valleyview and Red Deer 1:50 p.m. Adjournment
Southern – Only those who are certified organic and who reside south of Red Deer
Member at Large - All Organic Alberta members may vote
Consumer Representative - All Organic Alberta members may vote
Alberta Representative at the Federal Level – All Organic Alberta members may vote

Nominee Biographies
James Thiessen – Running for the North Region Representative
James has been farming with his dad, Henry Thiessen in the Tomkins area for thirty years. They started with all crown land and cleared all of the
1000 acres that we now farm, and have 800 acres to go. They certified organic around 1988, that was long before organic was popular, with a small
producer funded certifying body called PROPA which stands for Peace River Organic Producers Association. They are now in hemp seed production
and oats. He is the local farm rep for Hemp Production Services, a buyer for hemp seed.

Heather Kerschbaumer – Running for the North Region Representative

Heather and her husband, John, operate a family farm and grass/legume cleaning plant near Fairview, AB with their oldest son and youngest
daughter. In 1982 they started their seed plant, Golden Acre Seeds. The plant has been certified organic since 2005 and their farm since 2010. They
produce organic oats, wheat, barley, peas, alfalfa, and clovers. A few years ago they expanded the operation to include leafcutter bees to pollinate
their alfalfa fields. Heather has 20 years of leadership experience with aagricultural organizations, including serving in the past on the Peace
Region Forage Seed Association and as President of Forage Seed Canada.

Arnold Van Os – Running for the Central Region Representative

Arnold and his wife Jeanette farm near Wetaskiwin on a dairy farm milking 130 cows and started transitioning to organics in 2005. Arnold has
served on the Alberta Milk board for 8 years and is currently still a delegate. In that capacity he has lobbied the government on several occasions.
He is also serving as an elder in Lighthouse Fellowship and chairs the Wetaskiwin Christian School Society. His passion is to grow the organic
industry.

Andrew Mans – Running for the South Region Representative

Andrew Mans is an organic farmer growing field and greenhouse vegetables, cover crops and cereals near Coaldale, Alberta. His passion lies in
regenerative agriculture with the intent of having the farm produce healthy food while improving the soil and the farms ecosystem as a whole. He
feels that the regenerative approach to farming is sustainable, profitable and enjoyable.

Frank Maddock – Running for the Consumer Representative

Frank has been farming his entire life. The farm, established in 1912, has gone through many phases over time. Homestead, mixed farm, primarily
a dairy farm for many years, and in this newest incarnation, an organic mixed farm with an emphasis on direct marketing of protein: eggs, chicken
and turkeys, pork and beef. Cereals and forages round out the cropping side. Recent interests beyond organics include building into rotational
grazing, cover cropping, and the management and development of wetlands and wild areas both for environmental sustainability and recreation.
Frank looks forward to having organics regain its place as “conventional ag” as it always should have been.

Charles Newell – Running for the Alberta Representative at Federal Level

Charles Newell was appointed to the Surface Rights and Land Compensation Boards on December 31st 2013. Charles is a rural Albertan with
proven leadership skills and firsthand knowledge of issues related to energy, municipal development and agriculture in the province. During his 7
years of municipal government experience, Mr. Newell oversaw the planning, decision-making and funding for large capital projects. Charles is a
lifelong farmer and an experienced Board member in the energy industry, serving on a rural electrification association as well as advising on the
start-up of an independent power provider. He holds a diploma from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and has enhanced his education
with numerous courses relevant to his industry and community service appointments.
 Organic Alberta
Minutes of the 2018 Organic Alberta Council AGM
Fe b r u a r y 9 t h , 2 0 1 8 - We s t e r n e r P a r k , R e d D e e r, A l b e r t a
Call to Order: 12:46 p.m., Chairperson Tim Hoven
Recording Secretary: Debbie Miller
All the current board members introduced themselves. Tim asked
all past board members to also stand up. He thanked everyone
for their past and current service.
Additions to Agenda: Motion by Trevor Aleman to accept
agenda, James Thiessen seconded. Carried.
Acceptance of minutes of last meeting: motion by Heather
Kerschbaumer, seconded by Bernie Ehnes to accept as circulated.
Carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Heather Kerschbaumer. Heather reviewed
the financial reports as reviewed by Lionel Larcombe, accountant.
She also reviewed the financial report as printed in the 2017
annual report.
Motion to approve financial statements, by Heather
Kerschbaumer, seconded by Charles Newell. Carried.
Executive Director Report: Becky Lipton
Becky introduced the staff. She reviewed the activities of the last
year as printed in the Annual Report. Motion by David Doerksen
to accept ED report, seconded by Jack Feenstra. Carried.
Presidents Report: Tim Hoven.
Tim has served three 2-year terms and is termed out at this
meeting. He has appreciated the opportunity to see what is
happening in the organic industry, to see the big picture – and
to get to know the people around the province. He encourages
P r o x y Vo t i n g B a l l o t
Please tear off this section & mail in your proxy vote to Organic
Alberta #1, 10329-62 Ave NW Edmonton, Ab, T6H 1K9.
Questions? Contact us at 1-855-521-2400
C O N S U M E R R E P R E S E N TAT I V E ( 1 P osition O pen )
Name Place an X beside your choice
Frank Maddock
A L B E R TA R E P R E S E N TAT I V E AT F E D E R A L L E V E L
( 1 P osition O pen )
Name Place an X beside your choice
Charles Newell
everyone to read the Annual Report – it will give an insight over
everything the staff and board have done in the last year. Asks
everyone to think about how they can serve the organization
and its members over the next few years – board elections are
coming up. If you are not able to serve as a board member,
another opportunity to support the organization is through your
funds. Goal to reach $20,000 in donations by end of April. We will
multiply those funds to continue our programming. Hoping to
reach $10,000 by end of conference. Motion to accept Presidents
report, Peter Eggers, seconded by Terry Sheehan. Carried.
Election of Board members: 4 positions – Northern, central,
Southern, member-at-large
Northern position: Dawn Boileau nominated James Thiessen.
Tim called for further nominations, 3 times. Heather nominated
David Doerksen, declined. James Thiessen elected by acclamation.
Central position: Heather nominated Dawn Boileau. Tim called
for further nominations 3 times. Dawn elected by acclamation.
Southern position: Bernie Ehnes nominated. Tim called for
further nominations 3 times. Bernie elected by acclamation.
Member-at-large position: Tracy Smith nominated. Tim called for
further nominations 3 times. Tracy elected by acclamation.
Other Business: none
Organic Industry Announcements: none
Motion for adjournment: Heather Kerschbaumer at 1:44 p.m.
N ort h R egion B allot ( 2 P ositions O pen )
Name Place an X beside your choice
James Thiessen
Heather Kirschbaumer
C E N T R A L R egion B allot ( 1 P osition O pen )
Name Place an X beside your choice
Arnold Van Os
S O U T H R egion B allot ( 1 P osition O pen )
Name Place an X beside your choice
Andrew Mans
# 1 , 1 0 3 2 9 - 6 1AVE N W
EDMONTON,AB
T6H1K9