Newsletter - June 1999
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Safety & Biotechnology

Miracles never cease! When we look at our elected government officials, the first thought that usually comes to my mind is that this person got enough votes in this given area to represent the people as in "we the people". This past week I was reading the magazine called The Western Producer which is a publication predominantly for western Canadians, all the way from Manitoba to B.C. In the opinion/open forum page next to the editorial page, was an article on none other than the great Canadian minister of agriculture, Mr. Lyle Vanclief.

To read Mr. Vanclief's article, would have me believe that he is a paid representative of either Dupont, Monsanto or the biotech companies at the University of Guelph. Mr. Vanclief waxes mostly eloquently about the safety of biotechnology. Let me quote some of the things that he says.

"If there is one thing that I have stressed while I have been minister of agriculture and agri-food, it is that safety-of consumers, animals and the environment-is paramount. Nothing proceeds down that road unless it is safe, based on the latest and best scientific knowledge we have."

Very interesting, coming from a man who as minister of agriculture has not even seen the effects of this product on at least one generation of human beings. He does state, with some accuracy, that biotechnology can be a confusing term. He says, "Simply put, it refers to the use of biology as a tool to create new products. This has been going on for years with everything from using enzymes to make cheese, to carefully breeding plants to make them healthier and better."

He goes on to say, "Now, biotechnology is moving beyond its traditional roots to what is sometimes called genetic enhancement. With today's technology, scientists can transfer the genetic material from one living thing to enhance the characteristics of another. This process of genetic engineering offers tremendous new possibilities for the agriculture and agri-food industry." He then goes on to say that, "Already, genetic engineering has created potato and canola crops that are resistant to pests and herbicides. This has dramatically reduced the need for chemical spraying while increasing yield and quality."

Research in Scotland

Obviously, our great minister of agriculture has not read the scientific data that came out of Aberdeen, Scotland with the research that was done by a professor there with rats on GMO potatoes. These potatoes apparently turned out to be so deadly that many of the rats died within weeks of being fed these potatoes. The ensuing backlash resulted in the so-called "resignation" of the researcher doing this test. In late February, many of the top scientists in the world who highly respected this man started a campaign to have him reinstated.
Today this man has been reinstated and genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods have literally been run out of Britain and a big part of Europe.

Refusal of GMO Crops

Archer Daniel Middlands and A.E.Staley Mfg in the United Stated as well as Casco in Ontario are refusing to take GMO-BT corn. This has slammed doors in our face with our new technology. I have a feeling that somehow our minister of agriculture doesn't get to read many publications or see what is going on worldwide.
Either that or his advisors have forgotten to advise him on this subject. He goes on to say, "As important as any of these developments may be, however, the bottom line is not movable: no matter what the potential benefits of any new product, it will not be approved for production unless it is safe. Canada prides itself on having one of the world's safest food supplies. One of the reasons we enjoy this reputation is that our safety assessments on new agriculture products are thorough, complete and scientifically sound."

Roundup Ready Canola

I would beg to differ with the minister. In 1997 or 1998, Monsanto brought in the wrong variety of roundup ready canola for western Canada. There were no government checks or tests. It was only realized that it was the wrong canola once it was planted and was several inches high. Thousands and thousands of acres had to be destroyed.

The biggest response we got from Ottawa was not that Monsanto did anything wrong, but that Agriculture Canada must work better with these biotech companies to ensure that the varieties that have been approved are the varieties that will be planted.

He goes on to say that "Before a new crop is approved for production or confined field trials, including one that has been derived through biotechnology, it must pass through a series of tests designed to protect the health of humans, animals and the environment."

How do we know this unless we have actually bred and developed several generations of animals, i.e. poultry, hogs, sheep, etc.? We have no idea of what is taking place in the RNA/DNA of these new generations of animals-much less people.
He says at the end of the article after speaking about plants for quite some time, "For a plant with new characteristics to be approved, scientists must consider its potential to become a weed of agriculture or to be invasive of natural habitats, the potential for gene-flow to wild relatives, the potential for the plant to become a plant pest, the potential impact of the plant or its gene products on non-target species (including humans), and the potential impact on biodiversity."

Somehow, he has not been told again by his panel of experts or read it himself that we are now having serious problems in the west with the fact that roundup ready canola has started to cross with wild mustard. Monsanto appears intent on taking several producers to court because they "stole the technology". The producers claim that this is not the case and in fact the Monsanto canola crossbred with their canola or mustard and is now a nuisance.

He says at the end of the article, "A similar and equally rigorous system of assessment and approval exists for any food products derived from biotechnology. Health Canada evaluates applications based on principles developed by scientists around the world through international agencies such as the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations."

Dioxin in Poultry Feed

This week there was dioxin found in fat that is used to make poultry feed in Belgium. As a result, there is a tremendous problem in Europe one more time. This is going to scare Europeans even more than before. It is going to create some serious repercussions. Europeans are going to pull down their curtains as far as letting any kind of genetically modified material, hormone induced meats, etc. into their countries. One last question-why has Monsanto been kicked out of India?

Motives of Government Officials?

When we have elected representatives such as Mr.Vanclief, will the interests of consumers and the interests of the people who elected him be protected? When we have this type of letter writing in this type of farm magazine, one has to seriously question, who is this man working for? Is he working for the best interests of all Canadians or is he working for the best interests of power and money. The golden rule is simply this-the man with the gold, makes the rule.

Positive Outcomes

One of the positive things to come out of this, I believe, will be the ability of any innovative farmer to be able to resist all of this new technology being gently shoved down their throat. It is important to ignore advertising campaigns and political power and to continue on a path of trying to improve what you have on your own farm.

1. As much as possible, save your own seed, i.e. barley, oats, open pollinated corn, wheat, etc.
2. Keep only the best seed. If we listen to the experts, every year they are bringing out new varieties because of so called difficulties and disease problems with the older varieties. One of the most interesting things that developed is that we see a tremendous push now in agriculture to change the whole attitude of what it is that we feed our animals.

Some feedstuffs have only vertical immunology, which is to say that every year we breed a new variety for a new disease. If we use our old varieties, replant them and save the best seed, we will then also get horizontal varieties. Over many, many years all the diseases that that plant has had will be genetically stored in the seed itself. We will be adding a wide broad base of immunology to that plant.

The same thing applies to our animals. If we feed this same feed to our animals, we will also get a horizontal immunology, not only a vertical one where we vaccinate our animals to death.

The other positive thing that is happening in Europe, is the development of a tremendous market for GMO free foods. I feel very confident that any farmer that can go to work and fill some of these niches in the export market or even the new awareness that is happening here in North America, will be in a much better position than the farmer that buys into all of the biotech things that are coming down the pike.

Abolish Antibiotics

Another positive thing that is happening in Europe, is that European study teams are coming to the conclusion that antibiotics that are used as growth promotants should be phased out as soon as possible and ultimately abolished.

This includes all types of livestock. We know that the problem is serious because as I mentioned in one of our other newsletters, the government here in Canada has told farmers to reduce antibiotics or they will do it for us. The Europeans are now coming forward and are saying that everyone using antibiotics should be cutting back including the public, medical doctors, veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, plant breeding companies and the list goes on. The report also says that tighter controls need to be in place on the sale, supply and distribution of antibiotics through the enforcement of classification mechanisms. This report says that enforcement of existing regulations should be stepped up.

This says plenty to me and it certainly keeps reinforcing our Bio-Ag philosophy that our goal should always be get away from antibiotics and only use them in severe emergencies. Even then, I really question what benefit that antibiotics have in the long run.

Bio-Ag Trials

In another article, written in this newsletter by Dr. Middlebrook, you can see some of the very positive effects that some of the research is beginning to show and accomplish on trials that Bio-Ag is carrying out.

Customer Appreciation Day

Welcome!!! Our Open House will be held on July 7th. We would certainly love to see all of you during the day. As in past years, barbecue beef will be available all day and a 5% discount will be given on all product picked up and paid for that day. All the best for a wonderful growing season in 1999!

From the staff at Bio-Ag: Murray, Florence, Susan, Carl, Ted, Bill, Mel, Betty Ann and Mary Lou.

CULBAC TO THE RESCUE

by Dr. Carl Middlebrook, D.V.M.

Exciting preliminary reports indicate that CULBAC may be responsible for keeping Salmonella bacteria under control. A recent poultry study that is presently underway using a control group and a CULBAC group, showed that the control group developed numbers of birds showing positive for Salmonella while the Culbac group tested negative for Salmonella growth from manure swabs. It must be noted that both flocks are receiving the same nutrition and environmental conditions.
A recent article in the June 8/99 issue of Ontario Farmer reported that "outbreaks of two different types of salmonella that have led to quarantines and flock destruction, have cost the provincial marketing board $457,818 in compensation."

What does this new finding mean for our Bio-Ag customers? Simply this...dry CULBAC or liquid HEALTHYSTART may be very beneficial in the prevention of Salmonella outbreaks in all species of animals or birds. It appears that animals and birds fed CULBAC have a better protection against deadly Salmonella invasion!
CULBAC has been a very exciting product to work with. By establishing the proper environment in the intestinal tract, beneficial or good bacteria have a chance to flourish and multiply. We are witnessing only the tip of the iceberg of the true potential of this probiotic...CULBAC!

FEED SAMPLING - Is it worth the cost?

By: Betty Ann Glauser, Ration Specialist

As we enter a new cropping season and the first of the hay is coming off the field, the question of feed sampling and analysis is raised. What is the value of having an analysis completed? If I am going to sample my feeds, how should I collect the samples? In the following comments, I will address these questions.

One of the philosophies at Bio-Ag is to assist our clients in achieving the optimum health and performance of their animals. A foundation stone for this is for us to be aware of exactly what your animals are eating and having an accurate analysis of each feed source. We provide access to this service at reliable testing facilities. Over the years, Murray has established a strong relationship with Holmes Labs in Ohio. They have provided us with consistent results based on wet chemistry technology. We have recently established a relationship with Agri-Food Lab. in Guelph, Ont to help defray the cost of exchange to the United States. Agri-Food also offers wet chemistry testing. We choose to focus on wet chemistry testing because it is much more detailed in its analysis--especially in mineral content. We have designed a special test package with Agri-Food which will be unique in content and pricing to Bio-Ag. This package will be available for $40.00/ standard sample. Analysis results are normally available within a minimum of 5 working days. This type of testing is very important to our ideology at Bio-Ag because of the emphasis that we put on the mineral levels/ratios in your animal's ration. Mineral levels affect the enzyme system. Enzymes break down foods into energy and enhance healthy cell function. These levels have significant effects on the performance of your animals.

One of the services we provide at Bio-Ag is completing balanced ration programs based on the feeding program in your barn. To do this effectively, we need to work from feed analysis that provide us with accurate information related to protein, fiber, energy, mineral content and how they work together. If we only use generic samples then we cannot be certain that the recommendations that we make to you will be truly effective. It is a worthwhile, long-term investment to have samples taken and an analysis done.

When you do take your samples, it is important to do so carefully. How samples are taken can significantly affect the results of the analysis. We have clients that have large amounts of feeds and sample them several times throughout the course of feeding them out as the levels change even in the same silo or group of wrapped bales.

Sampling procedures are recommended as follows:

1. Use a clean plastic bucket to collect and mix feeds for samples. Enclose in a clean plastic sandwich bag or supplied sample bag. Label with the type of feed, your name and the date sample is taken. Always clean out the pail between each feed sample.
2. To collect, we suggest the following:
a. HAY: using a hay probe (we have these available to loan), gather from 10-15 bales-mix & fill bag.
b. GRAIN: remove a handful from 5-10 different locations-mix & fill bag.
c. PASTURE: cut a handful with scissors 2" above soil-repeat at 10-15 random areas-mix & fill bag.
d. SILAGE: grab 3-6 handfuls from various spots (or probe)-mix & fill bag.

Our dealers will be happy to assist you in collecting these samples if you wish.
With our premix facility up and running now, we are able to provide our clients with individual premixes that address the areas of concern that may arise with a variety of feeds. When we have sample analysis to work from, we can support you in being successful in your specific area of agriculture.

BIO-AG DEALER PROFILE

JEFF QUINN

Raised south of Ingersoll in Oxford County, Jeff grew up on a dairy farm where he assisted with field operations on 250 acres and accepted responsibilities for the livestock management of 65 Holsteins. Jeff was educated at the University of Guelph with emphasis on crop science, graduating in 1983 with distinction.

From 1984 to 1989, he worked on the home farm and following his marriage to Joanne worked for two years on his father-in-law's dairy farm. During this time, he took a keen interest in agricultural production and reducing the need for expensive inputs. Jeff assisted with on-farm research trials with REAP Canada from 1991 to 1996, studying reduced input strategies and soil management techniques. In 1996, he became a distributor for Bio-Ag, covering Woodstock, Ingersoll, Aylmer and surrounding areas.

Jeff & Joanne and their five children now live south of Embro on a 5 acre organic farm. As well as promoting Bio-Ag products and relief choring, Jeff also manages 75 colonies of bees and raises free range roasting chickens. Jeff constantly expands his knowledge by extensively studying alternative health and agricultural techniques. To arrange a farm visit or inquire about Bio-Ag services, you can reach Jeff at (519) 475-6411 or by contacting Head Office at 1-800-363-5278.

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